The Student Pilot Podcast

Hosted by Almat Flying Academy

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Latest episode

Sep 2026

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EN-GB

About the show

My name is Simon Kalas, a UK flight school owner. Each week myself and my guests aim to inspire, motivate and support student pilots to achieving their goals of becoming a Private or Commercial Pilot. We discuss, warts and all, what it takes to learn to fly and beyond, sharing our experiences from our team and guests.

Listen to episodes

49 recent

September 20, 202615 min

LAPL Changes - Are you ready? | The Student Pilot Podcast EP #48

In this episode Claire and Cain discuss the upcoming changes to UK LAPL, which are now days away! UK LAPL(A) holders have until 1 October 2026 to transition their rating to the new fixed 24-month validity system under FCL.740.A. Miss the deadline, and you'll need to meet the renewal requirements instead, which means a proficiency check with an examiner. In this episode, we explain what's changing, who it affects, and what you need to do before the deadline to keep flying without disruption. Support the show

June 21, 202617 min

The Captain's Brief - More than just a formality? - The Student Pilot Podcast EP #47

We've just released a new episode of The Student Pilot Podcast, and this one is all about something all pilots should take seriously from day one: the captain's briefing. Whether you're a student pilot, private pilot or instructor, a good briefing can make a huge difference to safety, decision-making, workload management, and overall confidence in the cockpit. We discuss why Captain's Briefings matter, what they should include, how they help passengers and crew understand the plan, and why developing this habit early in your flying journey can make you a safer and more professional pilot. 🎧 Plus: Don't forget to join in our new feature "Aviation Fact Or Fiction". 🔗 FREE Learn to Fly Guide 👍 Like & subscribe for more student pilot content. #StudentPilot #LearnToFly #AviationMotivation #PilotTraining #PPL Captains Brief Sample Support the show

March 29, 202625 min

Help I'm Lost! | | The Student Pilot Podcast EP46

In this episode myself and Claire talk about one of the most common fears student pilots have, getting lost! You will learn what to do if this happens and how to get back home safely with as little drama as possible. We also reveal the answer to last weeks "Aviation fact or fiction". 🔗 FREE Learn to Fly Guide: https://almat.co.uk/product/ulfg-aero/ 👍 Like & subscribe for more student pilot content. #StudentPilot #LearnToFly #AviationMotivation #PilotTraining #PPL ✈️ Support the show

February 28, 202617 min

NPPL vs PPL - Licences Compared | The Student Pilot Podcast #EP45

In this episode Claire and Steve talk about the recent licencing changes, the removal of LAPL and how this may affect you as a licenced or student pilot. We also cover the main differences between NPPL and PPL in the UK, for those of you who are considering starting training. 🎧 Plus: Dont forget to join in our new feature "Aviation Fact Or Fiction". 🔗 FREE Learn to Fly Guide 👍 Like & subscribe for more student pilot content. #StudentPilot #LearnToFly #AviationMotivation #PilotTraining #PPL ✈️ Support the show Support the show

January 18, 202622 min

2026: Realise Your Pilot Goals | The Student Pilot Podcast #EP44

In this episode of the Student Pilot Podcast, Simon and Claire talk about how to: Get started with flight training, restart after a pause ot refocus if progress feels slow We cover the most common reasons students stop flying — time, money, confidence, and momentum — and how to push past them with realistic advice and the right mindset. Whether your goal is your first lesson, first solo, or finally earning your licence, this episode is here to remind you: 👉 The only pilots who don’t make it are the ones who stop showing up. 🎧 Plus: new podcast features for 2026, including Aviation Fact of the Month, Student Clinic, and Aviation Tip of the Month. 🔗 FREE Learn to Fly Guide 👍 Like & subscribe for more student pilot content. #StudentPilot #LearnToFly #AviationMotivation #PilotTraining #PPL ✈️ Support the show

June 27, 202519 min

Threat And Error Management | The Student Pilot Podcast #EP 43

✈️ Episode 43 – Threat and Error Management (TEM) for Student Pilots 🎙️ Welcome back to The Student Pilot Podcast! In this episode, we dive into one of the most important but often overlooked topics in flight training: Threat and Error Management (TEM). As a student pilot, you’re constantly juggling new procedures, weather decisions, airspace awareness, and aircraft control. So how do you stay ahead of the curve and make safe decisions under pressure? That’s where TEM comes in. We’ll cover: ✅ What Threat and Error Management really means ✅ How student pilots can spot potential threats before they escalate ✅ Real-world examples of common errors and how to manage them ✅ Building the mindset of a proactive, safety-conscious pilot Whether you're just starting out or approaching your skills test, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you fly smarter and safer. 🛩️ Subscribe and join us on your journey from student to certified pilot! 🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms. Join the Almat Flying Academy community and let's take flight together. Subscribe to our channel, hit that notification bell, and stay tuned for exciting updates, aviation tips, and incredible flying adventures! Prefer to download / listen? Available on all popular podcast platforms including itunes and Spotify. Ready to embark on your aviation adventure? Contact us today to schedule your first flight or inquire about our training programs and aircraft rental. Phone: 02477 220 399 Email: customerservice@almat.co.uk Website: https://almat.co.uk/ Support the show #StudentPilot #FlightTraining #PilotPodcast #ThreatAndErrorManagement #AviationSafety #PrivatePilot #LearnToFly #PilotInTraining Support the show

April 27, 202511 min

Are you flying illegally? | The Student Pilot Podcast #EP42

In this episode we talk with Steve Mason about if you maybe flying illegally, and not even realise it! We go through whats required to keep legal in terms of currency, for a UK PPL and LAPL licences, including the 90 day passenger rule, for those taking passengers. We hope you find this helpful! Blues skies and safe flying everyone! Support the show

February 16, 202515 min

Your First Solo! | The Student Pilot Podcast #EP41

Myself and Claire talk about the First Solo flight during PPL and LAPL training. What to expect, when it may happen, some tips to make it easier and we also reflect on our own First Solo Experiences. Join the Almat Flying Academy community and let's take flight together. Subscribe to our channel, hit that notification bell, and stay tuned for exciting updates, aviation tips, and incredible flying adventures! Prefer to download / listen? Available on all popular podcast platforms including itunes and Spotify. Ready to embark on your aviation adventure? Contact us today to schedule your first flight or inquire about our training programs and aircraft rental. Phone: 02477 220 399 Email: customerservice@almat.co.uk Website: https://almat.co.uk/ Support the show

January 27, 202515 min

EP40 Licencing Changes Coming? | The Student Pilot Podcast

In this episode myself and Steve Mason talk about the proposed licencing changes that may come into play in 2025. This is a must watch if you are currently training or already hold a valid licence. Ready to embark on your aviation adventure? Contact us today to schedule your first flight or inquire about our training programs and aircraft rentals. Phone: 02477 220 399 Email: customerservice@almat.co.uk Website: https://almat.co.uk/ At Almat Flying Academy, aviation is our passion, and safety is our priority. Our flight instructors bring a wealth of experience, and some of them hold ATPLs (Airline Transport Pilot Licences) and currently work for airlines. This real-world expertise ensures that your training is not only comprehensive but also aligned with industry standards. Get Our FREE Learn to Fly Guides If you are looking to learn to fly or have started already but feel you haven't got all of the information you need, we have FREE Learn to Fly Guides for PPL / LAPL, Flight Instructors and Commercial Pilots. These include detailed information on the training process and realistic budgeting. So they are useful wherever you choose to train. Get them here - https://almat.co.uk/product-category/learn-to-fly/ Support the show

December 28, 202414 min

The Exam Trap - How to avoid it | Student Pilot Podcast #39

In this episode myself and Claire talk about the importance of completing the theory exams in a timely manner and the potential trap you can fall into if you don't. Strap in, this episode could save you money! Resources in this episode FREE Question Bank Theory Training videos for all 9 PPL and LAPL subjects CAA website If you would like to support the channel, you can via Buy Me A Coffee. We appreciate your support. https://buymeacoffee.com/infoep Ready to embark on your aviation adventure? Contact us today to schedule your first flight or inquire about our training programs and aircraft rentals. Phone: 02477 220 399 Email: customerservice@almat.co.uk Website: https://almat.co.uk/ At Almat Flying Academy, aviation is our passion, and safety is our priority. Our flight instructors bring a wealth of experience, and some of them hold ATPLs (Airline Transport Pilot Licences) and currently work for airlines. This real-world expertise ensures that your training is not only comprehensive but also aligned with industry standards. Get Our FREE Learn to Fly Guides If you are looking to learn to fly or have started already but feel you haven't got all of the information you need, we have FREE Learn to Fly Guides for PPL / LAPL, Flight Instructors and Commercial Pilots. These include detailed information on the training process and realistic budgeting. So they are useful wherever you choose to train. Get them here - https://almat.co.uk/product-category/learn-to-fly/ Support the show