Pager Power are aviation experts who provide assessments and advice to developers of solar, wind, and building developments. To ensure the company’s expertise and knowledge in this area remains up-to-date, we encourage staff members to undertake additional training to further hone their skills. On this basis, Michael Sutton decided to study towards passing the official theoretical exams, produced by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), that are needed to earn a Private Pilots License (PPL).
At the start of June, Michael passed the Air Law module, the first of nine that make up the PPL theory. He achieved a mark of 93 having needed 75 to pass.
Air Law Module
The syllabus covered a wide range of topics from relevant legislation, to runway lighting and markings, to the rules should you be intercepted by a military aircraft. The module also included the deviation of UK rules from the EU rules following Brexit in 2020.
The most relevant parts of the module for the services which Pager Power provide relate to:
- Airspace structure – Defined as the physical dimensions of the elements into which the airspace is divided. Airspace can be split into various classes, types, and sectors, all with differing rules. The airspace in which a project resides will dictate the level of safeguarding, the relevant stakeholders, and the potential planning restrictions.
- Airspace restrictions – Including Danger Areas, Restricted Areas, and Prohibited Areas – both permanent and temporary. A project proposed close to or within an airspace restriction will have to be considered carefully to understand whether they can safely coexist.
- Airspace hazards – A wind turbine or tall building will often become an airspace hazard if it is the dominant obstacle in the area. It is vital that a project is considered fully to ensure it is not a significant hazard and can coexist with other hazards in the area.
- Air Traffic Services (ATS) – Provided to prevent collision between aircraft in flight or on the ground, and to prevent collisions between aircraft and obstructions. Different levels of ATS are provided at different locations, which will impact how a project may affect a radar operator providing coverage in the area.
Remaining Modules
The completion of the first module starts the clock on the 18 month timeframe in which all nine modules need to be completed. The remaining eight modules are as follows:
- Operational procedures.
- Aircraft general knowledge.
- Principles of flight.
- Meteorology.
- Human performance and limitations.
- Navigation.
- Communications.
- Flight performance and planning.
The knowledge acquired in these modules will allow Pager Power to improve the quality of the aviation reports, and provide additional expert advice to clients.
Be sure to check back for future updates on Michael’s progress over the next few months as he makes his way through the modules!
Pager Power
Pager Power can assess the potential impacts of solar, wind, and building developments upon surrounding aviation infrastructure and operations. We pride ourselves on our longstanding relationships with various national stakeholders across the world. This global consultation has provided our technical team with expertise in international legislation and guidance, including Eurocontrol and ICAO guidelines.
For more information about what we do, please get in touch.
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