PPL Training

The Private Pilot's Licence


The Private Pilot's Licence gives you the practical experience, and the theoretical knowledge necessary to be able to fly light aircraft. It is the foundation flying qualification, to which other ratings can be added, such as those required for night flying, and for flying in weather conditions requiring the use of instruments. It can also be considered as Module 1 of our Modular Commercial Training Course. 

The licence requires a minimum of 45 hours flying time, but anywhere between 45 and 60 hours is realistic - depending on any previous flying experience, and the frequency that lessons are taken. Of these 45 hours, a minimum of 25 must be flown dual with an instructor, and a minimum of 10 must be flown as supervised solo (5 of which will be cross-country navigation). 


There is no maximum time period in which training must be completed - flying lessons can be arranged to suit your time and pocket. However, it is recommended that in order to maintain continuity, you should try to take a flying lesson at least every two weeks. 

The only time limitation occurs once you have taken your last theory exam. From this point, you have 24 months in which to complete the course and pass your practical skills test.

We pride ourselves on our fantastic team of instructors and operational support staff, which complement our fleet of well maintained Piper and Cessna training aircraft.


"The enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable team of instructors at Premier are what really sets it apart   as a brilliant place to learn to fly"

 

Charlie Kanharn, PPL Holder

   

Course Structure 
- Initial Training: you will learn how to prepare the aircraft for flight, manoeuvre it on the ground and in the air, and how to take-off and land at our base airport, Norwich International. 
 

- First Solo: you may be eligible to fly your first solo circuit around 15 hours into the course, with the instructor observing you from the ground. Solo time will be built up from here, consolidating your knowledge and skills flying the circuit here at Norwich. 

- Navigation: you will then move on to cross-country flying in order to build up your navigation skills. This includes landing-away at other airfields.

- Solo Qualifying Cross Country: you will fly to two other airfields, solo, covering a distance of at least 150 Nautical Miles.


- Flight Test: the course finishes with any necessary revision of previously taught exercises, and a flight test with a CAA Approved Flight Examiner.

Theory 

 There are 9 theory examinations to take for the PPL, comprising of the following subjects:

- Air Law 

- Operational Procedures

- Human Performance and Limitations

- Meteorology 

- Navigation 

- Principles of Flight

- Flight Performance and Planning 

- Aeroplane General Knowledge 

- Communications


Exams are online, sat at Premier Flight Training, and are multiple choice with a 75% pass mark. The theory is usually self-study for which we can provide you with a variety of training materials, although our instructors are available to book for additional ground tuition if required. 

Requirements 

The only real requirement is the ability to hold a UK CAA Class 1 or Class 2 medical issued by a CAA Aeromedical Examiner. We are lucky to have an AME for Class 2 medicals (and Class 1 renewals, too!), on-site with us every other week - please do ask and we will happily put you in contact with him. 

If the Class 2 is unobtainable for whatever reason - don't worry! - there may be still the the option of obtaining a LAPL. 

The minimum ages for the course are as follows:
- Minimum age to commence the course: 14 years
- Minimum age to fly solo: 16 years
- Minimum age for licence issue: 17 years



Still unsure? See our PPL FAQs below! 



Don't forget that the PPL enables other ratings to be added to your licence! Please see the below links for more information.


Night Rating Instrument Rating (Restricted) Multi-Engine Piston Rating

Private Pilot's Licence

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I Start?

    We would always recommend starting out with a Trial Flying Lesson, just to make sure you love flying as much as we do, before you commit to a full course! These are a great way to get acquainted with our team, your instructor and our aircraft, and generally get a feel for the way that we operate as a school. 

    All trial lessons are able to be credited as the first hour towards your licence issue too! 

  • What if I can't meet the Medical requirement?

    For various reasons, a UK CAA Class 2 medical will not be obtainable by everyone. Which is where the LAPL comes in! Visit our Light Aircraft Pilot's Licence page for more information. 

  • Am I too young/old?

    We usually recommend training is commenced no earlier than 14 years of age. First solo flights are able to be taken from 16, and then the licence issue is available from age 17. 


    As for being too old, our managing director Ray will be the first to attest to an upper age not being a factor!!! 

  • Do I have to pay for the whole course up front?

    Absolutely not! One of the things we are most passionate about is making flight training accessible to everyone. 

    We have various options for payments, from pay-as-you-fly lessons, to block-booking hours up front where the more you purchase, the greater the discount. 

    Please contact our operations team directly for more information. 

  • What kit do I need to purchase?

    You don't really need anything to commence your flight training, other than enthusiasm, and an eagerness to learn a new skill. 


    However, we would always recommend purchasing a logbook early on to keep track of your flying hours. These are available in person at the school, or via our online shop, which is where you can also find all of the other items we believe to be flying essentials at one stage or another through your training. 

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