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Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 21:12:26 -0400
From: m w grossmann <hosting@select-ware.com>
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Subject: Re: Obtaining the UK PPL in the U.S.
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Jameel wrote:

> Hi,
 
> I am about to embark on a PPL course in the UK. In my search for a
> reputable flying school in the UK, I stumbled across a number of
> advertisements in various aviation periodicals for PPL (UK) Intensive
> residential courses lasting approx 28 days being run by flight schools
> in the States - Some of these schools were doing package deals that are
> guarantee attaining the CAA approved PPL.

That 75/hr (cheapest I've seen) is rather expensive.

> Is there anybody who has gained their PPL qualification through doing
> such a course, and if so can you please tell me more about this set-up -
> Did they meet your expectations? Were there 'hidden extras' to pay that
> you were initally unaware of?

Check carefully. Ask specifically what is and is not included in the
package: return airfare, lodging, meals, transportation to and from the
airfield, checkride costs, &c.
 
> One of the reasons which attract me to these offers is the price of them
> - It seems that basic flying training in the US is half of what it costs
> in the UK, and like many people I am strecthing myself financially to
> reach my goal of learning to fly.

A lot of Europeans were in Florida when I was there learning, and the
airfield at which I did most of my training (CLW -- Clearwater) has no
such programme. The cost difference is significant. 
 
> Can anybody recommend any flying club in particular?

Wish I could, but I know little about them.

Although I'm currently living in the US, I still get back to Europe
often; my last time in London I went flying. I went to Stapleford and by
chance met (and flew with) Rick, a flight instructor who had also given
instruction in the US (approx. 1500 hrs). Rick kindly spent almost two
hours of his time with me explaining all the differences between the FAA
and CAA requirements. The US requirements are considerably greater for
VFR, although you may want to request your CFI spend more time on
pilotage training.

All told, if you get your ticket in the US, you'll basically need to
send a letter of request along with certified copies of your logs and
licence to the CAA and wait four to six weeks. I'll be doing that next
time I'm back.

IFR/IMC is another matter entirely. The UK is a bit more demanding (IMC
checkride is done only in multi-engines and is quite strenuous.)

Cheers-

m w grossmann
