At last some common sense! That's one of the best ways to get through the PPL quickly. That and choosing somewhere with nice weather.

Will do this in a week, it's a lot to remember but I rather not think about it afterwards.

Thanks. I've got my class 1 medical next week, so that's going to the first objective to complete, then achieving my PPL as the 2nd objective. One step at a time to the RHS.

Why do it like that as you are just delaying your time to start flying. A lot of it will also make more sense with hours under your belt too.

The PPL exams are really not that difficult and unless you are going to fly constantly (Not that easy in the UK) then there is no reason to do both at the same time.

It has taken me roughly 25 hours per module (20 hours learning + 5 hours practice tests) according to my study statistics so far for each module and averaging 2 days per week flying. I work full time but manage 1 module every 2 weeks.

Also a good point. Especially if you live close to the school. If you're going somewhere else for the flying where you can fly insensitively then it makes sense to get the exams out of the way first. You also wouldn't want to spend the summer studying and the winter trying to fly. But it is nice to get them out of the way.

rudestuff In your opinion should I do all my licenses from PPL,IRR,SECBIR,MEP,MEIR,SECPL in the UK or do them in USA and then do the conversion from FAA to CAA . Trying to save as much money as possible and flight training in USA is cheaper. The only thing is the conversion process seems a bit complex and may take some time?

First priority: Get the best quality training you can

Second priority: Minimise the cost.

Ask me how I know........................

If you are training in the UK, that is the order I would recommend in an ideal world (There are so many variables).
If I were doing it again I would start with a class one medical obviously, then I would go (on an M1 visa) and get a PPL in the US then an FAA IR and build 50 hours PIC under IFR.

With an FAA PPL/IR you now have obvious options:
1. Come back to the UK, study for the ATPL exams and convert the IR via the 50 hour exemption, add on the MEP stuff and then finish with a CPL at 200 hours or depending on the industry,
2. Stay in the US, switch to a F1 visa and build up to 250 hours then take the FAA CPL and CFI. Get paid to build hours as an instructor whilst studying the ATPL exams and do the conversion later.

Basically instead of the UK PPL and CBIR I would do that part in the US, faster and cheaper.
It doesn't have to be black of white, there are loads of options. But it never really made sense to me to get an FAA CPL (250 hours) purely to convert it to a UK one (200 hours).

MrAverage Thanks for the reply, How did you do it ?

Thanks for that information rudestuff , I appreciate it. The second option does sound better, to get the visa and stay in USA and build up hours as a CFI. Do you think if I build up many hours in the USA it would look favourable to the UK airlines?

The honest answer is no. Piston time doesn't really interest airlines. But it will keep you current and earning money while you study for the ATPLs, and it's just great fun to fly over there.

Make senses as well.

I've passed my class 1 last week, and now in a waiting list to start my PPL (something that I didn't take into account, the waiting time)

Started studying for my PPL exams with Easy PPL and pooley books.

I am currently in Portugal, and the school presented me with the following modular ATPL option. Some parts are more expensive compared to other schools, and some parts are cheaper. Overall, what should I try to negotiate with the school to make it more financially efficient for me?

POINT 1 – MODULAR COURSE

The modular course at AWA includes the following modules:

• Private Pilot License (PPL-A) Course (Distance Learning) – €9,950 – Launch Price
  
• ATPL(A) Theoretical Knowledge (Distance Learning) – €3,000
  
• Night Rating Qualification – €2,500
  
• Hour Building without Instructor (40 hours) (*) – €8,800
  
• Instrument Rating SEP Qualification, with PBN – €21,950
  - with UPRT Module (Upset Prevention and Recovery Training), included in the initial phase of the IR/SEP qualification
  
• Hour Building without Instructor (13.5 hours) (*) – €2,970
  
• MEP Class Rating (Multi-Engine Piston) – €4,800
  
• Hour Building without Instructor (27 hours) (*) – €5,940
  
• CPL(A) – Commercial Pilot Licence – €7,650
  
• MEP Instrument Rating Qualification – €4,500
  
• Advanced UPRT – €1,960
  
• MCC (Multi-Crew Cooperation) – €3,000
  

TOTAL: €77,020 (with distance learning theory)

Total Flight Hours: 249h10 (includes real flight and simulator)

Notes:

(*) Hour Building – These are hours to be completed throughout the modules in order to meet the minimum experience required to progress between the various modules.

Not included:

• Costs related to obtaining/renewing the medical certificate
  
• Cost of theoretical exams, conducted by ANAC – National Civil Aviation Authority
  
• Licence endorsements
  
• Aviation English proficiency test
  

Includes:

• Pedagogical/training materials
  

The only good deal I see there is the PPL and the MCC. NR should be half that. €220 is expensive for hour building. Over €20k for an SEIR??

Hello rudestuff, I am 23 years old, currently living in Portugal and also an EU citizen. I have read several of your posts and was very touched by your ideas. However, I noticed that you focus more on the UK regarding ATPL training, or going to the US to get your PPL and CFI because it is cheaper. However, since I work as an A1 mechanic in a European airline, I intend to get my training here, because maybe my dad can give me some seed money, €20-30k, but the rest will be fully financed by me via loan. Can you clarify for me what would be the ideal way to get my training here? The flight hours if I rent a Cessna 152 with fuel on my own are around €80/h (without landing fees, usually 4€ for Cascais/Lisbon aerodromes) without an instructor. While the schools charge an absurd amount... I also can't understand why a SEIR costs €20k, but I have to sit down with the various schools and find the best prices. Maybe, but really maybe, in these cases I could go to Spain, Poland, Greece... wherever is cheaper and on my vacations. What is your recommendation? Best regards and many thanks mate!

Hi everyone. I’m currently looking for a flight school in Europe to start my training (PPL). I’m mainly considering Poland or Romania, so if anyone has first-hand experience with schools in either of these countries — I’d really appreciate your input. Any recommendations, warnings, or general impressions would be super helpful. Thanks in advance!

Why would you do that if you're in the US?

A logical question. I started my PPL, completed part of the training, and passed the written exam. But unfortunately, I ran into an immigration issue that won’t allow me to stay in the long term (I can’t get an M1/F1 visa from within the country). So, I decided to basically start the journey over in Europe.

Hello all,

UK PPL(A) here (not current) 53.15TT 18.20 PIC. Class 1 medical.

The FAA IR process seems like a winner to me as mentioned by rudestuff - I have relatives recently moved to LA as a bonus.

The flight schools websites are very poor IMO about what they offer and ideas of costs. I suppose the question is, how easy is it?

Is there much pre-reading and familiarisation with US airspace needed or is it best to jump in and follow the instructors lead?

Any recommended schools in the US that people have used?

To rudestuff in particular, if I get current in the UK, would you say I’m in an ideal place hours wise to go for the FAA IR with the 50hours time building (or is having the PPL already locking me in the UK). I’d look to do a night rating before heading over.

Thanks for any help,

B

I'm planning on doing this for FAA PPL (I'm UK based but will do the conversion). I think I'd benefit splitting them up like this, it did make more sense to me - others may be differnet though.

My only question is, would there be ANY ground school required during PPL if you've already passed the ground school.