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United Kingdom Private Pilot's License
The Private Pilot's License (often abbreviated to PPL) is a course designed for you to fly a single piston engine with no reimbursement.
The course requires you to complete at minimum of 45 hours airborne, including at least 10 hours solo and 25 hours dual (with an instructor). The other 10 hours can be choosen by you on what to do. It is possible to complete the license within the 45 hours however most people are expected to exceed the 45 hours.
During the course you are expected to complete the following with or without your instructor.
| Exercises | Exercises | Theory Exercises |
|---|---|---|
| Taking Off | Solo Flights | Aircraft Familiarisation |
| Climb | Advanced Turning | Preperation |
| Circuits | Navigation | Effects Of Controls |
| Approach | Landing Without Power | Booking Out |
| Landing | Taxying | Checking Weather |
| Emergencies | Straight & Level Flight | Flight Planning |
| Crosswind | Turnings | Logging Data |
| Glide Approaches | Slow Flight | Communicating With ATC |
| Flapless Approaches | Stalling | Checking Out The Aircraft |
| Short Field Flying | Spinning | Updating Logs |
Flying Solo edit
You can fly solo once your instructor is happy with you and you have met the criteria mentioned below (age, medical and exams dependant). You have to fly 5 hours' solo 'cross-country' flying and complete one 'cross-country' flight no shorter than 150 nautical miles, completing two full stop landings at aerodromes other than that of your departure airfield.
Theory Exams edit
As well as carrying out aircraft training, your are also required to carry out 7 theory exams including:
- Air Law
- Aircraft General and Principles Of Flight
- Flight Performance
- Human Factors
- Meteorology
- Navigation
- Radio Telephony
When completing these exams you have 18 months to complete all 7 exams from the first one. You also have 24 months to pass your practical flight test from the date of your last exam. You are allowed 3 attempts at each exam, and if you fail the 3rd one, you are required to visit the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority).
Each exam has a different number of questions and time limits but a minimum of 75% is required in all of them to pass.
The Radio Telephony Exam is where you are tested with an examiner on your knowledge when communicating with ATC. You are tested in all conditions, from the basics of taking off to full scale emergencies.
The air law exam is required before you are allowed to fly solo, so is usually the first exam undertaken by students.
Medical Requirements edit
Before you embark on flying, it is advised that you have a medical check by an AME (Authorised Medical Examiner). There are two grades - Class 1 and Class 2, however for a PPL you only require a Class 2 certificate (if you want you can have a Class 1 at Gatwick Airport). The class 2 certificate requires a less rigorous examination, but still tests you on your eyesight, hearing, balance, urine and blood. More details of these examinations can be found on the CAA website.
Theory Exams edit
You can begin flying at any age with an instructor. However, for the hours to count towards your PPL you must be at least 14 years of age. At 16 you are able to go solo (as long as you have a medical certificate and have passed the air law exam) and at the age of 17 your can be issued with your license.
Other Qualifications edit
After gaining your Private Pilot's License you can go on to increase your qualifications to:
- The Night Qualification - allows you to fly at night requiring a minimum of 5 hours.
- Instrument Meteorlogical Conditions - allows the pilot to fly through and above cloud in IMC.
- Multi-Engine Rating - allows the pilot to fly multi engine aircraft. The minimum flight time is six hours with a theory exam and flight test
Where To Lean edit
You can learn from a grass field to a major international airport. East Midlands Airport has its own flying club where people can learn on many aircraft. There are many websites around that will list your local flying school.
References edit
CAA Medical - http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=49&pagetype=90&pageid=528
Solo Flight - http://www.donair.co.uk