Getting your PPL in Florida

[Ruth]

Can anyone advise the best place to learn to fly, preferably within easy distance of Disney so the rest of the family can also enjoy themselves. What is the approx cost and how long does it take?

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

Looking in this months Pilot magazine the following are advertising for JAR (European regulations) PPL training near Orlando:

Orlando Flight Training (Kissimmee) - £2995
Britannia Flight Center (Winter Haven) - $3995

You have the option of doing a JAR PPL or a FAA PPL. The choice is mainly down to where you intend to fly the most - if most of your flying will be in the UK or eurpoe, do a JAR PPL, otherwise do a FAA PPL.

For a JAR PPL, you need to do a minimum of 45 hours training, including at least 15 hours solo. You need to pass something like 7-8 written exams and a formal flight and navigation test. It's hard work but also great fun too - the feeling you get on your first solo flight is something you will never forget .

The PPL packages you can do in Florida can be done in around 30 days, but beware, it will be hard work and you won't have much spare time (if any) to spend with the family.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask any more questions.

John



Edited by - floridadreamvilla.co.uk on 17/02/2002 19:16:19

[markemma]

yes i can recomend learning in florida, i did a lot of my ppl training there over at Merrit Island.A good idea is to get your written exams started before you go and if possible some flying so you are sure you want to do it,this would ease up some of the pressure when your out there.But on the whole go for it cruising along clearwater beach before sunset can not be beaten.
mark<img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle>

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

The only thing about getting your PPL in Florida is that when you return to the UK you will have to do a few hours with an instructor before anyone will rent a plane to you.

This is because of the differences between the US and UK, mainly to do with procedures, radio patter and more importantly, the UK have an infinitely more complicated airspace than the US as we are all crammed onto this tiny island .

John

[Ruth]

Thanks very much for all your advice, it is much appreciated!.

Ruth