The Private Pilots LicencePPL Training, UK, USA & Other
Note: Since this site is mainly dedicated to those looking to train professionally, the full JAA PPL is only covered here, the UK National PPL (NPPL) is not covered at this stage. Integrated flight training and the PPL: If you are to decide to train via the integrated route then getting your private pilots licence before hand may make moving into the course difficult and may cost slightly extra but it will help you see if you enjoy flying. If however you want to dive in head first then go straight for the integrated training. Modular flight training and the PPL: If you are looking at training the modular route, be it in Europe or overseas then PPL training is a requirement of the modular training. The decision has to be whether to train in the UK/Europe or overseas. PPL Training UK: The benefits of private pilots licence training in the UK are very simple. Since this is where you will most likely end up in a flying job it is good to lay your aviation foundations here. The basic knowledge you will gain and your understanding of the European licensing requirements will grow rapidly. If you choose to train overseas you will understand what you will be coming back to. Also since the UK airspace is so busy and compact you will learn in the very environment you will one day work in. Large open spaces in the Nevada dessert is all very well and handy for cost effective training, but nothing will prepare you like battling some of the UK weather and airports at your early stages of training. PPL Training overseas: This can be a lot cheaper than training in the UK although refer to the point above. It may also be a good way of deciding if the flight training organisation you are training with will be a suitable provider through the rest of your modular training. Requirements for the Private Pilots Licence: 45 hours total flight time although the ICAO minimum is 40 hours but the JAA has deemed 45 as the minimum. Total flight time is measured from the moment an aircraft first moves under it’s own power to the moment it comes to a complete rest at the end of a flight. This is often known as ‘blocks off to blocks on’ or ‘brakes to brakes‘. The instructors at your flight school or club will ensure that all the minimum requirements within those 45 hours are covered. Solo will typically be achieved after between 10 - 20 hours flying. A medical certificate is required for this. Training is usually in a 2 to 4 seater aircraft such as Cessna 152’s or 172’s or Piper Warriors. You will also be required to complete written exams in Aviation Law, Meteorology, Navigation, Flight Performance, Planning, Operational Procedures, Principles of flight, Aircraft general knowledge, Communications and Human Performance & Limitations. These are broken down into 5 exams in total and a pass mark of 75% is required. Don’t worry though, the exams are actually quite simple and some light study should assure satisfactory results in only a few weeks. A few extra tools are needed and many flight schools offer PPL ground school instruction. Typical Costs: Training will cost around £4,500 - £6,500 depending on your ability and flight school. This should include extras such as charts, flight computers, logbooks, kneeboards etc… Typical costs in the USA are around $5,000 - $8,000 although a visa is required and the cost of air fare, accommodation, catering and rental cars must be considered. It’s usually cheaper to train in Europe or the UK in the long run. Licence conversion from overseas to the UK can be quite an issue too and will often out weigh the cost savings.
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