Introduction
Your PPL has arrived from your aviation authority. You are now able to put it to use and fly as pilot in command of single engine piston aircraft. Now to begin your commercial pilot training, you will need at least 150 hours total flight time, including 100 hours as pilot in command and having completed a cross-country flight of at least 300 nautical miles with at least two landings at a different airfield than the departure.
As you most likely finished your PPL with around 50 to 60 hours, you can see there are about 100 hours of flying you need to plan for.
At the same time as hour building, you should be studying and taking your Airline Transport Pilot Licence theory exams. But we will cover this in the next post.
Please note, the information in this blog is directed for European EASA and UK CAA licences. The process for FAA and other licences around the world are different.
Getting Started
It's important to mention, that while the objective of hour building is to meet the requirements to continue onto your commercial training, you shouldn't simply slog out the hours. Some people may book 20 hours or more in one go and fly four or more hours a day for a couple of weeks in order to get the hours done, however this won't really improve your skills all that much. You should make an effort to try new things such as flying through controlled airspace or landing on a grass runway or even flying to another country. Going out of your comfort zone will make you a better pilot and develop your skills which will make it easier for you in the long run.
The most obvious way to begin is to rent your aircraft from the same flying school you learned at. While this is often the easiest option, it may not be the best or cheapest.
At this stage, don't be limited by the aircraft you learned on. It may be better to switch to another type if the hourly cost, availability and ease of access is better. This will require a check flight with an instructor to get you familiarised with the aircraft, however this can also be useful to remind yourself of what you have learned before you begin flying solo.
Renting
Renting is easy to get into without a massive upfront cost. You usually pay by the hour, however you should keep a lookout for hour building packages. These may be offered by clubs or schools by which you prepay a number of hours such as 10 or 20 or even more, thereby giving you a discount on the hourly rate.
Joining a flying club is another way to get cheaper rental costs. These clubs often require an annual fee to be paid for membership which then allows you to rent aircraft from them. The membership can include other benefits such as covering the landing fee and may have free or discounted landing fee arrangements with other partner airfields.
Buying a Share
With some research, you may be able to find a share in an aircraft in your area. This means paying an upfront sum towards and aircraft through which you will own a share of the aircraft, for example 1/5, with four other people also having a share. The benefit of this is that you will get much cheaper hourly rates than if you hired by hour. Then, once you have finished your hour building, you can sell your share onto another person and re-coup the original share price you paid. The availability of the aircraft is generally better than renting and you will be able to take the aircraft away overnight or even for a few days if you arrange this with your group.
You should read the terms of the share very carefully before going down this route. There is usually a monthly cost to go towards the upkeep of the aircraft and there may be an hourly cost for the same reason. You should also be aware that depending on the terms of the share, you may be responsible for the repair or maintenance of the aircraft.
Ways To Reduce Cost
Going abroad - Prices vary greatly around Europe and the world. You will find that rates in Eastern Europe are often significantly cheaper than in Western Europe. It may be worth booking a block of hours and travelling to another country in order to reduce costs. It may be worth it even when factoring in the costs of tickets and accommodation. Not only that, it also builds your experience flying in different countries.
Equal cost, flight sharing - In line with EASA rules, PPL holders may split costs with a passenger on an equal basis. There can be no element of profit but it can drastically reduce your cost per hour. There are online platforms such as Wingly that connect pilots and passengers. I would recommend not going straight into this route after finishing your training. Getting some hours on your own will improve your skills and let you fly where you want before having to keep a passenger in mind.
Renting hour building aircraft - There are aircraft available that are rented out specifically for hour building. These require a minimum booked time that is usually paid upfront. The advantage is the that the hourly rate is usually much cheaper than renting by hour and in some cases you can take the aircraft away for a week or two, allowing you to base it closer to home while you hour build. A disadvantage would be that the aircraft are extensively used and can be old and worn down, so don't expect the most comfortable and fashionable interior.
Conclusion
The most important thing is to make sure you get something out of hour building. Have fun and visit new places, go explore! But also don't forget to complete the 300nm cross-country flight during your hour building.
Try to pace your flying over the course of your ATPL theory exams. You don't want to finish your hour building, months before starting your CPL course or you will be rusty and will have to spend more time remembering the basics.
Speaking of the ATPL theory exams, in the next post, we will cover what you can expect and how to get through the exams.
About The Author
Humzah Sharif - "I am a qualified commercial pilot that finished my training just as the Covid-19 Pandemic hit Europe. I started my training at 18 alongside my university studies and have done my training around Europe, mostly in the UK and Poland, while navigating the issue of Brexit. Since then, I have been working on maintaining my ratings and skills while I try to find an opportunity to achieve my goal of finding employment as a pilot.
Currently, I am working at Flightpath Training as a Marketing and Communications Assistant, which has given me a chance to stay connected to the industry while it recovers."
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