Learn to Fly
Flying offered more than just a thrill. It was a window into a world going on above me, and something I'd only been a passenger too so far in life.
I had flown from a young age, on large charter flights on holiday with my mother, and generally speaking I always loved it. Turbulence never particularly bothered me, and the mid-flight snack always felt like a stolen treat.
As I got older and realised the pleasure of learning about different areas of life going on around me, and how it brings colour and content to the world, I became interested in the idea of learning to fly myself. And having done a certificate in Advanced Motoring when I was younger, I felt I was generally quite good at physically controlling vehicles.
But learning to fly is about much more than holding the controls. It’s about reading weather patterns, predicting turbulence, and understanding the flow of air traffic. Every hour in the cockpit, every communication with air traffic control adds another layer to this skill. It’s a challenge, but one that feels deeply rewarding.
And furthermore, living in Staffordshire, I realised that I can take off in a Cessna 152 and explore vast stretches of the UK. Flying over Scotland’s rugged landscapes or following Ireland’s coastlines, flying opens doors to adventures that would take hours on the road. Each flight makes the world feel smaller and more immediate.
Flying also comes with the unexpected benefit of community. What I once saw as a solitary pursuit is now part of a larger network of aviation enthusiasts. Of gadgets and tools, simulators and hobbiests. The shared experiences and knowledge in this space make each flight more than just personal; it’s part of something larger.
I went for a few flying lessons to get started and immediately knew I'd love it. To get a Private Pilot's License (PPL) you have to do a minimum of 45 flying hours, which breaks down as:
- At least 25 hours of dual instruction (flying with an instructor).
- At least 10 hours of solo flight time, which must include at least 5 hours of solo cross-country navigation (including one qualifying cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles with full-stop landings at two different aerodromes).
- The remaining 10 hours can be a mix of dual and solo flight as needed.
The Wolverhampton-based The Flying School detail the structure with a clear table
| Phase | Exercise | Hours | Exams |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Handling | Effects of Controls | 1.0 | Aviation Law |
| Straight & Level | 1.0 | ||
| Climbing & Descending | 1.0 | Operational Procedures | |
| Turning | 1.0 | ||
| Stalling | 1.0 | Human Performance | |
| Circuits | Dual Circuits | 7.5 | |
| Solo Circuits | 3.5 | ||
| Navigation | Dual Navigation | 9.5 | Communications |
| Solo Navigation | 6.5 | Meteorology | |
| Airwork | Advanced Turns | 1.5 | Navigation |
| Forced Landings | 2.0 | ||
| Precautionary Landings | 1.0 | ||
| Radio Navigation | 1.5 | Aircraft General | |
| Instrument Flying | 1.0 | Principles of Flight | |
| Revision | Circuits | 4.0 | Flight Performance & Planning |
| Navigation | |||
| Airwork | |||
| Skills Test | Skills Test | 2.0 | |
| Total Hours | 45.0 |
It's worth pointing out that a PPL licence allows me to fly with certain restrictions:
- No flying in bad weather, through clouds or rain
- Only single-engine piston aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) under 5,700kg.
- Only in the daytime.
- No commercial flying, I can take others but can take no profit from the flight.
- If I carry passengers I must've completed 3 takeoffs and landings in the last 90 days.
- Must hold a valid class 2 medical certificate.
In order to lift some of these restrictions I can do further exams, such as:
- Night Rating to fly at night (5 hours)
- Instrument Rating to fly in poor weather in the UK (15 hours)
- Full Instrument Rating to fly in poor weather anywhere, in controlled airspace and airways and outside of the UK (50 hours)
So it's obviously a lifetime passion.
I became a member of Tatenhill Airfield in Uttoxeter, as it's the closest to home. I got a copy of the popular Pooley's Air Pilot's Manual 1: Flying Training, and set up Microsoft Flight Simular 2024 to work with my Apple Vision Pro to give a realistic high-resolution VR cockpit to practice processes with.
I'll update this goal when I pass my final PPL.