P2 SEIR(A) is a go!

As many of you know, the P2 has been in the works since early 2021. Over the past 1.5 years, the course has presented us with challenges which have required hours of tireless volunteering by the team to overcome and produce the final product. Firstly, I'd like to extend a sincere and massive thanks to:

@Daniel Crookes
@Freddie Charlesworth
@Lewis Hammett
@Tom Knowles
@Firas Bashee
If I forgot your name, please feel free to shout at me!

who have each dedicated enormous amounts of time to get this course complete. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you gents! 🍻

As with the P1, the P2 has required the compiling of reusable old documentation and the creation of new documentation to align the course with the new MCS requirements. A brand new Moodle Course, lesson plan document, and finalized Training Handbook are the result of this effort.

P2 SEIR(A) training will officially commence on 13 July 2022 ✈️

What is the P2?

The VATSIM UK implementation of the P2 SEIR complies with the MCS requirements whilst also aligning the content as close to an EASA IR(A) as possible. The challenge of flying IFR in a single-engined aircraft without a Flight Director or Autopilot is one for flight simulation enthusiasts and real-world pilots alike.

The P2 SEIR(A) has the prerequisite of holding a P1 PPL(A), which does not have to be issued by the VATSIM UK ATO.

The Belfast Clutch was selected as the base of operation for the P2 course - due to being connected to airways and featuring all approach types we need to teach, whilst still having relatively low traffic volumes on the network. For standardization and simplicity, only the C172 and P28A aircraft types may be used for the P2 SEIR(A). A full list of avionics and airframe requirements can be found on the Moodle Welcome screen.

During the P2, students will be taught how to fly every instrument approach available in the UK, how to navigate using VORs along airways, and the workload management required for IFR flights. Once the basic approach types have been taught at either Belfast airport, students will fly 3 navigation flights and a final mock exam to Londonderry, Ronaldsway, and other smaller airports.

For simulator pilots, the P2 will:

• Introduce the theory and practical application of instrument approaches
• Teach IFR navigation techniques
• Improve your workload management in the virtual cockpit

For real-world pilots, the P2 will:

• Consolidate PPL and IR theoretical knowledge
• Offer new knowledge to those who haven't done an IR(R) or IR(A)

Please note that the P2 CANNOT be used to build real-world hours, nor does it replace real-world instruction.

Naturally, the P2 will require some polishing post-launch, such as alterations to lesson plans. We will work to continuously update and improve upon the course as done with the P1! If you find any mistakes, please do get in touch via Helpdesk ticket.

Interested?

Drop us a ticket here expressing your interest in joining the waiting list, and sign up for the Moodle course here - you can complete the Theory Phase whilst you wait for a training place to keep your knowledge fresh and start learning sooner!
Note: A portion of the initial training place allocation will be given to existing and active P1 mentors. This process is handled internally with Pilot Training, however I am more than happy to be transparent with how this is being managed.

Mentors

If you are interested in mentoring for us, please do drop a ticket here or get in touch via Discord!

From my side, I am immensely proud of the work we have been able to do with the fantastic team! I would like to say a special thanks to @Freddie Charlesworth, the previous IFR FI, who poured hours of effort into the P2 and to @Daniel Crookes whose leadership oversaw the initial development. Now its over to you, @Firas Bashee!

I am very excited looking forward to the development plans going forward! The Flying Programme is progressing smoothly......but did someone say P3 ‽ 👀

Safe landings and enjoy the course!
Darren. ✈️