Fellsteruk wrote:So I'm still doing PPL and want to move on to aero rating afterwards but I've been tempted to go an do a 30 min experience flight before i get my PPL...
Question is, whilst i appreciate the time cannot be counted towards my PPL or aero rating, can or should i still log it in my log book, i mean it's experience isnt it?
Or would that cause red flags or issues when applying for my PPL?
First of all, all the very best with the rest of your training - and if you enjoy aeros, fly aeros.
Second, always remember that your logbook is YOUR logbook - you can write anything you like in it, just so long as the required facts are all present and correct. The only "red flags" will be for time flying a Parker Pen - remember that what you write can be (and occasionally is) cross-checked against aircraft and airfield records. The odd minute or two of difference is normal - but claiming a flight that never took place will be the red flag you don't want.
Next, all the hours you do fly "count" as experience, and they all count toward the issue of ratings unless explicitly excluded - for example, the "10 hours post licence issue" for a LAPL-holder to carry a passenger still apply even if the pilot took considerably more than the minimum hours to complete the LAPL course. You can even write flights with a PPL-friend in your log book, just so long as you log your "operating capacity" as "SNY" (supernumerary) and the hours
don't count toward the totals.
Finally, whilst for the PPL rating there are a number of minimum hours you need (minimum dual, minimum solo, minimum cross-country etc) for the rating, but there's nothing saying you can ONLY cover exactly the PPL syllabus during the dual time. Flying should be fun, so if your instructor is willing and the plane is suitable, the odd loop or roll just puts a smile on your face - and you learn much faster when you're smiling.