The Private Pilots Licence (PPL) is aimed at pilots who wish to fly both within the UK and abroad. Pilots can take additional courses and add Night Qualifications, IMC, Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings. You can even take a course in Advanced Handling and Aerobatics and take part in competitions!

Everyone who studies for their PPL finds the flight training part of the course the most exciting; you should be aware that you will need a great deal of determination, motivation and patience, particularly in the early stages.

The Course

During your flying training you will have to complete a minimum flight time of 45 hours. Of this 45 hours, a minimum of 25 hours will be under dual instruction, and at least 10 hours of solo flying must be carried out including at least 5 hours solo 'cross country' time; this will include a qualifying 'cross country' flight of at least 270 km (150 nm), during which you will land at two aerodromes other than your home airfield.

The minimum dual and minimum solo hours equal 35 hours, which leaves 10 hours to be completed as either dual or solo flight, or partly of each.

Prior to each flight throughout the course, whether dual or solo, you will have a detailed pre-flight brief with your instructor, who will go through each element of the exercise. After the flight, there will be a thorough debrief, when you will be encouraged to discuss the flight with your instructor and when he/she will answer any questions you may have.

The early parts of your training will be spent in local areas around your home airfield, when you will learn how to handle the airplane is a safe fashion. This is followed by 'circuit training', this is where you learn how to take-off and land the airplane safely. When you have confidently flown your first solo circuit, you will then progress learning how to navigate your aircraft from point to point. A description of the air exercises that you will be instructed in to meet the JAA requirements are listed below.

Practical Tests

The PPL involves one 'Skills' test consisting of 2 distinct parts:

The first part of the test is a navigation leg. The flight examiner will ask you to plan and fly a route with a diversion. It is designed to ensure that you can safely navigate and manage the flight before moving on to the second part of the test.

After completing the navigation leg, you will complete the second and final part of the test, general handling and emergency procedures. This consists of basic and steep turns, flying slowly & stalling, circuits (taking off & landing in different configurations) and a simulated engine failure.

The test itself is merely a demonstration of the flying skills acquired during training. You will not be asked to demonstrate anything which has not been taught during the training.

Initially, many people are apprehensive about the test, but you should relax. Our examiners are highly qualified and experienced 'FRIENDLY' people who know what they are looking for. They are not trying to catch you out. Treat the test like any other flight and you will find that it is an enjoyable experience...especially when you here the word 'congratulations'!

Medical Examination

All pilots must undergo an aviation medical (Class 2 for PPLs) conducted by a CAA authorised medical practitioner – You can see a current list of names and addresses of AME’s (authorised medical examiners) at the CAA’s Safety Regulation Group website under the section 'personnel licensing'. Check out the web links page on our site for the address.

Theory (Ground) Examinations

In addition to the flying hours requirement, there are 7 ground examinations to be passed. The NPPL uses all the standard JAR PPL exams as follows:

• Aviation Law
• Navigation and Radio Aids
• Meteorology
• Aircraft General and Principles of Flight
• Human Performance and Limitations
• Flight Performance and Planning
• Communications (written & practical)

For further information on our Ground School programs click here

Prices

Cessna 150: £4,950

PA-28 Cherokee: £5,400

PA-28 Warrior: £6,500

Slingsby Firefly: £6,750

Prices are for 45 hours flight training and include VAT, approach & landing fees at homebase. If you are already partway through a course and need to complete it, please call us for a quotation.