FREE Ground School – Radio Telephony
On Tuesday 21st November ground school will be learning how to talk on the radio as we explore Radio Telephony fingers crossed we will be able to entice one of our favourite RT experts to join us again.
Sounding competent when using the radio is an essential part of flying. Often students can be nervous when making a call to ATC (Air Traffic Control) but with training and plenty of practice you'll be reciting your callsign in your in your sleep. With plenty of hints and tips along the way there will also be an opportunity for pilots post PPL to ask any questions they have too!
FREE Ground School – Flight Performance and Planning
Next up on Tuesday 7th November we will be exploring Flight Performance & Planning 18:00 - 20:00
The 7 Ps is a British Army adage for Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents P*** Poor Performance. As an instructor we teach a PIC (pilot in command) the importance of having a well prepared flight plan and a good understanding of your aircraft’s capabilities. This time we will be planning a trip to the Lake District which include all your FPP favourites; Choice of route, Airspace, fuel planning, weight and balance, PLOGS and the good old Whizz Wheel (CRP-1).
FREE Ground School – Operational Procedures
Next is Operational Procedures on Tuesday 24th October from 18:00 - 20:00.
For the most part, understanding Operational Procedures requires common sense and often good airmanship is the key. Essentially, the procedures are there for a reason and basically you have to prove you understand them. Specific topics to be confirmed.
FREE Ground School – Meteorology
Next up it’s Meteorology on Tuesday 10th October from 18:00-20:00. Being able to anticipate the weather is akin to a super power for a pilot as will affect you, the aircraft and your operation.
FREE Ground School – Principles of Flight
On Tuesday 26th September it's one of Capt. White's favourites... Principles of Flight at the usual time 18:00-20:00
Principles of Flight (POF) is best described as the science bit of the PPL course. Specific topics to be confirmed but obviously we can't miss out our POF favourites; Vector force on rotors, Vortex ring including the 'Vuichard Technique' and Flat Back! We will also look at ground effect, autorotation and stability, and how all affect our in-flight decisions as a pilot.
FREE Ground School – Air Law
On Tuesday 12th September we will be looking at Air Law from 18:00 - 20:00
In simple terms Air Law is a series of rules governing the use of airspace tends to be one of the first exams taken by student pilots as is a requirement prior to your first solo flight. Remember, much of Air Law is common sense and demonstrating good airmanship. Essentially the procedures are there for good reason and you need to prove that you understand them.
As ever, Capt. White will be giving us a few tips on how to learn and more importantly retain the information and trying the impossible... to make Air Law fun!
FREE Ground School – An evening with Air Marshal Sean Reynolds : Reflections on 40 years of Flying
We hope you enjoyed Navigation, next up, the first of two special edition ground school sessions in July... On Tuesday 4th July from 18:00-20:00 we are delighted to welcome our very own Capt Reynolds as a guest speaker. Having achieved the rank of Air Marshal, Sean is now 'semi-retired' from the RAF, he now is an instructor for both rotary and fixed wing and has kindly offered to share some of his exciting stories and wealth of knowledge with us in this special edition of ground school.
Student Trip to Lake Vyrnwy Summer 2023
An early start, we depart Elstree initially Westbound via Bovingdon and turn right at Chequers changing our heading to North Westbound for Wales. We fly over Bicester and Weston on the Green, landmark spotting; Chateau Impney and Shrewsbury Hills and Lake Vyrnwy. We circumnavigate the reservoir and for lunch! Once suitably refreshed, we retrace our steps to back home to Elstree.
Student Trip to Padstow Summer 2023
Join us as we head South West to Padstow, Cornwall. Landing at Rock we then transfer to the ferry by golf buggy before we head into Padstow for a well earned pasty or fish and chips by the harbour followed by an ice cream or cream tea. Take in the sea air as we stroll around the port and or for the more brave make your way down the beach and dip a toe in the water before heading back to the ferry and back to Elstree.
If you are currently learning to fly our student trips are great practise for navigation, straight and level flight and radio work as well of course as being jolly good fun! Already passed? These trips are a great excuse to use your PPL, hone your skills, hour build or just spend time with other pilots. Aircraft owners are also welcome to join us, the more the merrier!
FREE Ground School – PPL(H) Quiz Night & BBQ
On Tuesday 4th July it's our SIZZLING SUMMER edition of our PPL (H) Quiz Night and BBQ at our usual time of 18:00 - 20:00. As always, the quiz will be based on questions across the entire theoretical knowledge syllabus from ALPHA to ZULU!
No team required! Simply meet at the flying school or in our Virtual Crew room via 'ZOOM'. Please RSVP and look out for invitation via email from Capt. White.
If you haven’t been before then why not give it a try! Whether you are currently training, a qualified pilot or perhaps you just share our love of helicopters, escape to our virtual crew room and enjoy a couple of hours of quizzing fun.