For many gaining a private pilots licence is their first step into aviation. Whether they are just looking to be a recreational pilot or embarking on a journey to become an airline pilot.
But what is a PPL and how do you get one?
The PPL will enable you to fly light single engine aircraft for recreational purposes only. It will give you the freedom of skies, but is limited to visual flight rules and day time flying.
Requirements
To be awarded a private pilots licence you must satisfy the basic requirements:
- 45 hours (minimum) of flying tuition.
- Satisfactory completion of a skills test.
- Successful completion of ground exams.
- Hold a class 2 medical certificate.
- Be a least 17 years of age (although you can start training from 16).
Practical Training
PPL training is designed to equip you with all the flying skills required to handle solo flying in a light aircraft.
You are likely to start off learning the basic skills and maneuvers such as pitching and rolling as well as straight and level flight. You will progress to learn about traffic patterns and airfield circuits, takeoffs and landings. The course will involve procedures such as stalls and how to fly at very low speeds.
Eventually your instructor will let you fly your first solo and you will soon find yourself navigating cross country flights using visual and radio navigation. You will learn the basics of instrument flying and emergency procedures such as equipment failure.
During your PPL course you will be taught about pre-flight procedures and aircraft inspection. Each flight will be preceded by a full briefing and a de-brief after landing.
Ground School
As a part of your training you will be required to sit a number of multiple choice exam papers. These will cover different aspects of aviation including:
- Air Law and Operational Procedures
- Navigation and Radio Aids
- Meteorology
- Aircraft General and Principles of Flight
- Human Performance and Limitations
- Communications
- Flight Performance and Planning
Cost of Obtaining a PPL?
You must be able to fund at least 45 hours of flight training, as well as ground exams and some basic equipment. Some people take longer 45 hours to complete the course so the overall cost will depend on your ability.
Typically it will cost between £5000 to £7000 for the average student. I would recommend budgeting around £6,000.
Once I have my PPL?
A PPL is valid for two years after which it must be renewed. This can be done either by completing 12 hours of flying time in the year prior to expiry, or you can take a check ride in the last three months before expiry.
Further Pilot Training
Once you have a private pilots licence then you can go on to complete further ratings which will increase your freedom of the skies. An initial PPL is limited to flying single engine planes in day time hours only, it also prevents you from flying in bad weather.
Hence popular ratings to obtain after PPL completion are Night Ratings, twin-engine ratings and for the more challenged pilots an Instrument Rating. Thrill seekers can train for an aerobatics rating and those of you who like old aircraft can obtain an tail-wheel rating.
What Now - A Trial Flight
If you are now seriously thinking about obtaining a PPL then I strongly suggest you take a trial flight before you commit yourself any further.
A trial flight will act just like a flying lesson, it will give you the opportunity to get the taste of flying in a light aircraft. The instructor will allow you to handle the aircraft and get the feel of flying a plane.
A trial flight can also contribute to the total hours required for a PPL.
You can get a trial flight for around £150 (for 1 hours flying), it's well worth the money as it not only lets you know if a PPL is for you, but it also lets you try out the flying club as well as the instructor.
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