Private Pilot’s Licence

A PPL for aeroplanes will allow you to act as pilot-in-command (PIC) in non-commercial operations on aeroplanes or touring motor gliders (TMGs). The exception to this is for holders of a PPL(A) with instructor or examiner privileges, who can be paid for the following:

  • Flight instruction for the LAPL(A) or PPL(A),

  • Conducting skill tests and proficiency checks for the LAPL(A) or PPL(A) and any associated ratings or certificates.

The minimum age to get a PPL is 17 and you will need to hold a Part-MED Class 2 Medical Certificate. You can begin logging hours towards the PPL at 14 and can fly solo at 16.

Training

You must complete a training course at an approved training organisation (ATO) or declared training organisation (DTO).  As part of the application for a private licence, you will need to pass exams in the following subjects:

Common subjects

  • Air law

  • Human performance

  • Meteorology

  • Communications

  • Navigation

Exams specific to the aircraft category

  • Principles of flight

  • Operational procedures

  • Flight performance and planning

  • Aircraft general knowledge

You will need to set up a customer portal account to access Private pilot theoretical knowledge e-exams.

If you successfully pass the theoretical exams for the issue of a private pilot's licence, they will be valid for 24 months for you to submit an application for the PPL issue. This period is counted from the date you complete your last theoretical knowledge examination.

Within these 24 months you must complete the flight training and pass the skill test, otherwise these exams will expire and you will have to retake them.

You will need to complete 45 hours of flight instruction on aeroplanes, 5 hours of which may have been completed in an approved FSTD (flight simulation training device), including at least:

  • 25 hours of dual flight instruction,

  • 10 hours of supervised solo flight time, including 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.

You should also pass a practical exam for the Flight Radiotelephony Operator Licence.

Skill test

At the end of your training, you will need to take a skill test with an examiner in the relevant aircraft type to demonstrate that you can competently carry out the procedures and manoeuvres that you have been taught, while acting as pilot in command (PIC).

You must have had some flight instruction on the same aircraft type or class that you will be taking your skill test in. Generally you will take the test in the same aircraft in which you have been trained.

In practice you will not need to worry about making any bookings for a Skill Test yourself as this is something that your Flying School will do for you when they feel you are ready.