Club status
Prestwick Flying Club is a non profit organisation. We do not have any staff. Instructors are paid directly by their students, with all other functions being carried out voluntarily by club members. As our result, our overheads are very low in comparison to other flying organisations, which are generally run on a commercial basis. Consequently we are able to provide affordable flight training and aircraft hire for our members.
The Private Pilot Licence is the foundation for any potential pilot. This page describes what's involved in gaining one.You should note that if you wish to pursue aviation as a career, we do not not offer Commercial Pilot or Instructor courses. You can, of course, obtain your basic licence with us before moving on to a provider of such courses.
The Private Pilot Licence is the foundation for any potential pilot. This page describes what's involved in gaining one.You should note that if you wish to pursue aviation as a career, we do not not offer Commercial Pilot or Instructor courses. You can, of course, obtain your basic licence with us before moving on to a provider of such courses.
Instruction
Our instructors are all part-time, so lessons are subject to their availability. In order to ensure that students progress at a reasonable pace we usually have a maximum of two students per instructor.
The club owns one aircraft, a French built Robin DR400 -120, with an amazing all round view. It is easy to fly and very stable, consequently it is an ideal aircraft in which to learn. Each lesson is interlinked, so that as you progress with new skills you will also be repeating and improving those already learned to the point that they will become second nature.
The club owns one aircraft, a French built Robin DR400 -120, with an amazing all round view. It is easy to fly and very stable, consequently it is an ideal aircraft in which to learn. Each lesson is interlinked, so that as you progress with new skills you will also be repeating and improving those already learned to the point that they will become second nature.
Training requirements
To obtain your PPL, in addition to flying tests, you'll need to pass a number of mandatory written exams known as Theoretical Knowledge(TK). There are nine subjects:
Air Law,
Aircraft General Knowledge,
Communications,
Flight Performance and Planning,
Human Performance and Limitations,
Meteorology,
Navigation,
Operational Procedures,
Principles of Flight.
Instruction is available at the club for the written exams, which will also require self study and preparation before sitting them. There are various text books produced which cover each subject. The books can be bought individually or sometimes cheaper as a starter pack. Second hand books are usually available on Internet auction sites or you may find a member of the flying club selling theirs! There are also online study courses as an alternative. Ask your flying instructor before committing yourself to any purchase.
The exams consist of multiple choice questions. The good news is you don’t have to take them all at the same time; you have 18 months, counted from the end of the calendar month in which you first exam is attempted. Once you have passed the TK exams, you have 24 months from the date of the final pass to complete the flight training, pass the skill test and have your licence issued by the CAA. As with many subjects, there are mock exams available in book form or online. If you pace yourself, you have a good chance of passing each exam on the first attempt.
At the end of your training, you will need to take either one (LAPL) or two (Part-FCL) skill tests with an examiner in order to demonstrate that you can competently and safely carry out the procedures and manoeuvres that you have been taught. Don’t be daunted by this, you will already be doing these on a regular basis. Depending on the type of licence you are aiming for you will have a minimum of 32 (LAPL) or 45 (PPL) hours flying by this point and your instructor will only allow you to go for the exam once he thinks you are ready.
The Private Pilot Licence is the foundation for any potential pilot. The Advanced Flying Training page explains the ratings which can subsequently be added to your licence.