Pilot Information

On this page we offer advice to the 'would be' and trainee pilot and the latest news on CAA chart releases.

The CAA range of aviation charts covering the United Kingdom come in two major scales:-
1:250,000 scale has 8 charts covering the UK & Northern Ireland
1:500,000 scale has 3 charts covering the UK & Northern Ireland

IN ADDITION we stock a larger scale chart - 1:50,000 showing Central London and authorised helicopter routes.
This year's new editions are shown in BOLD


This information released 1 February 2009

1:500,000 scale has 3 charts to cover the country; Scotland, Northern England & Ireland, and Southern England and Wales

London Heliroutes - next Edition 14 due November 2010

Student Pilots

So you want to learn to fly! We would like to offer the following advice based on personal experience, and the experiences of our customers.

Firstly, before, you sign up, take a trial lesson. Most flying schools offer this opportunity for people to try a 'hands-on' experience flight. Usually this is done with one of the more experienced instructors, who will be able to give you a fair assessment of your potential abilities. You will find out just how different it is to be in a small aircraft, in comparison the more normal experience in an airliner.

Secondly, call on several flying schools in your area. Ask about the experience and the number of flying hours of the instructors. It is known that some instructors use the experience of flying training as a stepping stone to 'hour building' for future job opportunities. Another advantage of looking a different school, is the type of airfield used. Has the airfield got hard runways, less subject to the vagaries of our weather? Grass runways have to be well maintained and drained; there is nothing more disappointing that to arrive and find it too wet to take off and land. If the school is based at a regional airport, air traffic and airfield movement procedures will be rigidly adhered to. If you are intending to move to further training for the Instrument Rating, or Multi-engine Rating, you will need to learn under greater supervision. The instrument Rating allows the pilot to fly under 'instrument only' conditions, when the ground is not visible.

What about new NPPL Licence? Many people learn to fly just for the sheer pleasure of the experience, and will be quite happy to continue flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) only. There was only one form of the UK Private Pilot's Licence (PPL), which covers the full syllabus as published by the Civil Aviation Authority, and Aircraft Owner's and Pilot's Association (AOPA). However from August 2002 there has been a new National Private Pilot's License (NPPL), which will introduce a much-reduced syllabus, and training period. The new NPPL will add a totally new dimension to learning to fly. For those interested in recreational flying the standards of training will not be as extensive or costly, and medical requirements will be similar to a UK Driving Licence. Restrictions will apply, such as flying under VFR rules only, and limited to flying within the UK, but this licence will be ideal for the "Sunday afternoon" pleasure flyer, type of pilot. More details can be found on the CAA website: www.nppl.uk.com.

The cost of learning to fly can also vary greatly, with the location of the school, and the ability of the Student. Schools based at regional airports tend to be more expensive that those at smaller airfields to airport fees, and delays with large aircraft movements. If you already have some experience, such as flying with the Air Training Corps, the training time might be reduced. Have a look at some of the Training Books beforehand, especially those dealing with the non-flying part of the training. Reading much of this beforehand can help, as you may reduce some ground training cost. Costs can also be reduced substantially if one learns the basic flying skills on Microlight aircraft. Many of these aircraft are now of the conventional 'fixed axis' type of aircraft, as opposed to the flex-wing type developed from hang gliders. Later the opportunity may be taken to 'up-rate' to larger conventional aircraft.

Finally, consider your own skills. Learning to fly requires considerable responsibility and studying. Are you the right type? If you are, then consider putting together the cost of the training course away in a separate bank account, (possibly up to £5,000) so you can draw on the funds when you need them. The last thing a trainee pilot should want to do is worry about the cost whilst training. Remember you will also have to maintain your skills with an annual 'hours' requirement, depending on the licence and rating. Learning to fly can be expensive but great fun.

When you have your licence, then the open sky is there for your pleasure. You will be able to fly to airfield fly-ins and some air shows, and join in the great circle of fellow flying enthusiasts. Remember inside every Pilot, there is an Enthusiast waiting to get out! See you in the Sky!

<back to top>