SkyHighFlight

Other than a training aircraft a student pilot will require various pieces of equipment to complete their PPL.

Books

There are two major parts to gaining a PPL. The practical aspect and the theory behind it. The flying school will cover all areas on the practical side but not everything on the theory side. Self study is essential and you will need to purchase the required books to complete this. Expect to pay £120-£140 for all the reading material.

Charts

Note a chart is not a map according to my old instructor! It is a legal requirement to carry the latest chart for the area that you are flying in, with you in the cockpit. you will also use this on the ground for pre-flight planning.

There are three charts covering the United Kingdom:- Scotland, Southern England and Northern England with Northern Ireland. These are generally updated once per year but it can be more. Always ensure you have an up to date chart.

Cost £16 per chart

Rulers and Protractors

A ruler calibrated to the chart scale is used to plot and plan a route directly onto the chart making measuring distance easy. In modern times a GPS and tablet computers, you may wonder why paper charts and rulers are still used. Batteries can die and a GPS signal can be lost. With a pen, ruler , chart and protractor you can safely navigate without any electronic aids. During the PPL skills test you will be required to navigate without electronic aids using basic equipment.

Protractors are used to measure headings or angles on the chart to determine the direction to fly. plotters are also available to use which incorporate a ruler and protractor in one device.

Cost: £15-£30

Flight Computer

This is not a computer in the modern sense of the word. this is a manual computer, essentially a circular slide rule. Many calculations can be computed on this device quickly and easily with practice but the main usage at PPl level will be to calculate wind drift. Essential in the flight planning stage.

Cost: £45

Flight Logs

A flight log is simply a document used at the flight planning stage and what you will refer to in the cockpit. Included will be headings, heights and distances along with radio frequencies and other essential information.

Cost £3

Logbook

Your logbook is a legal record. All of your flight should be logged accurately. The CAA will require that you submit your logbook to them for issue of a pilots licence.

Cost: £10

Frequency Reference Cards

Available front the NATS AIP website. These detail all the relevant radio frequencies for the UK.

Cost: Free

Checklists

Checklists for the type of aircraft you are training in.

Cost: £7