Oxfordshire
Sportflying

LEARN TO FLY - FOR £70 PER HOUR!

If you have ever thought about learning to fly, but aren't sure what is involved, we hope the following questions and answers will help:-
 

Q: CAN ANYONE LEARN TO FLY? 

A: Yes.  Subject to meeting the medical requirements (see below), there are no lower or upper age limits.  The only restrictions are that you cannot fly solo until your 16th birthday and you cannot be granted a licence until your 17th birthday.
 

Q: HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM SUITABLE FOR TRAINING? 

A: We have never yet failed to teach someone to fly!  However, we recommend that you take an introductory lesson before committing yourself to a complete course, so you can see whether you like flying.
 

Q: HOW DOES A NATIONAL PRIVATE PILOT'S LICENCE (NPPL) DIFFER FROM A NORMAL PRIVATE PILOT'S LICENCE?

A: The NPPL was introduced in 2003 as a cheaper alternative to the JAA-PPL for those who wish to fly only in the UK in reasonably good visibility.  Holders of an NPPL are restricted to flying single engined aircraft with a maximum weight of 2000kg in VFR (Visual Flight Rules) in UK airspace only.  At the moment it is not possible to add Night Flying or IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) ratings to an NPPL.  Please see the NPPL website for more details.
 

Q: IS THERE A MEDICAL TEST AND CAN I WEAR GLASSES? 

A: There is no medical test as such.  All you require is a certificate of fitness from your GP, equivalent to the DVLA Group 2 professional driving medical standards, before flying solo or carrying passengers.  Again, please see the NPPL website for more details.  Glasses can be worn but we recommend that you always carry a spare pair when flying.
 

Q: ARE THERE ANY EXAMS?

A: Yes, there are seven written exams (mostly in the form of multiple choice papers) plus a practical radio exam, but these really are nothing to worry about.  Most trainee pilots find the subjects so interesting that they have no trouble at all absorbing the information and passing the exams.  The exams will be spread over the period of your flying training so you do not feel too overloaded with everything.  The seven written exam subjects are:

Aviation Law and Operational Procedures

Human Performance and Limitations

Navigation and Radio Aids

Meteorology

Aircraft General and Principles of Flight

Flight Performance and Planning

Communications
 

Q: WILL I NEED ANY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT? 

A: Yes. You will need an up to date aeronautical map, an aeronautical ruler and protractor, a flight computer/calculator for navigation planning and text books for the exams. We can supply all of these and your instructor will advise you on what to buy and when.
 

Q: SO HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? 

A: The cost of gaining your Licence is probably not as expensive as you might think ,especially if you compare it with other leisure activities such as skiing or golf.  A minimum of 35 hours flying training is required, including the Navigation Skills Test flight and the General Skills Test flight which is taken right at the end of your training.  Based on 35 hours training in the Venture, the total cost* will be in the region of £3,306, broken down as follows:

The price can be reduced even further by booking (and paying in advance for) 'block' hours.
For example, pay in advance for 10 hours and you'll get an additional hour free!
 

As mentioned on our Home Page, Bronze and Silver C glider pilots can obtain an NPPL-SLMG in as few as 10 hours.

* All prices correct as at 25th May 2008

SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS, PLEASE COME ALONG AND TALK TO US, OR CALL US ON 01608 677208