PPL Training

Potentially most expensive Christmas gift one could ever receive, Catherine got me a PPL starter pack with all the books and stuff I would need. We’d finally reached the point where I could do it. The first week in the New Year, I went to see Manx Flyers, and had my first lesson the following week. My first training flight was 14th of January 2006. The aircraft was G-SUKI, a Piper PA-38 Tomahawk and my instructor was Phil Baker

Overhead Laxey
  • 6th May 2006: First Solo – The aircraft was G-RVRL and I had a total of 9 hours 25 minutes of instruction.
  • 30th September 2006: First Solo Navigation Exercise – I was flying G-BTJK out of Carlisle.
  • 25th January 2007: First Solo Landway – This time I was in G-BTND and flew from Ronaldsway to Carlisle and back. Writeup
  • 17th March 2007: Exams Complete – Average of 91.64% overall. Best subject “Flight Planning and Performance” – 100%. Poorest Subject “Air Law and Operational Procedures” – 82.5%
  • 24th March 2007: Qualifying Cross Country – G-RVRO from Ronaldsway to Carlisle then Prestwick and back to Ronaldsway. 4 hours 10 minutes flying time. Writeup
  • 27th April 2007: Skills Test – Flying G-BTJK with Craig Padfield. Passed with a total of 45h 15m including the test. 103 takeoffs and landings.
  • 24th May 2007: License Arrives

The training took 1 year and 4 months, with hardly any flying between September and January. As well as Phil Baker, I was taught by David Allan, Paul Keeley and Ian Robinson. I flew 9 different aircraft during my training. 8 PA38s and 1 C172H. I spent most time with G-BTJK – 18h 10m and felt most comfortable with her. I was relieved to see Juliet Kilo on the apron for my skills test, as I’d missed her on my First Solo, First Landaway and Qualifying Cross Country.

Continue to Aircraft Ownership