The UK Private Pilots Licence (PPL) allows the holder to fly single engine piston aircraft in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC). The licence ultimately provides a foundation in which you can further build your skills and progress, if you so desire, on to Commercial levels of flying training, unlike the LAPL you can add other ratings, like the Restricted Instrument Rating IR(R), Multi Engine Piston (MEP) to name but a few.

 

Course Requirement:

The PPL course consists of a minimum of 45 hours flying training, 9 multiple choice written exams and a flight test. To begin flying training you must be at least 14 years old. At 16 you are able to fly solo, and apply for the licence at the age of 17. There is no upper age limit.

 

Medical Requirement:

Medical requirement for the PPL is that you hold a Class 2 Medical certificate which can only be carried out by a CAA medical examiner. We generally advise however that this medical examination be completed after your second flying lesson. A list of CAA medical examiners can be found here, or can be provided by the operations staff.

 

Getting Started:

The first step would be to take an air experience flight. This will give you the chance to try flying in a light aircraft without committing to a full course. If you wish to continue training this will count towards your licence and be the first entry in your logbook.