PPL Training

It has never been easier or more enjoyable to become a pilot. If you are aged 16 or over and 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 JAR Private Pilot's Licence (PPL). This will allow you to fly solo and to carry passengers. The JAR PPL is an international licence allowing you to exercise it's privileges in Europe and the USA.  In next to no time you can hop across the channel for a day trip to France.

To obtain a PPL, you'll need to have at least 45 hours flying experience - the minimum required by the Civil Aviation Authority. Most people, however, take slightly longer. Budget for 50 hours and you won't go far wrong.

You'll need to pass two flight tests, two oral exams, and some written multiple choice exams about subjects such as navigation and meteorology. You'll also need to pass a medical before you fly solo.

PPL Minimum Requirements

Total

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, total distance 150nm

(Before flying solo, you must be in possession of at least a class II medical certificate).

Flight Test

Lasting approximately 2.5 hours and covering all the elements practised during the course including navigation, it is designed to ensure the applicant has achieved the required standard for issue of the licence.

Written Examinations

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

  • aviation law flight rules and procedures
  • navigation
  • meteorology
  • aircraft general knowledge and principles of flight
  • human performance and limitations
  • flight performance and planning

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.

Oral

This examination involves answering questions about the type of aircraft you've flown during your training.

Our staff includes CAA authorised Examiners able to conduct all the above tests and examinations.

Radio Telephony

A pass in both multiple-choice written paper and a practical (simulated flight) exercise are required for the issue of a Flight Radio Telephony Operator's (FRTO) Licence. This licence entitles the holder to operate the radio equipment in the aircraft and is a requirement before the pilot's licence is issued. We have Instructors who will teach the finer points not already learnt whilst flying and our two CAA Authorised FRTO Examiners will see you through the (not very arduous) tests.

Next Steps...

  1. Find out more information - Register and download our syllabus and training articles.
  2. Take a trial flight - Buy online or call us on 01494 529262.
  3. Start learning to fly!
Give the gift of flight - trial flying lessons with Airways Flying Club from £90