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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 an EASA Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL). This will allow you to fly solo and to carry passengers. The EASA PPL is an international licence allowing you to exercise its privileges anywher in the world. once you become an EASA PPL holder, you can hop across the channel for a day trip to France!
What will I have to do?
To obtain a PPL, you’ll need to have at least 45 hours flying experience – the minimum required by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Most people, however, take slightly longer. If you allow for around 55 to 60 hours you won’t go far wrong.
You’ll need to pass a flight test, a Radio Telephoney practical test, and seven written multiple choice exams about subjects such as navigation and meteorology. You’ll also need to pass a medical before you fly solo.
The minimum 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
The Flight Test lasts approximately 2.5 hours and covers all the elements practised during the course including navigation. It is designed to ensure the you have achieved the required standard for obtaining a 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
Communication
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.
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 whilst flying, and our CAA Authorised FRTO Examiner will see you through the tests.