The new PPL syllabus, introduced by the JAA in 1999, reduced the amount of a student’s instrument flying from four to one hours. The CAA says that, ‘Whilst this might be adequate for flight over land, it places a student who has to fly over the sea at a disadvantage.
The new PPL syllabus, introduced by the JAA in 1999, reduced the amount of a student’s instrument flying from four to one hours. The CAA says that, ‘Whilst this might be adequate for flight over land, it places a student who has to fly over the sea at a disadvantage.’
This follows an incident in which a student pilot, on solo cross-country, became confused and disorientated when returning to Guernsey. The aircraft was seen to be tracking south instead of west. The pilot panicked and said he was spatially disorientated. He descended and became more relaxed on sighting land, but was still unable to fly straight and level. He did land safely.
The CAA has written to all flying schools in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, strongly recommending that additional training is given students before they fly solo over water.
