Private Pilots Licence (PPL)

What is the PPL?

Private Pilots Licence (PPL) is effectively the aviation equivalent of a drivers licence. When completed with a Single Engine Piston (SEP) Rating, it entitles you to pilot a SEP aircraft privately and with non-commercial passengers. Your PPL is valid for life, but to keep your SEP rating current you will need to fly a specified number of hours a year or pass another skills test.

The PPL is simply an introduction to aviation, it provides you with foundations and the basic skills,  which you can then build experience and add additional flying privileges and ratings.

What are the minimum requirements?

• 45 hours of flight training (Including 10 hours of supervised solo flight time & 25 hours of dual flight instruction).
• At least 5 hours of solo cross country flight time with at least 1 cross country flight of at least 270 km (150 NM) that includes full stop landings at 2 aerodromes different from the departure aerodrome.
• 9 theoretical exams.
• Minimum Class 2 medical, although we recommend a Class 1 medical (for aspiring commercial pilots)
• Flight Radio Telephony Operators Licence (FTROL), required to operate the radio telephony equipment.
• Skill test (At the end of you training you will need to take a skill test with an examiner).

Which are the 9 theoretical exams?

How much will it cost me?

This varies between providers, but anywhere between £7000 to £10,000.

How long will it take?

No minimum or maximum limits, but the CAA requires that all ground school exams be passed in an 18 month period from start to finish. Bearing this in mind, it could take a few months or a few years.

How do I keep my licence current?

Your Private Pilots Licence (PPL) will remain valid for life.

The Single Engine Piston (SEP) rating on your licence will be valid for 2 years. To revalidate the rating you must complete the following:

Pass a proficiency check in a single-engine (single-pilot) aeroplane with an examiner. The proficiency check must take place within the 3 months immediately before the rating’s expiry date.

or

12 hours of flight time in single-engine (single-pilot) aeroplane within the 12 months preceding the rating’s expiry date, including the following:

• 6 hours as pilot-in-command (PIC).
• 12 take-offs and landings.
• A training flight of at least 1 hour (or a maximum of three totalling 1 hour) with the same flight instructor or class rating instructor. If you have already completed a proficiency check or skill test in another type or class of aeroplane, you will not have to complete this training flight.