Training
Private Pilot’s Licence
Once you have experienced the freedom of flying in a light aircraft, you will be hooked for life. The Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) course will see you progress from your first flight, to your first solo, to flying around the local area on your own. Once you have achieved your licence, the sky really is the limit. Not only will this licence provide you with the independence to fly your family and friends to see new sights and airfields, but it can also mark the first step in your journey to a career in aviation.
Pre course requirements:
- No flying experience is necessary, but we recommend you complete a trial flight first
- Hold a Class 1 or 2 medical certificate (required before first solo)
- Minimum age for solo flight is 16 years old
- Minimum age to apply for the licence is 17 years old
What does the training involve?
- Minimum of 40 hours of total flight time, which includes dual flight instruction and 10 hours of solo flight
- Minimum of 5 hours of solo cross-country flight time (including the qualifying solo cross-country)
- 9 Theoretical Knowledge exams (ground school is available)
- Practical Radio Telephony Flight Operators Licence (FRTOL) test
- Skill Test
PPL Flying Training
The training is loosely divided into 3 parts: Aircraft Handling Skills, Navigation and Solo Consolidation.
During the Aircraft Handling Skills phase, you will spend 10-15 hours learning how to actually fly. This starts with learning what the controls do, and how to get the aircraft to behave how you need. You will then move into the airfield circuit, improving your take-offs and landings before you are sent off for your first solo circuit! The last part of this phase will involve more solo circuits before you learn how to leave and re-join the airfield. Once you are ready, the next skill to master is navigation.
During the Navigation phase, you will spend 10-15 hours learning how to get to where you want to go. This will involve local flights, navigating to new airfields, stopping for tea, and returning home, helping you practice airfield joins and circuits at a variety of locations. During this part of your training, some flights will be with an instructor, and for some flights you will be solo. Your confidence will soar, and this training will culminate in your solo cross-country navigation exercise. This is a requirement of the course, and must consist of a 150nm route, stopping at two airfields other than the place of departure.
On your successful return, the next lessons will involve brush-up and test preparation ready for your final flying Skill Test. This is nothing to worry about – if we have put you forward for the test – you are ready.
PPL Theoretical Knowledge Exams and RT Test
There are 9 theoretical knowledge exams to be studied for and taken during the time of your PPL training. The subjects are: Air Law, Human Performance, Meteorology, Communications, Principles of Flight, Operational Procedures, Flight Performance & Planning, Aircraft General Knowledge, and Navigation. It is possible to self-study for these exam subjects, but many of our students prefer to attend one of our subject ground school days to learn from our experienced instructors. All the exams are in multiple-choice format and require a 75% pass mark.
You will also need to complete a Practical Radio Telephony Flight Operators Licence (FRTOL) test before your final PPL Skill Test. Throughout your flying training you will develop all the radio communication skills you need to pass this test.
PPL Renewal/Revalidation
Although your PPL is non expiring, your Single Engine Piston (SEP) rating needs to be revalidated every 2 years. Unusually, there is no fee to the CAA to revalidate this rating.
If you have completed 12 hours of flying (including 6 hours PIC and 12 take offs and landings) up to 6 of the required 12 flight hours can be flown in the first year of validity. Revalidation simply involves a 1-hour refresher training flight with an instructor, a sign-off in your logbook, and the completion of CAA paperwork as required.
If you have not achieved the required number of hours, or your SEP rating has expired, you will need to renew your rating. Therefore, you will need to complete refresher training as required with an instructor, followed by a proficiency check with our in-house Examiner, Dave Jelly.