Thank you for expressing an interest in taking your private pilot's licence (PPL) with Flying Club Conington. We hope the following information will give you an understanding of what's involved ... and encourage you to take off!

Don't forget, we're always here to answer any questions you may have and to help you decide if learning to fly is right for you.

Your PPL When you're thinking about taking your PPL, you'll find it really isn't such a daunting task as you may initially imagine. In fact, to give you a taste of what it's like to be at the controls of a light aircraft, and to help you make your decision to go ahead with your licence, you can choose to book an introductory training flight first. You'll be shown a little bit about what a Cessna 152 can do and get an idea of what's in store for you if you decide to go for your PPL. To find out more about what an introductory training flight involves, have a look at the "Corporate Outings and Gifts" page (introductory flights are very popular surprise presents), or call us on 01487 834161 and ask for a leaflet.

Cessna 152 G-BFKF, the club's ab-initio training aircraft, a good economical aircraft for basic training

What's involved in gaining your PPL?

Flying time If you haven't flown before, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requires you to spend 45 hours in the air, some of which will be on solo flights, before you take your Skills Test. During this time, and with the help of our team of experienced instructors, you'll gradually learn how to handle the aircraft, how to take off and land, as well as all the other skills you need to become a competent pilot. By the way, one of the main advantages you'll have when flying with us, is that our airfield's not shared with any other clubs or commercial flights. Which means you have 987 metres of fully licensed hard runway at your disposal, day and night, so you can choose to fly when it suits you.

Piper PA28-161 Warrior G-BOZI. A good step up from the Cessna, the Warrior is used for basic training

Ground school instruction and exams

As well as taking to the skies, you'll be given ground school instruction for the written exams required by the CAA that you'll take at the relevant times. These are multi-format and we can provide you with all the ground school, books, navigation kit and advice on the information you'll need to pass them. In addition, there are always your fellow pilots and student pilots who are very willing to have their brains picked in the clubroom!

You'll also be taught how to use the radio so you can properly communicate with air traffic controllers.

Medical fitness Soon after starting your flying training - much sooner than you'd expect - the time will come for you to take to the air on your own. But before your first solo you'll need to sit a simple medical examination with a CAA approved doctor, to ensure you're fit enough to fly, and we're happy to advise you on where you can do this. Costs The full cost of learning to fly includes your total flying time (usually slightly longer than the minimum 45 hours to reach the necessary standard), plus the costs of books, flying club membership, ground school and exam fees. Based on the minimum 45 hours, you can expect to pay about £5,400. This average cost obviously depends on how long it actually takes you to complete the course, as well as fuel prices and other varying costs, so it's always better to check with your instructor before making your final decision.

Piper PA28-201R Arrow G-BGKU. Excellent full IFR instrumentation, and for conversion to complex single type

Remember, when you're learning to fly, you don't have to do or pay for your whole course immediately. You can pay as you go if you prefer. It is, however, worth remembering that payments in advance do attract discounts which can make your flying cheaper in the long run. For up-to-date information on this, call CFI Gavin Forrest on 01487 834161. One tip worth keeping in mind in this respect, is to try and fly at least three hours a month to ensure you don't forget what you learn as you go along so you can avoid the need for repetition.