The PPL Licence is recognised across the world, and gives you the freedom to pilot an aircraft within your qualified category not just within the UK but worldwide. This licence The privileges of this licence allow you to fly privately (not for remuneration or for any commercial operation). To receive instructional flying you must be at least 14 years of age.

To fly solo you must be 16 and 17 to gain your licence. There is no upper age limit.

What’s involved?

• 45 hours flight training which includes the following:
• 25 hours dual flight instruction.
• 10 hours supervised solo flight time.
• A solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles landing at 2 airfields along the route and then returning to the airfield of departure.

In addition to the flight time there are nine ground exams which you will need to pass.

9 Ground Exams:

• Air Law
• Aeroplane General
• Principles of Flight
• Flight Performance and Planning
• Navigation
• Meteorology
• Human Performance and Limitations
• Operational Procedures
• Communications

On completion of your flight training you will have a Skills Test with a CAA Authorised Examiner to demonstrate the skills learnt.

Once you have passed, your new licence will allow you to fly single engine piston aircraft in daylight hours under VFR (Visual Flight Rules).

Medical Requirements

During your course and before your first solo flight you will be required to undertake a medical examination and to be issued with a Pilot Medical Certificate. For the PPL, this is known as a ‘Class 2’ Pilot Medical.. These are issued by Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs), Doctors who are authorised by the CAA to carry out Pilot Medicals and issue the appropriate certificates. We can advise you on where to find an AME.

Additional Ratings

When you gain your private pilots license, you can then move onto additional ratings to add to your license. These allow you to build on your skills as a pilot, giving you permission to flying in more challenging conditions such as in cloud, and at night.