Hi all
I’m a new member here just about to start flying training out of Netherthorpe (Sheffield aero club). I have 16 hours training from 15 years ago (yes I know it’s no longer valid 🙂 ) and looking forward to getting back up in the big blue.
I’m technically colour blind although 15 years ago I failed the eye colour charts yet passed a lamp test for a previous PPL attempt (moved and never had the chance to fly again until now).
I know the medicals are changing again soon but do I go for a PPL and if so would I fail the medical outright or would I have restrictions imposed on my eventual licence, or go for an NPPL and be restricted to daylight, UK, Irish and French air space.
My intentions are mainly to fly in the UK, I’m not intending to do much (if any) night flying but would like to add an IMC rating in the future to avoid the ‘uh oh bad weather, run away’ scenario.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Dave
By: detheridge02 - 4th September 2012 at 20:54
Thanks for the info on the IMC rating changes Mark and Moggy for your thoughts on IMC in a non-de-iced single.
I’d also be restricted by the aircraft available to train in and eventually hire due to what’s available locally and the hire costs (C152 or C172). I’d not closely examined and put the aircraft available + IMC conditions together. Not a good mix. That’s where experience overrules enthusiasm!
Thanks again
Dave
By: Moggy C - 4th September 2012 at 20:04
I have been flying on a CAA PPL since around 1987.
In 1995 I failed an Ishihara test and since, despite the night rating I had already gained, am restricted to daylight only.
I could have got an IMC, but it is not relevant to ‘my kind of flying’
There is nowhere I can hire an affordable and competent aircraft to fly in IMC – the thought of a non-de-iced single under those conditions just turns my knees to jelly.
So instead I fly a fast two-seater with superb VFR touring abilities and range across most of Europe at will.
Sometimes I get socked-in on continental airfields. Do I care? No. I book into the nearest hotel and have a wonderful night of French / Italian food and Calvados / Grappa.
(An IMC, not recognised outside the UK wouldn’t help anyway.)
Just do it.
Moggy
By: Mark A - 4th September 2012 at 19:57
Beware the forthcoming move to EASA licensing and how it’ll affect the IMC rating. Some more info here.
By: detheridge02 - 4th September 2012 at 19:32
Thanks Mark. That’s extremely encouraging. I’ll go for the PPL then, even if I end up with day restrictions at least I could progress to gain an IMC rating to make the most of the day in our somewhat unpredictable weather!
Thanks again
Dave
By: Mark A - 4th September 2012 at 18:24
The medical standards for PPL etc haven’t changed markedly as they are broadly in line with ICAO standards and recommendations.
If you passed the lamp test, you should still be able to do so and hence have no day, radio equipped restriction.
I believe an IMC and even an IR can be issued to colour-blind applicants, but limited to day only.
If you can’t pass any of the colour vision tests, then you will be restricted to day only.
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September 4, 2012 at 1:33 pm