Safety is paramount

Safety is paramount
Aviation has a 'culture of safety'. From the moment you enter an airfield, you are in an area where safety is the number one priority. General Aviation, like airline travel, is closely regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority and every accident and incident investigated to see what lessons can be learned and passed on.

Pre-flight inspection Before an aircraft is flown, it is inspected thoroughly for any faults. During the start up, taxiing and before takeoff, many checks are performed to make sure all the aircraft's systems are working correctly.

Flightplanning
One of the key aspects of learning to fly is planning the flight. This means working out how each leg of the flight will be flown. It includes how the wind will affect the heading to steer and the aircraft speed, how much fuel will be used (leaving a healthy safety margin), what controlled airspace is to be crossed, radio stations to talk to, and alternate airfields near the route, just in case you need to land or divert.

Check weather and NOTAM
A vital part of flightplanning is checking the weather forecast and actual reports. As a pilot, you become an incessant weather-watcher! NOTAM are NOtices To AirMen and inform pilots of temporary changes to airspace and regulations.

Constant assessment
Your flying instructor, and his boss, the Chief Flying Instructor (known as the CFI), will assess your progress as a student pilot. They will monitor and adjust the training to make sure you are competent and safe at every stage before moving on.

Flying club
Most pilots stay as a member of a flying club after gaining their PPL. Not only are most clubs sociable places to be, with like-minded aviators, but the flying instructors and more experienced pilots are good sources of advice, particularly if flying to a new airfield or converting to a different aircraft.

Stay current
It's important to fly regularly to keep your skills sharp. Every two years, you have to revalidate your licence by flying a certain number of hours (12 in the second year) and at least one hour with a flying instructor. If you don't manage that, the flying club can carry out a checkflight instead and get you back flying.

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Safety is paramount