In this post we will look at different options for flying training, namely the training in the services and flying training in the private and commercial world.

Pilot Training in the services

Service flying starts with learning to be an Officer or NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer). This involves a period of some four months (it varies depending on the service chosen) learning about parades, marching, getting super fit, service studies such as RAF history, and leadership training. At the end of this period in the RAF elementary flying training is usually done on Grob light aircraft.

This training is carried out at one of three stations. RAF Cranwell being one. Successful trainees then progress to Basic Fast Jet training on Tucanos and for some a further move to Advanced Fast Jet training flying the Hawk. Pilots not chosen for advanced Fast Jet training go to T67 which is a step to flying multi-engine Aeroplanes. This is currently the Beech King Air. Other selections are for rotary wing training leading to flying the Chinook and other helicopters. Once all basic and advanced courses are completed

Pilots go to an operational training unit to convert to specific types of aircraft such as the Hercules and others.

On completion of operational training the pilot is posted to the appropriate squadron and then moves around with that squadron. Tours with a particular squadron usually last 2/3 years. After that period other opportunities become available such as Instructor courses, further training courses leading to promotion, Test pilot courses and many others.

Civilian Pilot Training

Several routes are available for the training of civilian pilots. The first decision to be made is what sort of pilot do you want to be? Unlike the military where everyone is trained the same way and, all are professionals. Civilians are able to make many alternative choices. The basic areas are:

1. Flying as a hobby
2. Flying without pay on aerial work such as towing gliders ,dropping parachutists or assistant pilot on a single crew aircraft.
3. Instructing at a club or flying school.
4. Balloon or airship flying.
5. Commercial flying on small aircraft such as Piper Seneca.
6. Regional airline flying
7. Airline transport flying on short or long haul flights.
8. Private or personal pilot ( Some rich people employ their own pilot)
9. Paid gliding instructor
10. Simulator instructor.

Once the individual has selected the area he wishes to work in he will, in most cases join a club with a view to flying power aircraft. The training will follow the standard pattern laid down by the appropriate authority. Ground, or theory ,training will take place at the discretion of the Chief Flying Instructor. At PPL level this is commonly left to the individual to study at his leisure receiving guidance when needed.

The flying training follows a very definite set pattern. The instructor will introduce the student to the aircraft and show the student the controls and how to check the aircraft prior to take off . He will also be taught the emergencies, the whereabouts of safety equipment and the procedure for handing control from one person to the other. A lecture on the rules and regulations of the airfield with a possible visit to air traffic control and the student will be ready for his first flight. A pre-flight briefing will then take place and weather permitting the flight will follow. All this may take place over more than one day. Once the first flight has taken place the pattern of training will be pre-flight briefing ,flight, after flight debriefing.

The civilian has the advantage of being able to fly at his own time and place. He is also free to change either the instructor or the club. The service trainee on the other does not have this freedom.