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Flying School in the South East and London Area

Blackbushe Aviation conduct all levels of professional training from the Private Pilot Licence to commercial and advanced training including the Commercial Pilot Licence, Instrument Rating, Flight Instructor, Multi Engine and Examiner ratings.

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    01252 877727

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    TRAINING

    Learn to Fly at Blackbushe Aviation

    To fly has been the dream of men and women since the dawn of time. Realise that dream by obtaining your pilot’s licence at Blackbushe Aviation.

    We deliver training in a way that suits you, the customer. We have a wide range of aircraft and instructors. All our courses are a fixed price with no hidden extras, so that if you complete the course within the required hours you will have nothing else to pay.

    Contact us today and one of our friendly operations team will be in touch promptly to offer specific guidance on your individual flying needs.

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    Private Pilot Licence

    The Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is a private licence which entitles you to fly as Pilot in Command (PIC) of a single engine piston aeroplane up to a maximum take-off weight of 5700kg, in any European country and outside with a conversion, for private and recreational purposes.

    The course consists of nine theory subjects which can be learned self-study or through our regular study seminars and briefings, and a minimum of 45 hours flying training consisting of dual and solo flight including solo cross country flights to other airfields. The PPL also covers basic radio navigation (VOR and NDB) flying and instrument appreciation.
    We offer three all-inclusive packages from £4,330 each.

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    Advanced Training up to Commercial Level

    There are many reasons why a pilot may wish to undertake advanced training. Maybe you simply want to be a better pilot or want to fly longer distances and attach an IR or MEP rating to your PPL. Maybe you want to go all the way and fly as a career. At Blackbushe Aviation we have tailored packages for you to realise your aviation dream, whatever it is.

    We are a modular training organisation for UK part FCL licences.

    First, a comparison of integrated -v- modular training. Integrated is all in-house and your training is specifically geared to the airlines. Integrated includes all theory and flight training. It is done with fewer flying hours but at a greater cost. Modular, on the other hand, is training towards your CPL/multi/IR done in separate modules, hence the name. This is the training we do.

    Our recommended pathway is PPL, Night rating, IRr. Then, simultaneously with your ATPL theory you get your MEP, MEP/IR or CBIR. There are minimum hours needed for some of this training so hour building is required at certain stages. Finally the CPL and UPRT training following which you are a fully fledged CPL/Multi/IR pilot sometimes referred to as a “frozen ATPL”. We offer all inclusive packages for this. The cost is far lower than integrated, often half the price.

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    Instrument Rating (Restricted) - IR(R)

    All inclusive price £4,750 in a PA28 or £5,550 in a PA28R includes 15 hours flying, ground school, landing fees, membership and written exam.

    The Instrument Rating (Restricted) IR(R), is a national rating and is sometimes referred to as the IMC rating.

    The IR(R) is a natural step forward for those who have qualified for their Private Pilots Licence. It permits pilots to fly safely in poor weather conditions, in cloud and fly instrument approaches down to the published minima in the same airspace allowed by the PPL, although its real purpose is to ensure that a flight may safely continue should the pilot inadvertently encounter bad weather conditions en-route. It is recommended, however, that an IR(R) holder applies an absolute minimum of 500 ft above ground level during an approach.

    The course consists of a minimum of 15 hours training covering instrument flight, navigation and precision/non-precision approaches.

    There is one theory exam.

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    Instrument Rating

    The Instrument Rating (IR) allows a pilot to fly an aircraft under IFR with a minimum decision height of 200ft (60m).

    An applicant for an IR(A) shall hold a PPL(A) including a night qualification or CPL(A) and shall have completed at least 50 hours cross-country flight time as Pilot in Command in aeroplanes. An applicant for an IR(A) must have completed the theoretical course of instruction (at least 200 hours) and must have passed the theoretical knowledge written examinations.

    The IR is a rating you can get for single or multi engine aircraft. The course consists of:

    • SINGLE ENGINE IR(A)
      At least 50 hours instrument time under instruction of which up to 35 hours may be instrument ground time in an FNPTII simulator.
    • MULTI ENGINE IR(A)
      At least 55 hours instrument time under instruction of which up to 40 hours may be instrument ground time in an FNPTII simulator. The remaining instrument flight instruction shall include at least 15 hours in Multi Engine aeroplanes.

    Note: The holder of a CPL(A) may have the total amount of training required for the IR(A) reduced by 10 hours.

    COMPETENCY BASED IR (CBIR)
    This is designed for pilots who already have instrument flight experience such as an IR(R) holder or someone who has already undertaken instrument training elsewhere, i.e. outside an ATO.

    The course commences with an assessment flight to see how many hours training is needed. This can be as few as 10 hours if taken in a single engine aircraft. It the test is to be taken in a multi engine aircraft a minimum of 15 hours must be flown in the multi.

    There are fewer theory exams but the rating is exactly the same as a full IR.

    All inclusive prices are available to suit those wishing to fly commercially but also those pilots wishing to expand their own flying horizons.

    • Full IR (SEP): £18,850 includes 50 hours training, membership, landing and approach fees and 10 hours ground school.
    • Full MEIR: £22,950 includes 40 hours in SEP, 15 hours in MEP, membership, 10 hours ground school as above.
    • CBIR (SEP): £4,000 per 10 hours all inclusive as above.
    • CBIR (MEP): £14,500 (15 in SEP, 15 in MEP) all inclusive as above.
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    Multi Engine

    All inclusive price £3,750 includes 6 hours flying, ground school, landing fees, written exam and membership.

    Many pilots seek to extend their range and opt for a multi-engine rating. This type rating allows a pilot to fly any twin piston engine aircraft over large conurbations such as London, airspace permitting.

    The multi-engine rating course comprises of a minimum of 6 hours flight training: 2.5 hours general handling and 3.5 hours single engine handling covering all types of emergencies. The course culminates in a flight test and written exam taken at Blackbushe Aviation. The course also requires a minimum of 7 hours ground school.

    The multi-engine class rating is valid for 12 months.

    To revalidate the multi-engine class rating you will need to undertake a proficiency check with an examiner within the 3 months preceding expiry. In addition, if 10 route sectors have not been flown within the 12 months validity period, then a route sector shall also be flown with the examiner during the proficiency check.

    Note: A route sector is at least 15 minutes in the cruise.

    If you hold an IR you will also revalidate this during the proficiency check.

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    Commercial Pilot Licence

    We offer flexible full or part time modular training designed around your needs, not ours at competitive rates. This is aimed at those wanting to fly professionally but we have many students choosing to improve their personal flying by obtaining a CPL. This training can also be done in your own aircraft. We have many commercial instructors ranging from fighter pilots to airline captains and will match you with your ideal fit.

    The Commercial Pilots Licence is a professional licence allowing the holder the privilege of flying for remuneration, carrying passengers, freight or carrying out other aerial work.

    The aim of this course is to train PPL(A) holders to the level of proficiency necessary for the issue of a CPL(A). This course is designed for applicants who do not wish to undertake a full time course of integrated training or who wish to stagger their training by completing approved ‘modules’ of approved training over a period of time.

    The holder of a CPL(A) may:

    • Exercise all the privileges of the holder of an LAPL(A) and a PPL(A)
      Act as PIC or co-pilot of any aeroplane engaged in operations other than commercial air transport.
    • Act as PIC in commercial air transport of any single-pilot aeroplane
      Act as co-pilot in commercial air transport (airlines).

    Training will consist of 25 hours dual flight instruction including: 10 hours of instrument instruction unless the holder has the BIFM or an IR. At least 5 hours of the flight instruction shall be carried out in a complex aeroplane (certificated for the carriage of at least four persons and have a variable pitch propeller and retractable landing gear).

    CPL Packages (PA28/PA28R):

    All inclusive 25 hour course £8,915 – 15 hours in a PA28, 10 hours in a complex.

    All inclusive 15 hour course (with IRr) £5,950 – 10 hours in a PA28, 5 hours in a complex.

    MEP CPL Packages (DA40/DA42):

    All inclusive 25 hour course £10,900 – 15 hours in a DA40, 10 hours in a multi.

    All inclusive 15 hour course (with IRr) £7,200 – 10 hours in a DA40, 5 hours in a multi.

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    Hour Building at Blackbushe Aviation

    Blackbushe Aviation provide all inclusive Hour Building packages for Piper PA28s or Diamond DA40 aircraft.

    Piper PA28 Hour Building Packages

    25 Hours £4,950

    50 Hours £9,850

    Diamond DA40 Hour Building Packages

    25 Hours £6,625

    50 Hours £12,950

    There are many advantages of doing your Hour Building with Blackbushe Aviation.  Our prices are all inclusive of club membership and landing fees at Blackbushe. We have onsite engineering who can assist with any minor Techlog entries extremely quickly, ensuring that our fleet is always kept in the best condition and ready to fly.

    We encourage a club atmosphere with lots of members looking to share flights and costs. We have an active social calendar including Flyouts and BBQs.

    Our instructors are always around to ask questions and they will happily give advice on Weather, Navigation/Routing, and NOTAMs.

    25 hour packages are valid for 6 months and 50 hour packages are valid for 12 months.

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    FLEET

    3 x Sonaca S200s

    Pride of our fleet are three brand new Sonaca S200 training aircraft, G-LKAM, G-LKSM and G-LKDM. These aircraft were bought new for Blackbushe Aviation and are used for basic PPL training. Sonaca S200s are superb training aircraft loved by both our students and instructors. We have had many students gain their PPLs in them.

    2 x Piper PA28s

    We have two four seater Piper PA28 aircraft for basic and advanced training and both aircraft are IFR equipped. G-BICW was Steve's personal aircraft until 2019 when it joined the fleet. Charlie Whisky is a 161 Warrior equipped with twin Garmin G5s and a Garmin 650 GPS Nav/com. G-JJAN is a 181 Archer equipped with a Garmin 430W and twin Garmin G5’s.

    Piper PA28 RT

    G-BOWY is a Piper PA28 Arrow Turbo IV. This complex aircraft is a favourite of our advanced students. WY has a variable pitch propeller, retractable landing gear and is turbocharged. Fitted with Avidyne IFD540 and two Garmin G5’s, this is a great IFR platform. It is also a great long distance touring aircraft with 140kts+ IAS and an advanced Autopilot.

    Diamond DA40 Diamond-Star

    G-OCCN is a brilliant state of the art training aircraft with FADEC engine control and Garmin G1000 avionics and continues our upgrading and modernisation of the fleet. The aircraft has just had a brand new interior fitted and full refurbishment.

    Diamond DA42 Twin-Star

    Our new Diamond DA42 Twin-star is a great Multi-Engine platform and is available for training and private hire. Featuring a new interior and Garmin G1000 avionics, it is a very suitable aircraft for Multi Engine Propeller (MEP), Multi Engine Renewals and Revalidations, Multi Engine Propeller Instrument Rating (MEP IR).

    INSTRUCTORS

    Google Reviews

    "From the very efficient and courteous Reception team to the set up at the Airport you will find a professional and great service. Parking close by with a wonderful cafe. The Pilot Stu made the whole experience magic as I was relaxed, confident and happy during the whole experience. I loved every minute of the flying lesson."

    Andre Hedger

    "After starting my private pilots license at two other schools I decided to finish the license with Blackbushe Aviation. I found that the team there were very professional, well organised and had a great community. The instructors are very well trained and have loads of experience teaching and flying - most of them are airline pilots and really helped me understand the process of becoming an airline pilot. The school has plenty of aircraft to learn in which are all maintained regularly. Overall I couldn't be happier at Blackbushe Aviation."

    Cae Roberts

    "An amazing experience flying a plane that we booked for my nephew who wants to be a pilot one day. He absolutely loved it and Gaelen was just the kindest, most helpful instructor. Thank you so much Blackbushe Aviation. Highly recommend."

    Olga P

    "I did the Aerobatic flight Virgin Experience flight and I have to say it exceeded my expectations. It was seriously fun and made all the better thanks to Adam (the pilot) who was really good and made the experience even more enjoyable."

    Giovanni Derienzo

    "Today I had a flight with Adam Byles of Blackbushe Aviation in a Slingsby T67C Firefly and it was an absolutely thrilling experience. We did a loop the loop twice, once with me at the controls, a barrel role and a spin. I cannot recommend this experience more highly. Adam is a really friendly bubbly chap and he so obviously loves what he does. Believe me you won't regret giving this a go."

    Berkshire Ray

    LOCATION

    We are open 7 days a week from 9am – 6pm | 01252 877727

    Blackbushe Aviation, Blackbushe Airport, Camberley, Surrey GU17 9LB