just started flying, is it enough?
Join Date: Dec 2004
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There does seem to be a few bits of misinformation. Firstly colour blindness will mean no night rating or landing at airfields with only coloured light signals to communicate.
The first can be overcome by taking a test, but moderate to bad colour blindness will probably cause you to fail. The test is a Holmes Wright Lantern test at the CAA. Even if you can't pass then you won't be allowed a night rating so that you'll just have to get down on the ground by 30 mins after sunset...Not really much of a problem.
The second is easy to overcome because there are no airfields that only use coloured light signals, but I just love showing that restriction in my UK license to my US aviation friends.... It reminds me of the days when we had an empire!!!
The NPPL is great but you cannot use it ouside the UK which means no trips to France or the Channel Islands etc.
France does have reciprocal rights for PFA permit aircraft but not the NPPL (yet?)
If you are going to follow the 1 hour every two weeks route then get MS flight simulator and play with it and also get an airband radio and listen to it. This will help you remember what you learnt in the last lesson.
I would also try and aim to get your licence by Easter. Then you will be able to build some solo time with good weather over the following summer. If your licence arrives in October then the chances are that you will get very rusty over the winter and will need some more dual after the winter.
I also agree that joining a group after you have your licence is a good idea. Availability, cost, pride of ownership (even if it is only the left wing), flying with other group members etc etc is better than renting.
Good luck and safe enjoyable flying
David
The first can be overcome by taking a test, but moderate to bad colour blindness will probably cause you to fail. The test is a Holmes Wright Lantern test at the CAA. Even if you can't pass then you won't be allowed a night rating so that you'll just have to get down on the ground by 30 mins after sunset...Not really much of a problem.
The second is easy to overcome because there are no airfields that only use coloured light signals, but I just love showing that restriction in my UK license to my US aviation friends.... It reminds me of the days when we had an empire!!!
The NPPL is great but you cannot use it ouside the UK which means no trips to France or the Channel Islands etc.
France does have reciprocal rights for PFA permit aircraft but not the NPPL (yet?)
If you are going to follow the 1 hour every two weeks route then get MS flight simulator and play with it and also get an airband radio and listen to it. This will help you remember what you learnt in the last lesson.
I would also try and aim to get your licence by Easter. Then you will be able to build some solo time with good weather over the following summer. If your licence arrives in October then the chances are that you will get very rusty over the winter and will need some more dual after the winter.
I also agree that joining a group after you have your licence is a good idea. Availability, cost, pride of ownership (even if it is only the left wing), flying with other group members etc etc is better than renting.
Good luck and safe enjoyable flying
David
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: london
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you guys are full of valuable advice here huh! iv just been doing some reading on the NPPL licence and this really does seem the best option for me. i dont mind flying within the uk only, and, this leaves me the option to upgrade in usa for a full PPL (id love to do some flying in the usa) in future. hopefully this is possible. its a bummer having to except that il never be able to live my childhood dream of being an airline pilot though
also is MS flight sim effective in terms of real world practice? iv been using this for fun, never thought it would mean much in terms of real flying...
id like to thank everyone for there contributions to this thread. it has helped me a great deal.
also is MS flight sim effective in terms of real world practice? iv been using this for fun, never thought it would mean much in terms of real flying...
id like to thank everyone for there contributions to this thread. it has helped me a great deal.
Join Date: Nov 2000
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Opinions vary on whether playing with PC flight simulators is (a) useful, or (b) pointless but harmless, or (c) downright harmful (or (d) really only of any benefit for IFR flying). I tried but gave up as it is so unlike real flying.
I do on the other hand listen to ATC in the bath (shush! - don't tell the regulator!), which I do think is helpful.
I do on the other hand listen to ATC in the bath (shush! - don't tell the regulator!), which I do think is helpful.
Join Date: Jun 2003
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Don't wait until the so called good weather of spring, start now if you can. That way you will spend the poor weather flogging around the circuit and when things improve you will be in a position to take advantage.
Whatever way you elect to try just do it and enjoy
EJay
Whatever way you elect to try just do it and enjoy
EJay
