The U.K. PPL - Private Pilots Licence Podcast ✈️

In this episode, we demystify the PPL flight computer — the circular “whizz-wheel” every student pilot learns to use. You’ll discover how it helps you calculate wind correction angles, headings, groundspeeds, and fuel burn. Ideal for anyone preparing for the navigation flight exam or their first solo cross-country.

In this episode, we demystify the PPL flight computer — the circular “whizz-wheel” every student pilot learns to use. You’ll discover how it helps you calculate wind correction angles, headings, groundspeeds, and fuel burn. Ideal for anyone preparing for the navigation flight exam or their first solo cross-country.

In this episode, we explore the practical factors that affect navigation in real flight — wind, temperature, pressure, performance, and magnetic variation. Learn how each one changes the way we plan, calculate, and correct our routes in the air. Ideal preparation for the U.K. PPL Navigation exam and real-world cross-country flying.

In this episode, we explore the practical factors that affect navigation in real flight — wind, temperature, pressure, performance, and magnetic variation. Learn how each one changes the way we plan, calculate, and correct our routes in the air. Ideal preparation for the U.K. PPL Navigation exam and real-world cross-country flying.

In this episode, we bring together the building blocks of navigation — direction, distance, speed, time, and position. Learn how pilots apply these principles in flight planning and real-world flying, including tracks, headings, drift, and the all-important triangle of velocities. Perfect for your U.K. PPL navigation studies.

In this episode, we bring together the building blocks of navigation — direction, distance, speed, time, and position. Learn how pilots apply these principles in flight planning and real-world flying, including tracks, headings, drift, and the all-important triangle of velocities. Perfect for your U.K. PPL navigation studies.

In this episode, we explore the essential charts every U.K. pilot uses — how they’re designed, what information they show, and how to read them accurately. You’ll learn about scales, airspace boundaries, terrain colours, symbols, and how to use charts for route planning and navigation checks.

In this episode, we take a detailed look at how the curved surface of the Earth is represented on flat charts. You’ll learn about map projections, scales, symbols, chart datums, and how pilots use them in everyday flight planning. Perfect for your U.K. PPL navigation exam and your first cross-country flights.

In this episode, we explore how pilots use time for navigation — from understanding UTC and local time, to calculating flight durations, converting time zones, and applying the 1-in-60 rule. We’ll cover everything you need to know about time for your U.K. PPL theory exams and real-world flying.

In this episode, we dive into the foundation of all pilot navigation — the Earth itself. Before we can understand charts, compasses, or headings, we need to grasp how our planet is shaped, measured, and mapped for aviation. Perfect for anyone studying for the Navigation section of the U.K. Private Pilot Licence ground exams.

Hello and welcome to The Pilot’s Briefing, where we chat about everything to do with general aviation here in the U.K. — from flying your first circuit to crossing controlled airspace like a pro. I’m Mike, your host and fellow private pilot, and today we’re diving into something that can make or break your confidence in the cockpit — radio calls in controlled airspace.