PPL

Private Pilots Licence

Getting your Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL)

It has never been easier or more enjoyable to become a pilot. If you are prepared to make time for lessons, you too can discover the thrill of flying an aircraft yourself.

You can start with a flying lesson gift experience. Then, once you’ve discovered just how exhilarating the experience is, you can work your way towards achieving a UK Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL). This will allow you to fly solo and to carry passengers. The UK PPL is an international license allowing you to exercise its privileges anywhere in the world. Once you become a UK PPL holder, you can hop across the channel for a day trip to France!

What will I have to do?

To obtain a PPL, you’ll need to have at least 45 hours of flying experience – the minimum required by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This can take longer depending on your commitment and frequency to fly. You’ll need to pass a flight test, a RadioTelephoney practical test, and nine written multiple-choice exams about subjects such as navigation and meteorology. You’ll also need to pass a medical before you can fly solo.

The minimum 45 hours of flight training including:

DUAL – 25 hours of dual training with a qualified instructor.
SOLO – 10 hours of solo flight including:
Five hours of navigation
qualifying cross-country flight involving landings at two other aerodromes, a total distance of 150nm
(Before flying solo, you must be in possession of at least a class II medical certificate).

Flight Test

The Flight Test lasts approximately 2.5 hours and covers all the elements practised during the course including navigation. It is designed to ensure you have achieved the required standard for obtaining a license.

Written Examinations

You will have to sit 9 written, mainly multiple choice examinations with a minimum 75% pass mark in:

Air Law
Aircraft General Knowledge
Flight Planning & Performance
Human Performance & Limitations
Meteorology
Navigation
Operational Procedures
Principles of Flight
Communications

The theoretical exams will be considered complete when a pass in all parts has been achieved within 18 months and will be valid for application within 24 months of successful completion.

Radio Telephony

A pass in both multiple-choice written paper and a practical (simulated flight) exercise is required for the issue of a Flight Radio Telephony Operator’s (FRTO) Licence. This license entitles the holder to operate the radio equipment in the aircraft and is a requirement before the pilot’s license is issued. We have Instructors who will teach the finer points whilst flying, and our CAA Authorised FRTO Examiner will see you through the tests.