Training

The basics

Here at YFC training is available for both the UK PPL(A) and the LAPL(A), We have our own aeroplane, a Robin DR400 but that is out of service just now waiting for a new engine. In its place, we have a Cessna 150 which is on loan from Horizon Flight Training at St Athan.

Our instructors have a variety of backgrounds, from military jets to airliners and business jets, so you can be sure you’re in good hands.  Because we are a member’s club and the instructors are volunteers, we aren’t always able to achieve such rapid progress as the commercial training schools.  However, you can be sure of a personal service, as we guide you through your training and our costs are significantly lower.  If you’re interested in training, please contact the Chief Flying Instructor, who will be pleased to discuss your needs and see how we can best meet them.

Differences between PPL(A) and LAPL(A)

The Private Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplane) with a Single Engine Piston, Land (SEP(L)) Class rating allows you to fly any aircraft powered by a single piston engine (some more complex aircraft require additional training).

With the licence in your hands you may operate when visibility is greater than 5Km, and you must remain in sight of the surface, so basically, good weather flying.

You are NOT able to gain financial reward – though you may cost share with passengers.

It is possible to gain additional qualifications on a PPL(A)…

  • Night – this permits flight beyond daytime conditions – for flying purposes, night starts at 30 minutes after sunset.
  • IR – Instrument Rating to permit world-wide operations in poor weather conditions.
  • IR(R) – The old UK IMC rating – Permits flight when not in sight of the surface and in reduced visibility within the UK.

Training required for the issue of a UK PPL(A)

  • Minimum of 45 total flying hours.
  • Minimum of 25 hours dual flight instruction, to include 2 hours stall/spin awareness and 2 hours instrument flight appreciation – Flight Training.
  • Minimum of 10 hours solo flight, 5 hours of which must be cross-country with one solo cross-country being at least 150 nautical miles with 2 landings at different airfields.
  • Can start instruction and log hours from the age of 14, be at least 16 with a Class 2 or higher medical to go solo and at least 17 to be issued with a PPL(A).
  • Successful completion of Ground Exams.

LAPL(A) – Light Aircraft Pilots Licence

The Light Aircraft Pilots Licence allows you to act as pilot  for small single engined aircraft with a maximum of 4 seats and under 2,000kgs however you must fly 10 hours solo after completion of your licence before you can carry passengers.

You may operate when visibility is greater than 5kms, and you are in sight of the surface.

You are NOT able to fly for financial reward – though you may cost share with passengers.

With this licence you are only able to fly in UK airspace.

Training required for the issue of LAPL(A)

  • Minimum of 30 total flying hours.
  • Minimum of 15 hours dual flight instruction.
  • Minimum of 6 hours solo flight, 3 hours of which must be cross country with one solo cross country being at least 80 nautical miles with 1 landing at a different airfield.
  • Can start instruction and log hours from the age of 14, be at least 16 to fly solo.
  • Group 2 or higher medical to go solo and at least 17 to be issued with a LAPL.
  • Successful completion of Ground Exams.

A medial certificate is required before you can fly solo, the examination needs to be carried out by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), a list of CAA authorised AME’s can be found via the CAA’s web site.