Helicopters :: Ground Study Course

Introduction

For many people, training for and being awarded a Private Pilot's Licence (PPL) is one of the most satisfying achievements they have experienced. This is not only because as a Private Pilot ones leisure and/or business horizons are literally expanded but, because like all things worth striving for, it is necessary to overcome some difficulties and obstacles, and learn new skills before the goal is ultimately reached.

The Joint Aviation Authority (JAA) sets high standards for both flight and ground school training and many people embarking on a PPL course underestimate the commitment required to gain the licence. Quite often, the single largest problem is finding the time necessary to complete both flying and ground school training with some degree of continuity.

You may have also discovered already that flying instructors themselves often have limited time to devote to the ground subjects - particularly when the weather is fine. The Home Study Courses offered by Moorgoods Aviation Studies enable the student pilot to complete the ground training at his or her own pace when time is available and in the comfort of home.

The courses

Our Home Study Course will save you a great deal of time and effort in working towards your PPL, since it is geared specifically to the areas of questioning that the JAR presently favour, and is a "Structured Learning Process". We emphasise that Home Study Courses are complete, that is to say, no further books or study material is necessary for the subjects listed. We could also keep you posted on any changes in Aeronautical Information Circulars (AICs), which effect JAR examinations.

The course is very comprehensive and in most years have a 100% pass rate for students taking the examination at the first attempt. The PPL qualification is most rewarding, and now is the time to make that investment in a properly approved course, and start studies in readiness for flying training.

Why Moorgoods Aviation Studies?

Moorgoods Aviation Studies was originally formed as Cranfield Aviation Studies by Roy Quantick and associates in recognition of the shortcomings of many flying schools to meet the ground training requirements. Roy Quantick has many years experience in preparing, marking and assessing progress in all subjects required for PPL and the Professional Pilot Licences. Moorgoods Aviation Studies is run by Kevin Foster who is the MD and ex-fixed wing pilot and current helicopter Flying Instructor and commercial pilot for Moorgoods Helicopters Ltd. Another plus for learning with Moorgoods Helicopters Ltd is that Kevin Foster is also an examiner for the written Ground Study Examinations.

Roy Quantick has written a number of aviation textbooks which have become "Standard References" throughout the world, and have been translated to date into 4 languages. All the writers are experienced pilots and/or navigators who were trained in the RAF and became subsequently Senior Captains and Navigators in the airlines. Furthermore, the writers are also former full-time lecturers at CAA approved training establishments, and are all 'approved' by the CAA. Moorgoods Aviation Studies therefore has the expertise to guide you successfully through all the ground subjects.

The Home Study Courses offered by Moorgoods Aviation Studies are complete, that is to say, no further books or study material is required to pass the JAR examinations. The courses adopt a structured learning approach, which you may follow at your own pace. The approach adopted in preparing for the PPL licence examinations is to divide up each subject into two sections, which lead to a short series of Progress Test questions requiring the student to answer. These are all multi-choice format. All subject material, questions and answers including Final Practice Papers can be supplied on CD ROM's.

The course concludes with sample JAR style examination papers, in multi-choice format. The courses are geared to the JAR examinations, and provided the student completes the course and has shown progress there should be no problems in passing the ground subjects. Furthermore, once the student has passed the examinations and the licence is issued, the material acquired over the duration of the course will continue to be a valuable reference aid to future flying activities. It will serve as a base for upgrading to professional licences if the student should decide on a flying career.

Notes for the guidance of prospective students

As you are contemplating obtaining a Private Pilots Licence, a few items for your consideration, which has come to light over the many years of administrating the Home Study Courses. (In these notes, students mean HE or SHE).

Please note the following abbreviations:

• JAA: Joint Aviation Administration (Holland)
• JAR: Joint Aviation Requirements
• FCL: Flight Crew Licensing
• CAA: Civil Aviation Authority (UK)
• MAS: Moorgoods Aviation Studies

In the main, students underestimate the scope of the ground subjects. Since the introduction of the additional subject of Flight Performance and Planning, making six subjects in total, the time limit to pass all ground subjects and the flight tests (Skill Test and Cross Country Flight Test) is 18 months.

This may sound like a long time, but the study programme and the flying training must be planned in order not to waste money, or run out of time. As an example (and this is not an isolated case); when a student decides, to become a private pilot, and has never been aloft in a light aircraft, it is strongly recommended to obtain a trial lesson.

This is offered by most flying training organisations, and is usually cost effective, as the organisation would wish to take the student on a full training course. The trial lesson can count towards a properly structured flying course, dependant on timing. It is not surprising at this stage, that a good deal of enthusiasm and keenness to fly overrides some of the details. The flying organisation will press the student to start as soon as possible. The student, however, must not loose sight of the ground studies that must be done.

If the enthusiasm carries the student along without due attention to ground studies, the next thing that happens is that the instructor (who has done a great job getting the student up the point where a solo flight is getting close) cannot authorise such a flight because the student has not sat the JAR examination in Aviation Law, Flight Rules and Procedures. The next step is a panic scramble to study the Air Law etc., and sit the examination. This costs time, not only for the studies, but also in this country with such changeable weather, further delays are not uncommon. The net result is that when the student gets back to flying, extra flying has to be done to recap, and get back to the stage he had already reached, days weeks or even months earlier. The important psychological step of having performed a solo flight has been lost, and enthusiasm may suffer as a consequence.

The extra flying is extra expense, not that the flying organisation is going to complain as they earn their keep by flying aeroplanes. Most flying training organisations do not cater for the ground studies. A quick and hurried lecture because the weather deteriorated is not the way to learn the academic material as its hit and miss. What is required is a STRUCTURED LEARNING PROGRAMME. At the same time, a close liaison with the flying instructor is vital as the flying instructor is the key person in the training. The timing of examinations is dictated by flying progress, and only the flying instructor can assess this.

This highlights the importance of the relationship between the student and the flying instructor. The student must feel he is progressing and able to acquire the physical skills in controlling the aeroplane. In the early stages, aspects of Air Law will be explained by the flying instructor, and the JAA expects the student to pass the Air Law examination before he takes a valuable aeroplane some thousand feet or so into the air for the first time in the neighbourhood of other aircraft.

The importance of the timing of examinations

The instructor would indicate (based on the students progress) that he is not far away for a first solo flight, it is then advisable to sit the JAR examination in Air Law. This means that NO DELAY will be experienced in taking this very important and psychological step in the training programme. However, the student has eighteen months from that examination date to complete the remainder of the ground examinations.

The main problem in the UK with flying training is the weather. Sometimes weeks can go by without suitable weather for initial flying training. Then there can be weeks of good weather, and a lot of flying training may accumulate. Assuming the student has performed a solo flight, the training progresses towards cross country flying, and here again, the JAA expect the student to have passed Air Navigation, Meteorology and Human Performance and Limitations before a solo cross country flight.

Students can if they wish, complete all ground studies and examinations before undertaking flying training. Many students who go to the USA for flying training often opt for this course of action. An applicant shall be deemed to have successfully completed the theoretical examinations for the JAR-FCL PPL when awarded a pass in all the examinations within a period of 18 months. A pass will be accepted for the grant of A JAR-FCL PPL(H) during the 24 months from the date of successfully completing the theoretical knowledge examinations.

It is best that Ground Studies should run parallel with the flying training in order to optimise the examination sittings. At MOORGOODS AVIATION STUDIES we strongly advise students to start ground studies as soon as the decision is taken to learn to fly. Certainly after a trial lesson consolidates this decision. Some of the study material supplied in the early days may seem somewhat academic, but things start to make sense when the flying instructor points out or demonstrates the various items. The importance of early studies has been seen to help the student understand those items and this is not only more efficient, but by definition, cost effective. Successful flying training relies on continuity and no delays should be experienced in training because ground examinations were not done in time.

A further area that should be mentioned is the recommended reading. There are many excellent books available by eminent and experienced authors. Authors have a primary objective ie., to sell as many books as possible, therefore they are usually filled with a vast expanse of material to make a comprehensive manual on a particular subject. In the early days of studies, these books can be bewildering, and students need guidance towards those areas necessary to meet examination standards. If a student has not actually purchased any books, then DO NOT. Study the Moorgoods Aviation Studies structured learning guide to meet these standards. After some experience, books may be considered as reference material and indeed, certain classical flying manuals should be on the shelf for later reference.

MOORGOODS AVIATION STUDIES is the only organisation which has specialised in structuring a PPL home study programme, which can be pursued at a rate which suits the student and his flying training progress. The whole syllabus is comprehensively covered in the Moorgoods Aviation Studies student notes. The objective is to bring the student up to the examination standard in each subject and not burden him with extraneous material, which is not necessary in the early days of training.

A further point to consider. A flying training organisation may offer a competitive rate for training, particularly if money is requested up front. In the first instance, shop around if you have a choice in your area. Some organisation offer free examinations, you may be obliged to join the flying club. It is advised to try an hour or two of regular flying training. This will establish your aptitude to the new environment, and also to see how you get on with the instructor. After all, the flying instructor is someone you MUST get on with, and you are going to spend a lot of money. Assuming all is well, then a deal could set up for the remainder of the flying training if it is offered.

We do not wish to make this exercise sound as if it's full of pitfalls, because if you are keen to learn to fly then you will do it. In the main, flying clubs are run by enthusiasts, and to meet other students like you, can be stimulating and enjoyable during the training phase. The academic subjects are not difficult, but some of the material may be quite new, but most likely interesting, like Human Performance and Limitations, which is not unique to aviation but can be seen to have relevance in other areas of life.

The modern light aeroplane is a joy to fly, and providing the student pilot is trained properly, is also safe. Bare in mind those points mentioned about shopping around and paying for training. Our study course represents only about five percent of the total training costs for fixed-wing aeroplanes (two percent for rotary-wing aeroplanes). We consider that our successful students have had the proper grounding for a safe future in what ever area they choose to pursue in aviation having made the investment in a properly structured and approved course. These notes have been prepared as a result of enquiries and feedback from students. It is hoped that they are useful to prospective students in planning to obtain a PRIVATE PILOTS LICENCE.

Navigation Equipment

You will need to purchase a CRP1 Navigation Computer, a Scale Ruler, Protractor, a pair of dividers/compass in order to complete the navigational part of the course. Details of these items are shown below.

CRP-1 Flight Computer

The CRP-1 is designed particularly for the Student and Private Pilot. Easy to handle, it includes all the necessary functions for examination, planning and flying requirements. This model is widely used by flying training organisations in the United Kingdom and throughout the World. Circular Slide Rule side with clear durable cursor. For calculation and conversion of Temperature, Time, Distance, Volume, Altitude and Density Altitude, Speed, Weight, Fuel, Endurance, Multiplication and Division, 1 in 60 rule etc. Coloured scales and lettering enhance operation and clarity.

Wind Triangle side incorporating sliding scale with speed range of 40-850 and clear rotating disc for lead pencil plotting. Use it for calculation of Heading and Ground speed, Wind Velocity, head and Crosswind Components etc.

NM-2 Scale Ruler 16 inch (405 x 38 mm)

Standard Flying School issue. Outside edges respectively read 110 nautical miles in 1:500 000 and 55 nautical miles in 1:250 000. Centre scale converts between kilometres and nautical miles.

For students contemplating training in the USA

There are a number of schools offering flying training in the USA. It must be pointed out that the hourly cost is indeed cheaper than in the UK. Furthermore, the weather at most schools is more predictable. These points (in our view) are the only advantages. Which collectively are of course significant. If students have the resources and the time, then a 4/5-week intense flying training course is worth considering.

Be aware though, that should a ground-training course be offered as well, the distinction between a full European JAR and the USA FAA ground syllabus is considerable. To be able to complete a full JAR course, more time is required. Even to do the USA FAA PPL ground course needs additional time, and the FAA licence does not include Human Performance & Limitations.

For pilots holding an FAA PPL (or virtually any non UK PPL(A) meeting ICAO Annex 1) wishing to convert to JAR-FCL PPL(A) or PPL(H). The following requirements and terms have been agreed in anticipation of the adoption of JAR-NPA 14.1:

• Hold a licence issued in accordance with ICAO Annex 1, which is current and valid in all respects.
• Hold at least a JAR-FCL Class 2 Medical Certificate
• Pass the JAR Air Law & Operational Procedure examination
• Pass the JAR Human Performance and Limitations examination
• Have completed a minimum of 100 hours flight time as pilot of aeroplanes
• Pass the JAR PPL(A) Skill Test

Note: If the ICAO licence has expired by less than 5 years, the above requirements will still apply except all the JAR-FCL theoretical examinations must be passed. If the ICAO licence has expired by more than 5 years, an assessment will be necessary for which a fee will be charged.

In considering doing flying training in the USA, it is suggested that students complete a certain amount of study before embarking. The two subjects, which should be completed, are Air Law & Operational Procedures, and Navigation (which in JAR's includes Radio Aids).

With a pass in these two subjects, the American Instructors can send a student off solo, knowing that knowledge of the flight rules have been acquired. Moreover, when it comes to a solo cross-country flight, the knowledge of the use of the CRP-1 Navigation computer in computing courses to fly, drifts, ground speeds and ETA's will save a lot of briefing time.

After all, going to the USA in the first place is to save money; any further saving of time can only lead to efficient utilisation of the available time, which should be used to fly the aeroplane. The training establishment will certify the hours flown and recorded in the flying logbook, including the exercises, cross-country and flying tests completed. A minimum of 45 hours is required before application can be made for a JAR PPL.

MAS recommend that a student completes say 40 hours in the USA, leaving 5 hours available to complete the skill test in the UK., and weather familiarisation. Furthermore, a few hours flying in UK Airspace is advised and most likely required before being able to hire an aeroplane. One important aspect that Moorgoods Helicopters have noticed with students learning in the USA is that they often struggle with navigation and map reading over the terrain of the UK which is totally different to the USA with less emphasis on radio navigation and different RT.

On returning to the UK, the CAA will need to see the logbook, and will issue a letter on the requirements to meet before being issued with a JAR PPL. This will list the subjects to pass. The CAA will require additional flying in the form of a JAR PPL Skill Test.

There is NO POINT in taking the USA FAA PPL examinations. This will use up the time you have available in the USA, and you still have to complete the JAR Air Law, and Human Performance & Limitations. Furthermore, you need 100 hours as pilot of aeroplanes (See para: 3). completing the balance of the academic subjects is a cheaper option than flying an additional 55 hours. A better investment is to complete a properly approved study course covering the JAR subjects.

We have suggested that students complete Air Law & Operational Procedures, and Navigation before embarkation, on returning to the UK complete the balance of the ground subjects. Remember that from the date of the first JAR ground examination, (Air Law & Operational Procedures) all further flight tests and ground examination must be completed within an 18 month period from that date. We therefore offer our JAR Ground Study Course in two parts, the pre-embarkation subjects of Air Law & Operational Procedures, and Navigation, and the post USA subjects consisting of Meteorology, Human Performance and Limitations, Aircraft General & Principles of Flight, and Flight Performance and Planning.

There are a number of ways you can study for the JAR examinations

1. You can cram in some tuition received from your flying instructor, if he/she is prepared to provide it. If the weather precludes flying, or the aeroplane is not available for any reason, then a bit of time spent with the instructor could be beneficial. This approach is too fragmentary, and not structured.
2. You could also pay your instructor for extra tuition. Your instructor is paid to teach you the flying skills, and would not normally be available for tuition, but would expect payment for time spent teaching any of the ground subjects. This would most likely be on an "available" basis most of the time. If the weather is suitable, and the aeroplane is serviceable then your instructor will most likely be airborne.
3. Tuition courses offered by the flying school. This is a rare situation, as only the big flying training organisations can offer this service, and have approved ground instructors on staff. Flying instructors are not necessarily ground instructors. A specialist and approved ground instructor would see appropriate fees levied. Furthermore, the ground- training program may not necessarily be conveniently timed to meet student requirements or time available.
4. Self-learning through textbooks. Some students can do this provided the proper guidance is given, and this takes the student back to the instructor. However, textbooks are not the best source of learning materials in the early stages. Books are usually packed with extraneous information well over and above the requirements of a study programme. There are also books available in a question and answer format. Students using this approach are taught to identify the correct answer to a question. However, the question remains as to what a student actually understands. The basic's of knowledge is an understanding of the mechanism behind the question, and then whatever wording is used in a question will not "throw" the student. The "basics" are essential areas of understanding, not the answer to a specific question. Think what happens when a situation arises and the student was not taught the answer!
5. Interactive CD-ROM. You will need a computer and a printer to use this approach. Is there any back-up from who ever provided the CD? Are you on your own with the studies? Is it any better than buying a set of books? Does the information cover the JAR syllabus? Can you print out questions and answers? Can you print out important key notes? How do the costs compare? Learning off a computer screen may not be the best approach, particularly when it comes to revision of specific areas. When sitting the JAR examination, students are required to select from multi-choice answers on paper, not a computer screen.
6. The MOORGOODS AVIATION STUDIES (MAS) approach. Bearing in mind that most PPL students work during the week, or in some cases are still at school, then attendance at lectures or other facilities may not be practical. To hold a personal set of notes offers the facility of knowing exactly where you are in your studies. Students have control of their study program. Progress is monitored both by the student and by MAS. The MAS study notes are comprehensive and are guaranteed to COVER THE JAR SYLLABUS. Students are able to study at any convenient time to suit them. Each set of papers returned for marking and comments are made as necessary to the student's progress. Students have the facility of asking questions about the subjects during their studies. The notes build up to a set of valuable references, which will be useful for all times, and particularly to those students going on to CPL/ATPL studies.

Moorgoods Aviation Studies are now offering the courses on CD ROM's. This is NOT an interactive approach, but an alternative medium in presenting the courses. Electronic based instead of paper based.

Students will be able to print out all the notes, question and answer papers, or what is considered necessary.

Purchasing subject modules individually spreads the cost of ground studies.

Students will still have the facility of asking questions, or clarification of course material. Students are not left out on their own.

Information

We feel that these courses offer a useful saving for people working towards a PPL - the price of a complete set of alternative books, tapes and videos are expensive enough, and often do not meet the JAR syllabus.

The course notes build up to a comprehensive reference-base on the subjects required for your particular PPL.

Some notes on the new National Private Pilots Licence (NPPL)

This new licence is now approved. It is aimed at "Leisure Flyers" who just wish to fly locally, and not leave the shores of England.

Some of the requirements for a Simple Single Engine Piston Aeroplane (SSEP) PPL.

The medical requirements are the same as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Group 1 car driving medical standards to fly solo. But to carry passengers, the medical standard is equivalent to the DLVA Group 2 professional driving (HGV) standard. A certificate can be obtained from an applicants GP.

Applicants will have to satisfactory complete written examinations to show they have a similar level of knowledge as the holder of a JAR-FCL PPL. This allows NPPL holder to up-grade at a later date if necessary. This means that at the present time, the theoretical syllabus is the same as a JAR-FCL PPL.

The applicant for a NPPL must have a minimum of 32 hours flying, not counting the Skill Test and Navigation test) (45 for a JAR-FCL PPL).

All theoretical examinations must be passed inside an 18 month time slot, but remain valid for 24 months. All theoretical examinations must be completed before taking the general skills test, and must be taken within 6 months of taking the flying training. All sections to be completed within a six month time slot.

Summary

The NPPL license requires a lower medical standard than a Class 2 professional standard. There are two levels, one for flying solo, and one for taking passengers.

The flying hours required are lower than the JAR's; 32 hours as opposed to 45 hours for JAR's.

The time limits for passing the academic subjects is 18 months.

At the present time, the academic syllabus is the same as the full JAR PPL.

CD ROM based courses

Cost Schedule

Item	Price
Module 1 Aviation Law, and Operational Procedures	£50.00
Module 2 Navigation and Radio Aids	£50.00
Module 3 Meteorology	£50.00
Module 4 Human Performance & Limitations	£50.00
Module 5 Aircraft General & Principles of Flight (Aeroplanes)	£50.00
Module 6 Flight Performance & Planning (Aeroplanes)	£50.00
Module 7 Aircraft General & Principles of Flight (Helicopters)	£50.00
Module 8 Flight Performance & Planning (Helicopters)	£50.00

Complete Course

Students paying for a complete course will receive the subject "Flight Performance and Planning" FREE worth £50.00. PPL (H) Course £350.00

Navigation Equipment

We can supply the minimum navigation equipment as listed below (Post Free to UK addresses).

Delivery charges can be quoted for deliveries overseas.

Written material not subject to VAT, however the CD is subject to VAT at the current rate.

Captain Kevin Foster, MD
COPYRIGHT © MOORGOODS HELICOPTERS LTD 2007
MOORGOODS HELICOPTERS LTD, Penvorder Lane, St Breward, BODMIN, Cornwall, UK, PL30 4NY
TEL: 01208 850543 - FAX: 01208 851291