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WINNING YOUR WINGS

IN FULL FLIGHT: Dreams of being a pilot can now be affordably realised

Tuesday June 3,2008

By Alison Coleman

FLYING is a pursuit no longer reserved for the wealthy and, with flying schools and clubs all over the UK offering accessible and affordable tuition, the dream of many budding aviators has become a reality.

For many people, a passion for flying begins with a trial lesson, often given as a special birthday present.

Jackie Gwennap, head of marketing at the Land’s End Flying School near Penzance in Cornwall, said: “You would be
surprised at how many people come along for a trial flying lesson and end up completely hooked. A lot of them carry
on with their training until they gain their Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL).”

The PPL course is designed to train individuals, often with no previous flying experience, to handle a light aircraft to a level of competency that allows them to fly with passengers.

The most popular light aircraft used for flying lessons are Cessnas and Robins, and the Land’s End Flying School
operates two-seater Cessna C152s and four-seater C172s.

Trainee pilots must complete a minimum number of flying hours, some of which must be solo. There are several theory exams covering topics such as navigation, radio aids, meteorology, flight planning and communications. A flying skills test must also be completed.

Flying lessons are open to all ages.

However, the minimum age for logging instructed hours that count towards a PPL is 14. Sixteen is the minimum age for a solo flight and 17 is the minimum age to hold a PPL.

Information: Land’s End Flying School: 01736 788 771/www.landsendairport.co.uk