A WEBSITE WITH SOME THINGS ON IT.

Helicopters.

I've been trying for nearly 6 years now to get my Helicopter licence (PPL-H) but work, finances and weather have always taken their toll, meaning gaps in my training of months or years. I'm now finally getting close.

Me actually flying a real helicopter alone, by myself, unaided and without a safety net.  March 05.

23/05/10

Finally back in the heli for a few lessons. One busy week would get my licence according to my instructor but this depends on finances, weather and the dreaded work!

31/01/10

I'm beginning to think that it really isn't possible to run a busy business and get your flying licence. I've still got 8 lessons paid for that I could have taken since October but haven't had time. I'm on the point of jacking it all in after nearly 6 years now. I first flew solo in March 05, five bloody years ago! In a few months I'll need to take Principles of Flight exam again because that will have run out. 

19/10

Trying to find time to do my Radio course so I can be ready to fly my qualifier. It's not happening at the moment though. No surprises there then..

16/8

Now passed Navigation and Meteorology for the second time and have booked my radio course for the next couple of weekends. Got to revise for Flight Planning and Human Factors yet but work too demanding at the moment. As usual there were no questions on loads of stuff I'd revised the hell out of and lots of questions on stuff I'd only skimmed over.

29/7

Passed Avaition Law which was still reasonably fresh in my mind after my 6 days reading. I can now tell people useless facts like whether your engine oil is liable for duty should you land your airliner in another country. Useful stuff for a VFR helicopter student... 

Going in Monday for the big one, Navigation. If I still have a brain left after that I will do Meteorology straight after. Reminds me of the Red Dwarf episode where Rimmer has the brain boost to pass the exams on the Holo-Ship. I won't do both simultaneously though!

22/7

Spent 6 days on holiday reading Aviation Law, Meteorology and Navigation 8-9 hours a day so I can take these exams again. I passed these 3 several years ago but they run out after 2 years. Great. The only one that is still current is Helicopter Principles of Flight which I passed a few months ago. I'm going to try and get them out of the way this coming week, all being well. That just leaves Radio Telephony, Flight Planning and Human factors and Pilot Performance to study and pass.

These exams are designed to weed out anybody who ever thought for one moment that flying might be fun. I can see why so many people just get to the solo bit and give up. It really is a battle to learn all this and work as well, that's why it's taken 5 years.