Obtaining a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL)
What’s required to obtain a PPL?
You are considering obtaining a Private Pilot’s Licence, you’ve likely started researching the process. To ensure you have all the necessary information, here is a comprehensive overview of the requirements.
PPL Requirements
To obtain a PPL, you must meet the following criteria.
• Minimum age. 17 years old
• Medical certificate. A valid part MED class 2 medical certificate
• Training. Completion of a training course at an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) or a Declared Training Organisation (DTO)
A PPL for aeroplanes permits you to act as Pilot in Command (PIC) for non-commercial operations on aeroplanes or Touring Motor Gliders (TMGs).
Flight Training Requirements:
Your practical flight training must include:
A minimum of 45 hours of flight instruction, including:
A minimum of 25 hours of dual instruction
A minimum of 10 hours of supervised solo flight time, including:
At least 5 hours of solo cross country including your qualifying cross country flight (this includes at least 150NM, with landings at two different aerodromes other than the departure aerodrome).
Theoretical Knowledge Requirements:
Before taking your flight skills test you must have successfully passed the following 9 theory exams:
• Air Law
• Human Performance
• Meteorology
• Communications
• Navigation
• Principles of Flight
• Operational Procedures
• Flight Performance and Planning
• Aircraft General Knowledge
These exams remain valid for 24 months from the date of passing the last exam. I f you do not complete your flight training and pass the skills test within this timeframe, you will need to retake the exams.