PPL Advice
 

Hi all,

I am looking to start my PPL training as I finally have the financial backing to make a start with my childhood dream of becoming a commercial pilot. I plan to make this a reality by following the modular route. The first step of this process would of course be the PPL.

I have contacted several flight schools in my area and have been quoted a variety of prices which range from 8500-12000+. Being realistic I was going to budget for this to set me back by around 10.5k.

My question is, is it best to complete the PPL in the UK or complete it in the USA as I have seen it is significantly cheaper. I know I'd have to factor in accommodation, flights etc. Or the alternative would be to complete the PPL in the UK and hour build elsewhere. If I were to go with the first option, would I have to complete any conversions before completing anymore of my training?

Any recommendations or stories of past experiences would be helpful. Thanks in advance!

To start a modular course you need an ICAO PPL so you could go to the States. You could also look at Canada - Harv's Air in Manitoba would be a good start.

There's so many variables. Childhood dream? How old are you? Wife, kids, job? There's a full spectrum of options depending on your circumstances: You could do all your training and spend a couple of years in the US building 1000 hours as an instructor (which is by far the cheapest option), you could do all your training in the UK, or fall somewhere in between.

Before you commence the training obtain your Class 1 medical

Hi Bvick,

That is good advice from Parkfell, you will not be able to get a CPL/IR without a class one medical so that should be your first port of call.

Regarding your PPL and where you should do it? Both options have their benefits and disadvantages. I did my PPL in the United States (a long time ago!), and I loved it out there. The flying experience in the US is very relaxed and very enjoyable it is very much geared up for GA. One of the benefits of going to the US is the weather, so from a time frame point of view you can get through a PPL reasonably quickly. Of course as you know, the weather in the UK, particularly the winter is poor and a PPL can take months and you then suffer from lack of continuity etc. Would you being doing the course full time or part time?

With regard to conversions, you can do a EASA/UK licence in the US therefore there will be no conversions to do. The only thing is (this was the case when I was there) that to fly solo in the US, you required an FAA class 3 medical, however this can be done in the US with an FAA doctor.

I loved my flying experience in the USA. After completing my PPL I went back for the following 7 years, and rented aircraft and accumulated the required hours to start the CPL course. Knowing what I know about flying in both countries, I am glad I had the US experience, however I am also glad I did my CPL in the UK. This was purely to get used to the UK airspace differences and congestion around London's airspace and the radio procedures.

I will be interested to know what you decide.

All the best with it.