Private Pilots License FAQ

How do I get my Private Pilots License (PPL)?
How long will it take to complete the training and get my license?
How much will it cost?
What aircraft can I fly when I get my license?
How long are the lessons?
How do I pay for my lessons?
Can I book several lessons in advance?
How do I start my course and book my first lesson?
Do I have to take any exams?
Do I need a medical certificate?
When will I first fly solo?
When can I take passengers?
Where can I get the books and equipment I will need for my training?
Will I always have the same Instructor?
How will the weather affect my training?

Q: How do I get my Private Pilots License (PPL)?
A: You need to join a suitably accredited flying club, such as the Cambridge Aero Club, or flight training school and complete a PPL course.

Q: How long will it take to complete the training and get my license?
A: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) require you to complete 45 hours of flying. Of this 25 hours must be ‘dual’ and 10 hours ‘solo’ as pilot-in-command.
Of the latter, 5 hours must be flown on cross-country flights. Frequent and regular lessons may minimise the overall course duration.

Q: How much will it cost?
A: The flying part of your lesson is charged at our normal ‘dual’ rate. Please see the prices section of the website for up to date information.

Q: What aircraft can I fly when I get my license?
A: You will be training for a European JAA PPL with a ‘single engine piston class rating’. This rating entitles you to fly single piston engined aircraft within that class up to a maximum takeoff weight of 5700kg in any European country.

Q: How long are the lessons?
A: Our lesson ‘slots’ are two hours long. That time will include a pre-flight briefing, a flight, and post-flight de-brief. Your earlier flights will usually be limited to around 40-50 minutes within the two hour period. The duration of the flights will increase to around an hour as you progress through the course.

Q: How do I pay for my lessons?
A: You can either pay for your lessons one at a time or pay into an account at the Aero Club. You may pay in a lump sum in advance if you choose. Please see the prices section of the website for details.

Q: Can I book several lessons in advance?
A: Yes. You may book any number of lessons up to two months in advance.

Q: How do I start my course and book my first lesson?
A: All you have to do is call us and book your first lesson. Then, we will open a training file for you and brief you regarding the order of training.

Q: Do I have to take any exams?
A: Yes. You must study to take exams in the following seven subjects: Air Law (to be passed before your first solo), Meteorology, Navigation, Flight Performance and Planning, Aircraft General and Principles of Flight, Human Performance & Limitations and Radio Telephony. The exams are multiple choice and are fairly straight forward once you have read the books!

Q: Do I need a medical certificate?
A: Yes. In order to exercise the privileges of your license you must hold a CAA class 2 medical certificate. To obtain this certificate you must attend a fairly brief medical examination with an Aero Medical Examiner (AME). We will tell you how to arrange this when you start your course.

For more information please see:
http://www.caa.co.uk/srg/med/document.asp?groupid=211

Q: When will I first fly solo?
A: Most students make their first solo flight between 10-15 hours of flight training.

Q: When can I take passengers?
A: Once you have passed your skills test and received your license.

Q: Where can I get the books and equipment I will need for my training?
A: You can buy all of the books and equipment you will need from the Aero Club.

Q: Will I always have the same Instructor?
A: Where possible we will try and keep you with the same instructor particularly at crucial stages of training. However, it is often beneficial to fly with other instructors on a regular basis.

Q: How will the weather affect my training?
A: The weather plays a crucial role in flight training and during the early stages we need fairly good conditions to ensure you gain the maximum benefit from your lessons. As you progress some lessons may be flown in less favourable conditions but there will inevitably be times when we have to postpone your flight.