learn to fly @ perth

Perth Airport on the outskirts of Perth offers the ideal location for flight training. Located clear of the Scottish central belt, in which commercial air traffic dominates, the airspace around Perth is quiet and free of commercial traffic offering some of the most flexible training areas in the UK coupled with some of the most spectacular scenery.

The Scottish Aero Club co-ordinates flight training on fixed-wing aeroplanes, microlights and helicopters from complete beginners right up to commercial pilots! The training is done by the three flying schools: Leading Edge Ltd for aeroplanes, Pegasus Flight Training (Scotland) Ltd for microlights, and Kingsfield Helicopters Ltd

how do I get started?

A trial flight offers the best way to experience the thrill of flying an aircraft. One of our instructors will talk you through the trial flight in the pre-flight briefing. Light aircraft, microlights, and helicopters are somewhat different to commercial aircraft - they are much more agile, responsive, offer better views, and best of all you get to take command of the controls and actually fly the aircraft! The instructors aim to customise your trial flight to your aspirations (within reason!) ranging from a 'typical' flying lesson for those keen to get started straight away to a sight-seeing trip for anyone who just wants to experience the thrill of flying in a small aircraft.

If you decide flying is for you the instructor will be happy to arrange a timetable to suit you with your own instructor. Most pilots spread their training (and the cost) out over several months, but if you wish blocks of intensive training can be arranged. The scheduling of lessons is flexible and our three training providers, Tayflite (aeroplanes), Pegasus Flight Training Scotland (microlights) and Kingsfield Helicopters all provide discounts on blocks of lessons.

how much will it cost?

The overall cost depends upon the type of aircraft you wish to fly - see fixed-wing (aeroplanes), microlight and helicopter sections for detailed pricing guides. As an example, flight training in an aeroplane - the renowned Cessna 152 trainer aircraft - currently cost around £120 per hour in the air (see aircraft rental for details of current rates). Microlights cost slightly less per hour, and helicopters cost more. For this, your receive a one-to-one pre-flight briefing with your instructor (as necessary), hire of the aircraft, Perth landing fees, and fuel.

In common with most UK flight training schools you will need to join an Aero Club. The current student membership fee of £60 to join the Scottish Aero Club offers a host of additional benefits including social events, visits, a clubhouse with wireless internet access, and the ever-popular newsletter.

Typically, you will spend around £100 for books, log books, maps and equipment during your flying training, but this can be spread over the duration of your training, and the instructors are happy to offer advice on what to buy and what to borrow or avoid! We offer a range of flight equipment for sale on site, or alternatively there are a range of internet-based suppliers. Pooleys and Transair offer a good range of products, but there are many others out there.

At some point in your training before your first solo flight you will need a medical examination. Depending upon the type of licence you are training towards, your medical can be issued by your local GP or may require a certified CAA medical examiner. Our instructors can advise on the appropriate medical requirements and we can point you in the direction of a suitable medical examiner if required!

As well as the practical skills there are a number of written (multiple choice) tests that must be passed. These tests cover all areas of flying from legal and operational aspects, through weather, navigation, aircraft performance to radio communications and human performance. The examiners will aim to guide you through the material and skills required for these tests, and are likely to recommend some books to aid self-learning of these topics. Although there is no formal 'classroom' support for these tests, the examiners will offer assistance as necessary, but you will also find that any pilot in the clubhouse will be willing to try to help (or offer an opinion at the very least!) Upon completion of the written and practical tests you will need to pay the appropriate fee for the award of your license to the friendly chaps at the CAA.

why should I learn at perth?

Aside from a history of flight training stretching back to 1936, Perth is an ideal place to learn to fly for many reasons.

• Open airspace and no commercial flights operating from Perth mean more time flying and less time sitting on the ground getting permission to fly
• Coastal, lowland, and mountain terrain offer a variety of locations to practice skills and navigation coupled with spectacular scenery
• Close proximity to Dundee, Leuchars (RAF) and several other airfields offer the opportunity of learning in a mixed traffic environment, allowing you to develop the skills required for flying in busier airspace
• We have some of the most experienced flight examiners in the UK.
• Radio exams are available on site
• Perthshire has some of the best weather in Scotland - although all flight operations are subject to the prevailing weather conditions, so be prepared for a cup of tea on some occasions!

what kind of flying is for me?

You may already have an idea of whether you’d prefer fixed-wing, microlight or helicopter flying. If not please get in touch with our training providers who will discuss the options available. As a general guide the following chart compares some of the features of the various licenses available - please note that NPPL (National Private Pilots License) is valid in the UK only whereas JAR licenses are (or can be) valid worldwide, and there are some training and cost differences between these licenses even on the same type of aircraft. The NPPL is only available on certain types of aircraft. Please note that all costs are approximate and the actual training programme depends upon your progress - it is uncommon for anyone to complete the course in the minimum number of flying hours, so it's best to be prepared for a few extra flights!

Comparison chart - fixed wing

lesson bookings

We have a system available that allows you to book online for fixed wing. We hope to extend this to other aircraft types soon. For now, please contact the appropriate school.

• Leading Edge Ltd 01738-658156 info@fly-le.co.uk
• Pegasus Flight Training (Scotland) Ltd 01738 550044 info@samd.co.uk
• Kingsfield Helicopters Ltd 01738 552649 info@kingsfield-helicopters.co.uk

mentoring scheme

In a club like the Scottish Aero Club, there is a wealth of experience in our membership (some of whom have been flying for over 60 years and have 1000s of hours of flight time). In order to pass this experience on to newer members we operate a (non-compulsory!) mentoring scheme. Typically we will introduce a new/low hours pilot to one of the clubs old-hands (they’ll love that description). The mentor will happily assist the mentoree as they progress, patiently answering any questions and trying to develop the sense of judgement that is the sign of the competent, experienced and safe pilot. If you'd like to be a mentoree, please ask your instructor or the secretary.