The advanced flight training program includes several parts, namely: basic instrument flying, in short basic l.F., basic radionavigation, nightflying, basic aerobatics, and the transition to another aircraft type, usually more complex than the model used for the elementary training, possibly even a twinengined one.
Basic I.F. and basic radionavigation are to be covered as part of the JAR/FCL PPL(A) licence. If you aim at the commercial pilot licence, the JAR/FCL CPL (A), which also includes an official theoretical examination, the transition to a more complex aircraft and nightflying are likely to be required. According to the JAR/FCL regulations, the basic aerobatics program is no longer compulsory. It is however strongly recommended that any pilot, and particularly a professional, should get some degree of proficiency in this field, were it only to become more self-confident.
Furthermore, if you consider a career in an airline, you must successfully pass the official theoretical ATPL(A) examination in front of the BCAA, obtain the nightflying qualification and undergo additional training to obtain the IFR qualification, the so-called IR (A), on a twin-engined aircraft (see “IFR FLIGHT TRAINING MANUAL” of the same author). Note that PPL (A) and CPL (A) pilots can obtain the IR(A) for single-engined aircraft only.
The advanced flight training program heavily relies on knowledge which is supposed to have been acquired during the elementary flight training phase. Therefore it is recommended that you should be in possession of the "ELEMENTARY FLIGHT TRAINING MANUAL “, as well as of the associated II PILOT NOTES II to which reference is often made.
As was the case for the elementary flight training, this manual covers the material lesson by lesson. Although all simulator and flight sessions include a briefing, in order to keep these briefings within the allotted time, you should always carefully read the text of each forthcoming lesson and, if necessary, review material pertaining to previous lessons or even to the elementary flight training program. Being informed beforehand of the objectives and procedures which will be studied during that specific lesson will help you to be better prepared, and contributes to a steady progress. Some lessons involve a questionary which should be answered in writing prior to start with the associated training session.
Each part of the training program includes a syllabus showing the subject(s) covered in each lesson, the expected duration of the briefings as well as of the simulator and flight sessions. These syllabi allow you to keep track of your progress and provide a means to calculate the average costs involved. Particularly with regard to the flight sessions, the durations are to the rather conservative side in an attempt to take care of all possible delays which may be encountered due to ATC. The instructor will always try to stay well within the published time limits in order to keep the costs as low as possible. Furthermore, when feasible, two, or even more lessons, can be combined in a single one. Keep in mind however that your training progress may also be slowed by factors such as lack of regularity, whether due to simulator or aircraft availability, weather conditions, or other reasons including a possible slower learning capability.
Assuming that the training aircraft is IFR certificated (and that the instructor is himself IFR qualified), although some weather limitations are still likely to interfere, the basic I.F. and basic radionavigation programs can be carried out in both VMC or IMC: the progress will thus be less influenced by weather conditions than was the case for the elementary training.
After satisfactory completion of both the basic I.F. and the basic radionavigation programs, you will have ample knowledge and proficiency to successfully undergo, without any further delay, the final tests to obtain the PPL(A). In fact, you will practically be able to pass the associated tests required for the CPL(A) but, maybe most important of all, you will have a solid basis, either to carry on as a highly proficient VFR pilot or, if you aim at higher licences and qualifications, to perfect your newly acquired abilities during the required subsequent hours as pilot in command (PIC), possibly with a fellow safety pilot on board. It is indeed essential, particularly if your ultimate goal is a position as pilot in an airline, that your experience as PIC is used as self-training, with a strong sense for self-criticism and not, as is often the tendency, as mere fun time during which the proficiency degrades instead of improving.
You will note that most lessons in the basic I.F. and radionavigation syllabi (as well as the later IFR training) involve two parts: a simulator session followed by the corresponding training in flight. Experience shows that this "parallel training" produces the best results, particularly when one and the same instructor is in charge or that, in case of different instructors; they both act according to the same program and the same principles. However, assuming that this form of parallel training cannot be provided for one reason of for another, the best way is to follow the associated simulator course first, then to complete the training in actual flight.
Good luck !
