PPL (A)

Private Pilots Licence

The Private Pilots Licence allows you to act as the pilot in command of an aircraft for private use (i.e not for any commercial gain).

The syllabus includes both practical flight training and ground-based study of everything you will need to know to pass the final flight test and obtain your licence.

As it is a UK PPL Licence, it is valid throughout the UK and is usually acceptable worldwide subject to individual national requirements.

A night rating and Instrument Rating (Restricted) can be added to your licence allowing you to fly at night and in poorer weather conditions than a standard PPL licence.

Training Structure

The 45 hours flight training is a minimum requirement set down by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The first 10-15 hours will be learning basic aircraft handling, flying straight and level, climbing, turning, descending, taking off and landing. This will lead you to your first solo flight – an experience that you will never forget!

The next 15-20 hours is focused on developing your navigational skills, how to go from Doncaster Sheffield to other airports and land at them.

After this you will do a further 5 -10 hours of solo flying, including solo navigation, ending up with your Qualifying Cross Country (QXC) flight.

All that is then left is to do a couple of hours of revision for your final flight (skills) test.

Pre-Course Requirements

You must be a minimum of 17 years old to obtain your licence but you may start training at the age of 14.

In order to fly solo the student must be at least 16 years of age and be the holder of a valid Class 2 Medical certificate issued by a CAA AME (Aeromedical Examiner).

It is strongly recommended that the student pilot obtains a Class 2 medical certificate at the earliest opportunity.

Anyone of average health should have no difficulties in obtaining this medical.

What does it cost?

The total cost of gaining your licence will depend on how many hours it takes you to learn all the skills required to safely take command of an aircraft as well the outcome of theoretical knowledge exams and radio telephony test and if you are able to self-study or require ground school.

As a base, assuming minimum hours, first-time passes in all exams and radio telephony test and self-study, course cost would be at least £9600 for our 2-seater aircraft, or £11200 for our 4-seater aircraft.

Consideration must also be given for recommended and essential equipment such as charts, knee-boards and headsets to name a few. Whilst we provide use of club-owned headsets, many students prefer to purchase their own. Additionally fees for a medical should also be investigated with an appropriate AME (Aeromedical Examiner).