FAQ's

Q1. I'm trying to work out a cost for attaining my NPPL. I understand that the minimum flying hours requirement is 25, but what would be the maximum that people take? Is there an average so I can budget accordingly?

Doug. Ultimately, I will be the judge of your readiness to take the General Skills Test with Rob Mckellar, until then I will give you regular positive feedback on your skills and knowledge, and less positive feedback on the areas I feel you need to concentrate your efforts. I will never ask you to do something that I haven't already explained and demonstrated. Parts of the syllabus you will pick up with ease, other parts will leave you feeling like you have hit the Proverbial Wall, it's my job to get you over that wall. I will guide you, but it's still you that has to get over it. Some Students take in excess of 100 hours, others complete the course in under 30. Remember, there may be non-related factors that affect the length of your training, the regularity of flying and weather conditions are the two big hurdles. If you are planning to fly one hour a month, when that day arrives it will, no doubt, be too windy. Commit to the program with vigour and enthusiasm, and your big day will come, the length and costs will depend on what you do, not on what others have done.

 

Q2. I would like to apply for an NPPL with operational limitations. Do I need to pass the Navigation ground exam?

Rob. Yes. All ground exams must be passed within a 24 months period for restricted and unrestricted NPPL applications. 

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Q3. Are there height and weight restrictions for Student Pilots or Passengers?

Doug. Student Pilots must weigh at least 55kg, I'm 6ft, and find there is an art to getting in and out of the Thruster, it's not always pretty, but one does try to retain a degree of professionalism all the same. The Thruster is less comfortable than the C42, but then we didn't get to where we are today by being comfortable. There are no official lower limits for height or weight for passengers, but they must be large enough to be securely strapped in safely.

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Q4. What are the Medical requirements to Pilot a Microlight?

Rob. A pilot may only fly a microlight as Pilot In Command in the UK if they hold a valid Medical Certificate. The NPPL Medical Certificate can be applied for at the Pilot Medical Declaration on-line, on the Civil Aviation Authority website. Pilots must use the CAA Customer Portal to access the CAA website, this link takes you to the CAA login page where you must create an account. Once your account has been created, and verified, you can then follow the links supplied to apply for your Medical Declaration.

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Q5. Does the weather affect training?

Doug. Unfortunately it does, though we will teach you to understand and read the weather conditions so you can make the right decision, perish the thought that you may become a fair weather pilot. One can only drink so much coffee whilst looking up at the sky cursing that pesky Cirrius cloud formation heading your way. Meteorology will test you, which is a polite way to put it, the one certainty with weather is that it is 'Variable', fortunately at Sandtoft we are able to teach right up to 9:30pm, depending on sunset times of course, and that means the weather of the day is declining in its effect.

In general the conditions required for training are;

• Wind speed no more than 15kts.

• Visibility greater than 5 Km in flight.

• Cloud base above 1000 feet.

In short, the weather conditions for an enjoyable lesson are best found in the evenings, but that's not garaunteed ;). 

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Q6. Can I go solo on the school machine?
Rob. No, unfortunately you will not be insured to fly solo on the school aircraft, unless you are a member of the Fixed Wing syndicate. Otherwise, solo flying must be on your own or part owned machine if it is suitable for the purpose. Most people buy their own machines early to take advantage of the cheaper costs of Instruction. Please ensure that your chosen machine will be suitable for training, as some older models are not. Shares in Microlights are usually available, though training can only legally take place in a factory built aircraft, even if group owned.

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Q7. Can I learn to fly in my own microlight?

Doug. Yes, of course! For dual training to be carried out in your own aircraft requires that that aircraft is 'Factory Built' not 'Amateur Built': - Initial paid-for flight training is not currently allowed on non-Type Approved PtF microlights (apart from by the owner or part owner of the microlight). This regulation has been in place because it was recognised that students may not have a full understanding of the difference between a factory produced microlight and an amateur built microlight to the same level that the builder of that microlight would have. However, the regulation does not stop the original builder from selling the microlight on, so any future owner may also not appreciate the associated risk even for normal private flying as they are not the builder of the aircraft.

Or more simply put, I am not putting my backside in a Microlight you bought from a man in a shed, once you have your licence, you can. Speak to Rob or I before you buy from HERE, Caveat Emptor, if you don't know the difference between your rudder and your aileron.

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Q8. What do we do if the engine stops?

Rob. We land, though, whilst there is a short period of time where you can enjoy the serenity of silent flight, you will come to appreciate the time we taught you Exercise 16a Forced Landing, which some believe to be most enjoyable, I know I do. There was a time when this occurance was potentially common, but with the manufacturing of very reliable 4-stroke engines, this event rarely happens. But we do still teach Exercise 16a.

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