Getting NOTAMS, Aerodrome Charts, Amendments and other relevant information.

NATS Aeronautical Information Service

"The best source of information for pilots within the UK"

NATS is the mayor provider of aeronautical information around the UK as a specified service under the Air Traffic Services Licence granted to NATS by the Minister of State for Transport. NATS has supported many pilots with all its useful facilities parting from Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and Aerodrome Charts published with the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), as well as updates of aeronautical charts, airspace's and other amendments.

If this is the first time you have heard about NATS, this is how the page looks like:

I think we have to go through it! The site is pretty simple and complete, all you need to do is navigate along the top menu. If you are planning a trip towards any airport or aerodrome around the UK, you have to click on IAIP > Aerodrome Index - Specific and you will be directed to a section showing all the aerodromes ordered alphabetically, see the example below:

All you need to do is click on your preferred aerodrome and you will get a list of PDF files showing traffic patterns, SID's, STAR's, Aerodrome Chart and Textual Data. 

For those pilots who have the Pooley's Guide, I would really recommend you to refer to the AIP Charts due to they will have been updated by its scheduled time without spending around £70 for a new revision guide. All the AIP Charts are available for free and delivered in very well detail.

Here is the Elstree Chart below (example):

Other information that we as a pilots concern are potential hazards within our track and the most indicated place to carry out this revision is through the NOTAM section next to the IAIP button. You will have to create an account first and then you will be redirected to this section below: 

You can select your desired option and all the information for each section are disclosed underneath. All you need to do is type your departure and destination aerodrome, flight rules, altitude if requested and finally you will get the actual report for the whole UK or even a zone within a time period you have selected (This is done by selecting "Narrow Route Brief").

Before we end, if you have not heard about this stunning website, I will recommend you to sign up right now and you will get all the information you need in front of you. NATS registrations are not subjected to any monthly memberships, it is absolutely free and useful for all the pilots. 

Click here to visit NATS

And if you have any queries do not hesitate to drop a message to our Facebook page by clicking here. We will answer you as soon as possible.

Medical Certificates for pilot training

 Medical Certificates for pilot training

Handling an aircraft involves a high level of responsibility and is extremely important that the future pilot meets all the medical standard regarding eyesight, hearing, mental health, motion etc for a safe operation of the aircraft and its occupants.

Am I fit to flight?

This is an interrogation you must take in account before undertaking a flight course. Bear in mind that you know yourself, so my advice to you is carry out a self evaluation that includes: 

Diet: Make sure you have a balanced diet, the more fat you consume the higher the increase of maths and along with it your blood vessels can be threatened. Notice that there are weights and blood pressure restrictions for flying.

Movements: There is no much to say about this. Just make sure you haven't got any difficulties when walking.

Psychologically: This is the most important part taken by pilots and airline employers because bad thoughts and negativity can lead to harmful disasters. Since the Germanwings accident has been proven that the first officer has passing through a big depression. He refused to open the cabin door while the captain, desperately, was attempting to open it. No response by the FFO... So, to sum up this if you have though about suicide, homicide or expressing an unsatisfaction of the life, just get rid of those thoughts because it can be harmful for your future career and you will not pass your medical.

All the information above will be reflected on your medical certificate.

EASA Medical Certificates

There are two main types of medical certificates for its own purpose both of them under the CAA which is an organism linked with EASA.

Class 2 Certificate

The Class 2 Certificate allows you to be eligible for a Private Pilots License (PPL), Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) and National Private Pilots License (NPPL) all of them pertaining to a Flight Crew License. This is the main requirement for the  licenses listed above. Getting a Class 2 Certificate is pretty straight forward. You have to book and appointment with your preferred AME (Aviation Medical Examiner) and he will carry out an inspection which includes: Hearing, eyesight, movements, breathing, urine test and you will be asked to fill a form with regards the psychological test. The examination last in between 20 to 25 minutes. The fees for the Class 2 Certificate are normally between £120 - £180 (Depending on the centre chosen). 

If you are interested to book an appointment I'll drop the link that redirects you to the CAA webpage (AME section) you will find a list of all the authorized Class 2 AME's with all contact details and address. CAA Medical Examiners Database Search (Click here) 

Your Class 2 Medical will be valid for 5 years if you are under 40 y/o (Otherwise you have to renew it every 24 months and if you are 60+ the renewal will be yearly).

If you want to promote to professional training (CPL onwards) you must apply for a "Class 1 Certificate"

Class 1 Certificate

The Class 1 certificates comprises the same parts as a Class 2 with the difference of the examination is tougher. The main requirement is an optical report in the case you wear glasses to confirm your are within the myopia and astigmatism levels. The examination can take up to 4 hours where you will be asked several questions with regards previous medical examinations and its results, medical history or whether your medical certificate has been revoked due to unfitness. The exam will include the following: Medical history, ECG (Electrocardiogram), Physical Examination, Lung function test, Eyesight, Haemoglobin test and urine test (for more information click here). The certificate issue takes place in the same day and its validity period is 1 year if you are under 40 y/o otherwise your medical must be renewed every 6 months.

There are very few centres that undergo a Class 1 examination, the main one is located at the CAA building at Gatwick Airport. You must arrange your appointment in advance and send your application form (which can be found by clicking here) its fees hangs around £300-£360.

Notice that if you have not started a PPL course you can decide whether applying for a Class 1 straight away or a Class 2 then proceeding to the Class 1 before starting your Night Rating and ATPL Theory.

If you have any queries do not hesitate to drop a message via the Facebook Page.

Qantas flight grounded due to suspicious WI-FI Hotspot

Breaking News!! 

"Qantas flight threatened by a WI-Fi hotspot"

Greetings everyone. How would you feel if you find a network that can represent a threat for your entire flight? That is what happened recently in Perth, Australia.

A Qantas flight scheduled to depart from Perth to Melbourne has been grounded and delayed after 40 passengers refused to board the aircraft due to a mobile hotspot named "Mobile Detonation Device". One of the passengers reported to the cabin crew affirming that is a sort of "threatening game". 

Apparently the person responsible of this "joke" did not want anyone to connect to his network in order to save his data, but on the attempt of making people away of the hotspot the things went too far out.

Plenty of people give their WiFi network a scary-sounding name to ward off potential free-loaders. Normally, it’s not any big deal. But if you’re getting ready to board a plane you may want to temporarily change it or just leave your hotspot shut off… unless you’re cool risking a one-on-one visit with a disgruntled airport security staffs with a pair of rubber gloves.

How would you feel if you encounter this sort of threatening games when boarding an aeroplane? You can leave your comments and opinions on the Facebook page (Click here).