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© 2003 Swords Aviation Ltd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
What aircraft do you operate and what is their role?
What is so special about these aircraft?
What is the difference between a Mark 4 or 5 and a Mark 3 Jet Provost?
What about the airframe life and what is the aircraft Fatigue Index?
Why do you have live ejection seats when other groups don't?
What are fuel costs for the Swords Aviation syndicate?
Is jet flying within the ability of a typical PPL?
How long does it take to go solo?
How long does it take to become qualified?
Is there a lot of ground study?
Where can I get the manuals for the ground study?
Can I undertake training at a pace that suits me?
Can I do my initial training on either aircraft?
What happens if I cannot reach the required standard?
What kind of supervision do I get during training?
What supervision is available after I qualify?
After I qualify do I have to undertake further tests?
Are ex-military instructors going to make me achieve exacting RAF standards?
Do you have civil as well as ex-military instructors?
What about advanced training?
Why are you based at North Weald?
Why do you use other airfields?
What are the minimum qualifications for membership?
How is the group run?
So who are the other members?
Can I come and have a trial flight?
Is jet flying very expensive?
How can I compare costs of different groups?
How do I know whether jet flying is for me?
What aircraft do you operate and what is their role?
We operate two Jet Provosts which are training aircraft and have side by side seating making them ideal for all types instruction from basic handling to advanced aerobatics and formation. The Jet Provost is an easy to fly jet aircraft and in this respect is extremely suited to the role of jet flying training and private ownership. It also has a 30 year history of service in the RAF giving the advantage of many years of acquired wisdom.
What is so special about these aircraft?
Both our aircraft are unique. G-PROV is the only Mk52 still flying and saw combat service (and sustained minor damage from hostile ground fire. It is a genuine warbird. G-VIVM is the only surviving prototype of the Mk 5 series. Both are in beautiful condition and have very low hours and fatigue.
What is the difference between a Mark 4 or 5 and a Mark 3 Jet Provost?
The Mark 4 and Mark 5 Jet Provost have the later more powerful version of the Viper engine which delivers 2450 lbs of thrust compared with 1750 lbs of the Mark 3 aircraft. This 40% increase in power turned the Jet Provost from a slightly underpowered trainer into a sprightly much faster aircraft. The Mark 4 and 5 have a cruising speeds of 220 - 240 kts compared to the 165 kts of the Mark 3. Climb rate and climb speeds are also far higher. We do not operate the Mk 3 aircraft.
What about the airframe life and what is the aircraft Fatigue Index?
Military aircraft have their lives measured by fatigue rather than only on hours flown. Each aircraft is fitted with a fatigue meter that is read by the engineers once a month and a 'Fatigue Index' calculated. Our aircraft are only half way through their lives and have many years of life left in them. Out Mk 52 has only 1700 hrs and 61% fatigue life used. Our Mk5 has more hours but a very low fatigue life of 51%. These are much lower than any other syndicated aircraft that are available. In addition our aircraft have not had any additional limitations imposed on them unlike some other syndicate Jet Provosts. You should ask these questions before buying into a group and compare answers.
Why do you have live ejection seats when other groups don't?
Safety is our absolute top priority. We believe, as do the CAA, that ex-military jet aircraft should maintain as much of their original safety equipment as possible. We have retained live seats, main and emergency oxygen systems and personal survival packs (PSP) which contains the dinghy and emergency survival aids. As owners we feel it would be foolish to try to overturn five decades of military experience in jet safety. In the extremely unlikely event of catastrophic emergency necessitating the abandonment of the aircraft then the only way out of a jet is via the ejection seat. Although the CAA recommend that ejection seats be kept live they do not require it on the Jet Provost type aircraft and therefore some operators feel that the expense of maintaining them is not worth the extra protection offered. We believe our live ejection seats are absolutely vital and worth every penny.
What are fuel costs for the Swords Aviation syndicate?
We get a discount on fuel from the main volume provider at North Weald because we are a significant user. Other operators on the field sometimes claim lower costs but in actual fact they just receive the same discount that we do! We take every opportunity to get low cost fuel, either by going to other airfields to uplift fuel or going to events.
Is jet flying within the ability of a typical PPL?
There are several different types of ex-military jet. The Jet Provost, although a considerable step up from a light piston single aircraft, is one of the easiest jet aircraft to fly and is well within the capabilities of an average PPL given proper training. The more sophisticated aircraft such as the Hawker Hunter and Folland Gnat require a certain aptitude and may not be within the ability of some private pilots.
How long does it take to go solo?
This really is the how long is a piece of string question. A lot as always depends on weather and continuity, however a reasonably able PPL should be able to solo in 5 - 10 hours depending on previous experience if weather, continuity and ability allow.
How long does it take to become qualified?
To qualify to become 'Self Authorising' (not needing direct authority from instructor to fly) and carry passengers new pilots will have to undertake all four basic training modules, a written test and a flight test. With good weather, continuity and good ability this can be achieved in as little as 20 flights. It is a safe and competent standard that is required, not a specific number of hours or flights, and conversion training will be as short or long as it takes to reach the required standard and cover the syllabus items.
Is there a lot of ground study?
Yes. There is ground study to be done. The time spent on ground study is around the same as the amount of time spent in the aircraft. The Jet Provost Flying Training Manual details the flying exercises and forms the basis of briefings from your instructor. The Flight Manual / Pilots Notes contain all the technical knowledge that is required to pass the written exam. In addition checks need to be learned from the Flight Reference Cards (checklist). Overall the flying and ground training occur simultaneously.
Where can I get the manuals for the ground study?
Swords Aviation provide all the manuals, Flight Reference Cards and training aids needed for a complete and thorough training. There is a charge for the manuals to cover photocopying and stationary.
Can I undertake training at a pace that suits me?
Yes. Training can be undertaken at whatever pace you feel is best for you. Some people do training over several consecutive days whereas others prefer one or two flights a week. Obviously long gaps between flights will delay progress as some work will need to be repeated. The instructors will push you along at a pace which is appropriate for you.
Can I do my initial training on either aircraft?
Yes. Most people pick the aircraft which they prefer. Either can be used for initial training and they both share the more powerful 2500 lbs thrust version of the Viper engine.
What happens if I cannot reach the required standard?
Although the Jet Provost is well within the ability of most private pilots occasionally we do come across people who, for whatever reason, cannot reach the required standard for safe unsupervised operation. In these cases the instructors will be totally honest with the individual concerned and inform the student that full qualification is unlikely.
What kind of supervision do I get during training?
The instructors will keep a close eye on you during your training. All your training flights will be recorded on your training record (which you have open access to) so that all the instructors can monitor your progress and address training flights accordingly. Any solo flights will be closely supervised and you will be fully briefed by the instructor before undertaking any of them.
What supervision is available after I qualify?
The instructors are on hand to offer help and advice through all your flying with Swords and they will be especially attentive during the period immediately after you qualify. They will also assist where necessary for instance in helping brief your first passenger. You will find their advice useful during future 'Dual Checks'.
After I qualify do I have to undertake further tests?
Yes there are currency requirements that must be adhered to and regardless of currency a 'Dual Check' with an instructor will be conducted every six months. During this flight you will be expected to show the instructor that primarily you are a safe pilot. You will practice emergency drills and general handling and awareness as well perhaps aerobatics or formation flying for more advanced pilots. These 'Dual Checks' are not only to maintain standards but are a chance for pilots to try new things and receive feedback on their strengths and weaknesses. In addition all pilots must complete the written technical exam once a year.
Are ex-military instructors going to make me achieve exacting RAF standards?
No. The ex-military instructors will teach as per the standard RAF way of operating the Jet Provost. They do not expect perfection - their aim is to make sure that you are safe even if you are not perfect. They have all been chosen for their keenness and understanding of civil aviation as well as their high degree of ability and instructional skill. The instructors are one of our biggest assets.
Do you have civil as well as ex-military instructors?
We have a civil instructor who very experienced pilot with 20 years of flying experience and currently flies for British Airways. He is very experienced at converting civil pilots to the Jet Provost.
We are the only group that have two Jets with the same (higher powered) engine and this makes them ideal for aerobatic training, display training and formation training. Tailchasing although demanding is the best fun you can have with your clothes on! High altitude training can also be conducted as the aircraft have full oxygen sets. Most importantly of all our instructors have had a wealth of experience and know how to how to impress on new pilots all the safety implications. Once you have flown jets and undertaken some advanced training you will immediately notice how much of a better pilot you will have become.
Why are you based at North Weald?
North Weald is ideal in location for many of our members being just outside London. It also boasts a top engineering company staffed by very experienced ex-service personnel who maintain our aircraft. North Weald also allows us free landings as we are members of 'The Squadron' who help run the airfield and provide the cafeteria and bar.
Why do you use other airfields?
We use other airfields during our navigation sorties to acquaint members with the circuit procedures at different airfields. Using other airfields provides a variety of flying and enjoyment to our members.
What are the minimum qualifications for membership?
New members must have an ICAO recognised pilots licence (fixed wing) and valid medical. The National Private Pilots Licence (NPPL) is not ICAO recognised and because of the licence restrictions cannot be used as a basis for the granting of a Single Turbojet Exemption. There is however no minimum hours requirement.
The group is run by its members for its members. what this means in practice is that jobs are shared out among the members. None of the owners gets paid for any work they do for the group. Accounts are detailed and completely open so every owner knows exactly where every penny has gone - nothing is hidden.
The other members are from all walks of life - most are keen private pilots but we also have professional airline pilots. The owners are an active bunch and often found in the bar at 'The Squadron'. We arrange flights to various airfields in the UK for events, organise away training camps and often meet socially.
Can I come and have a trial flight?
Yes you can come and have a trial flight to see if you enjoy the experience. Please contact us to arrange a flight with one of our pilots.
In fact it is not as expensive as might be imagined. In flying terms it is probably the same cost as flying an up market light twin and cheaper than a turbine helicopter.
How can I compare costs of different groups?
Our costs are based on exactly what the aircraft cost to run, with annual subscriptions paying for the fixed costs and the 'per sortie' cost covering the consumables (tyres, brakes, oils) used on each sortie, there are no hidden costs and group members get a copy of the accounts at least quarterly. Remember that we have both aircraft fitted and run to the same high standard as when they were in service, with the same safety equipment and 'live' seats. You won't ask about the costs in the unlikely event that you need the safety features! Our members have weighed up the options of removing all the safety features (as other groups have done) versus having a slightly higher cost base and voted to be safe. If you would like to understand the costs, we will spend time with you at North Weald explaining the detail behind the cost rates.
How do I know whether jet flying is for me?
By becoming a trial member you can fly with one of our instructors and see if you think jet flying is for you. Our instructor can also answer all your questions. See our contact page for more details of how to get in touch. We are always happy to answer questions.