This book is not about the technical aspects of learning to fly. It is intended as a
practical guide to the physical and emotional aspects of learning to fly and has been
written in order to help you try and understand exactly what you are about to undertake
and hopefully prepare you for the pain, anguish and despair that you will sometimes feel
as well as the elation of achieving the various goals along the route to a Private Pilots
Licence.
It should be noted that at the time of writing the requirements to achieve a Private
Pilot's Licence are under significant review and change with the introduction of a
standardised system throughout the European Union and whilst the basic flight training
will broadly remain the same the written examinations may change.
The practical examinations, referred to in this book as the Navigation Flight Test and
the General Flight Test have already been the subject of review and have now been combined
into the Skill Test. You are therefore encouraged to obtain up to date information in this
regard from your chosen flight school.
I gained my Private Pilot's Licence on an intensive three week course in Florida in
June 1997 having previously only completed a one hour trial lesson in the United Kingdom
at my local flying school.
Initially it seemed an impossible task with a great deal of humiliation and anxiety
but it is possible, I was nearly forty years old upon completion, and hopefully this book
will go some way to preparing you for the undoubted stress that lies ahead.
Whichever way you choose to gain your Private Pilot’s Licence, either by the
intensive three or four week training course or over a period of months, I wish you good
luck and safe flying.
|
