Virtual PPL

Introduction 

The resources used here are the same as the virtual CPL - the FAA's ACS (Airman Certification Standards), the FAA's Airplane Flying Handbook, the FAA's Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Wiley's Microsoft Flight Simulator X For Pilots: Real World Training, and the FAA's CFR (part 61). Again, if you already have a grasp of basic aeronautical concepts, I would recommend skipping Wiley's book and instead reading the FAA's flying handbook straightaway as it covers a greater range of topics, and it does so in a more in-depth manner. 

The PPL we're aiming for here will be a single-engine land airplane PPL (ASEL). Primarily, there are two parts to the training: theory, and practical. Some of the lessons, for example emergency operations, are easier to understand with a specific aircraft for reference, since every aircraft is built differently and SOPs are slightly different for each aircraft and can be found in the respective POH (Pilot's Operating Handbook). I have selected the Cessna 172 for PPL flight training. 

 https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/cfis/flight-instructor-resources/lesson-plans

FAA PPL Theory

PPL applicants are expected to have a good understanding of the following concepts: 
  1. Air Law 
  2. Accident reporting requirements 
  3. Use of applicable sections of the Aeronautical Information Manual, and FAA circulars 
  4. Use of navigational charts for VFR navigation, using pilotage, dead reckoning, and navigation systems 
  5. Radio communication procedures 
  6. Recognition of critical weather situations from the ground and in flight, windshear avoidance, and the procurement and use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts
  7. Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including collision avoidance, and recognition and avoidance of wake turbulence
  8. Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb performance
  9. Weight and balance computations
  10. Principles of aerodynamics, powerplants, and aircraft systems
  11. Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques
  12. Aeronautical decision making and judgment
  13. Pre-flight action 
    • How to obtain information on runway lengths at airports of intended use, data on takeoff and landing distances, weather reports and forecasts, and fuel requirements
    • How to plan for alternatives if the planned flight cannot be completed or delays are encountered
Relevant resources: 

Skills

Chapter 0: Flying Fundamentals 
  1. Preflight Preparations 
  2. Preflight Procedures
  3. Airport Operations
  4. Take-offs, Landings, Go-Arounds
  5. Performance and Ground Reference Maneuvers 
  6. Navigation
  7. Slow Flight and Stalls
  8. Basic Instrument Maneuvers 
  9. Emergency Operations 
  10. Multi-engine Operations 
  11. Night Flight 
  12. Post-flight Operations


FAA PPL (Airplane) Requirements 

  1. At least 17 years of age 
  2. Hold an FAA Class 3 Medical certificate
  3. Hold a student, sport, or recreational pilot certificate 
  4. Be proficient in written and spoken English. 
  5. Receive logbook endorsement from a CFI who has ensured the student is proficient in both knowledge and practical skills. 
  6. Pass the practical test 
  7. Pass the theory test 
  8. Meet the following requirements:
    • 40 hours total flight time, including at least 
    • 20 hours of instruction, including
      • 3 hours cross-country training 
      • 3 hours of night training including
        • A cross-country flight of at least 100nm 
        • 10 take-offs and full stop landings, with landings flown in the traffic pattern.
      • 3 hours of flight training according to the standards listed in Basic Instrument Maneuvers (VIII, FAA PPL ACS).  
      • 3 hours of training in preparation for the practical test, to be flown within 2 calendar months of the test itself 
    • 10 hours of solo flight training, including 
      • 5 hours of cross-country including
        • A flight of 150nm between take-off and landing locations, with full-stop landings at 3 airports, each landing flown using the pattern. At least 1 segment must be more than 50nm between take-off and landing locations. 
        • 3 take-offs and full-stop landings, flown in a pattern, at controlled airports 

Now obviously, in the flight sim context, some of the requirements can be ignored, such as points 1, 2 and 3. How strictly you want to follow the rest of the requirements really depends on how immersive you want your experience to be. 

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