YOUR FIRST LICENCE · PPL(A)
Private Pilot Licence
Build the skills to fly privately, with a foundation for further ratings or a professional flying career.
Course summary
The PPL(A) is the club’s recommended starting licence. You learn aircraft handling, navigation, planning and decision-making, progressing from lessons with an instructor to supervised solo flying and a skill test. It permits private flying within the privileges of the ratings and medical you hold; it is not itself a commercial pilot qualification.
Entry requirements
- No previous flying experience is required.
- Minimum age 16 for solo flight and 17 for licence issue. Discuss starting lessons earlier with the club.
- An appropriate medical is required before solo flight; a Class 2 medical is normally required for PPL privileges.
- Club membership and an agreed training plan.
Credits available
- Previous flying training and licences are reviewed against your logbook and training records.
- LAPL training can count towards PPL requirements under FCL.210.A(b). The current route depends on total experience, instruction already completed and the remaining PPL exercises; ask for an individual assessment.
- Other aircraft-category licence holders may qualify for defined credits. Credits do not remove required solo training.
Hours
- Flight training
- 45 hours minimum
- Dual instruction
- At least 25 hours
- Supervised solo
- At least 10 hours, including 5 hours cross-country
- Qualifying cross-country
- At least 150 NM, with full-stop landings at two other aerodromes
- Completion
- Skill test after the training and theory requirements are met
These are regulatory minima for a new student, not a fixed-price package or a promise of completion in 45 hours. Additional training may be needed.
Theoretical knowledge (TK)
Nine subjects cover Air Law, Human Performance, Meteorology, Communications, Navigation, Principles of Flight, Aircraft General Knowledge, Operational Procedures, and Flight Performance and Planning. Study theory alongside flying through the club’s ground school.
Ground school at the clubFrequently asked questions
Can I train around work or school?
Discuss your availability with us. A regular pattern of lessons and study helps you retain skills, but progress also depends on weather, aircraft and instructor availability.
Is this the right start for an airline career?
PPL training is a usual first step in a modular professional route. Integrated and MPL courses have different entry arrangements. Our parents guide explains the choices.
Can I fly abroad?
The PPL is an ICAO-compliant licence. The aircraft’s registration, local rules and any validation required by the destination authority still matter.
Keep the course information.
PPL(A) course brochure
A club-branded PDF with the same course information. Prices are maintained on our pricing page.
Draft for club review. FCL.020, FCL.200, FCL.205.A and FCL.210.A; Part-MED. EASA licensing and medical rules (opens in a new tab). Training availability, approved scope and individual eligibility are confirmed before enrolment.