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Getting started in aviation

  • 27-09-2012 11:11am
    #1
    Shannonsider
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 301 ✭✭


    Hi folks, didn't want to hijack other threads, I am considering getting into flying as well (as a hobby). I got a lesson about a year ago and loved it. Are there any websites or books that people recommend to get the basic understanding of flying.

    What is usually covered in ground school? I don't want to start this and realise you need a basic/intermediate level of knowledge before you start ground school.

    Also, long story short, I can get access to a couple of grand now on a 'use it or lose it' basis (long story - it's not exactly my hard earned cash though), would I be better buying a ticket for a flight school and hope they don't run put of business or is this madness (even with someone elsees money? I'm also moveing from Dublin to Limerick in the next few months so I don't want to take the plunge on a Dublin school now.


Comments

  • #2
    BigGrayKettle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 132 ✭✭BigGrayKettle


    My advice personally would be to have a couple of hours under your belt before starting ground school. It just helps you apply the knowledge in a practical way, and aids in visualising what is being discussed.

    I took the PPL ground school classes down in Atlantic Flight Training in Cork, which were excellent, but I remember there was one guy who had only had one lesson when the classes started, and he had a very difficult time of it. That said, when I started ground school (with approx 18 hours) there was a guy with only two hours at the time, and he is now an FO with Ryanair.


  • #3
    Shannonsider
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 301 ✭✭Shannonsider


    Hey BigGrayKettle, when you say a few hours under your belt, do you mean flight time or theory? I was hoping to start off just doing some reading myself first, then get another lesson or 2 and then get serious. Thanks for the advice.


  • #4
    BigGrayKettle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 132 ✭✭BigGrayKettle


    Shannonsider wrote: »
    Hey BigGrayKettle, when you say a few hours under your belt, do you mean flight time or theory? I was hoping to start off just doing some reading myself first, then get another lesson or 2 and then get serious. Thanks for the advice.

    Yes, a couple of hours flight time, as I mention above, will help you understand the theory behind the practical :)


  • #5
    bluecode
    Closed Accounts Posts: 794 ✭✭✭bluecode


    Ok there's no flight school in the Limerick area, surprisingly. So you will either have to travel to Cork or Dublin or join the Limerick Flying Club in Coonagh. Who are a friendly bunch.

    http://www.limerickflyingclub.com/index.shtml

    As it's a flying club not a school. You can't just expect to get a booking when you want one. Instructors are voluntary.

    Don't worry about ground school. You will be training for a private pilot's licence not an Airbus A380. It's not that complex. The club will advise on what books to read etc.


  • #6
    Shannonsider
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 301 ✭✭Shannonsider


    Didn't realise there was a difference between a flying school and a flying club. So you can get the actual lessons with a club but you would need to go to a flying school for the ground school bit?

    Just on getting a good source of basic information, any recommendations on a website/book?


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  • #7
    Mr Benevolent
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,456 ✭✭✭✭Mr Benevolent


    OP, get your Class 2 medical first. Make sure you do this BEFORE you spend ANY money on flying (bar a trial flight obviously).


  • #8
    LeftBase
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 743 ✭✭✭LeftBase


    Get a Class 2 Medical. Then do a few hours of the PPL(6-10) and book into the next available ground school session then. To be honest there isnt a whole lot to learn in ground school and it could be covered in 1 weekend(2 days most) in all honesty. Having a practical idea of how the theory applies to flying will be gotten through the few hours you get before you start.

    Don't sweat groundschool...sweat the ATPLs!:D Though as you only want to fly as a hobby you don't have to sweat then either! ;)


  • #9
    bluecode
    Closed Accounts Posts: 794 ✭✭✭bluecode


    Shannonsider wrote: »
    Didn't realise there was a difference between a flying school and a flying club. So you can get the actual lessons with a club but you would need to go to a flying school for the ground school bit?

    Just on getting a good source of basic information, any recommendations on a website/book?
    No most likely the club will arrange something for the ground school. As for books well again go with what the club uses. There are several textbooks, AFE, Trevor Thom, Oxford. As for general reading one book is always recommended is 'Stick and Rudder' by Wolfgang Langwiesche. Never read it myself but everyone says it's a great general primer and readable too, I'm told.

    As for websites. I don't know of any to be honest. I'm sure they are out there though.


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