What is the NPPL?

The National Private Pilots Licence (NPPL) is a fairly new licence introduced by the CAA to provide a cheaper and easier alternative for those wishing to learn to fly.

A NPPL only requires 32 hours of tuition compared to 45 for a full PPL. This significantly reduces the cost of training but as a result the licence is more restrictive to:

• UK airspace only
• max 4 seater aircraft
• single engine aircraft
• Day time flying
• Fixed Undercarriage
• Visual Flight Rules

To qualify for a NPPL you must be at least 17 years of age, although you can start training from 16.

NPPL Training

NPPL training must consist a minimum of 32 hours training. Of which 10 hours must be solo with 22 hours of dual tuition. There must also be 1 hour of instrument training included in the dual tuition.

To be issued with a National Private Pilots Licence you must pass two pilot checkrides including:

1. General Skills Test (GST)
2. Navigation Flight Test (NFT)

The General Skills Test can be taken once you have completed 32 hours of training. Although many people do require more than the 32 hours to be ready for the GST. It is important to bear this in mind as any additional hours will increase the cost of training. The test will be carried by an examiner and will ensure that you are competent in all the necessary skills practiced throughout training.

The Navigation FLight Test will be taken once you have completed navigation training and before you go solo cross country. This test will therefore be carried out before the General Skills Test.

Ground Exams

You must also pass a number of ground exams. These are currently the same as the PPL exams which include:

1. Air Law and Operational Procedures
2. Navigation and Radio Aids
3. Meteorology
4. Aircraft General and Principles of Flight
5. Human Performance and Limitations
6. Communications
7. Flight Performance and Planning

All are multiple choice papers and the number of questions vary between papers.

In addition to written exams you must pass a practical Radio Telephony exam.

Relaxed Medical Requirements

An advantage of the NPPL is the relaxed medical requirements as compared with the full PPL. An NPPL does not require a class two medical certificate from an approved CAA doctor. Instead you just need a declaration of medical fitness which can be obtained from your GP.

Private Pilots Licence (PPL)

National Private Pilots Licence (NPPL)

Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL)

Airline Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL)

Night Rating

Aerobatic Rating

Mulit-Engine Rating

Mulit-Crew Cooperation Course (MCC)

IMC - Instrument Meteorological Rating

Jet Orientation Course (JOC)