The UK Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL)

MEDICAL. Before any solo flying, the student will need to pass a medical test to ensure that he or she is physically safe to fly. This is not an onerous check but it is required to be carried out by a specially qualified medical examiner (AME) and the school can provide you with contact details or these can be found on the CAA website.

CFS AIRCRAFT TRAINING FLEET : 2 SEAT C150, C152                                                                                                                                                                          

                                                                  4 SEAT C172, PA28-161, PA28-181                                                                                                                    

Initial training: Introduces the candidate to flight in a single-engine aeroplane and starts with the basics of how the aircraft and controls work.  Great care is taken to ensure that the basics of aircraft control and pilot scanning are learned thoroughly during this stage. The next section covers practice in the airfield circuit where the student pilot will learn how to take off and land the aircraft and become familiar with airfield operations and the use of the radio. When the instructor feels the student is ready for it then comes the first solo flight, a major milestone for anyone learning to fly. learning to fly.

The Next Phases:  Focuses on navigation skills. This will include flights away from the home airfield of increasing difficulty andincludes planning, visual and radio navigation, Air Traffic Control communication, practice diversions and emergency procedures, and operations at commercial airports. This part culminates in a solo cross-country flight of 270 km (150 nm) between 3 different airfields.

The Final Section: Consists of preparation and rehearsal for the PPL skill test. All manoeuvres are reviewed during this phase and the candidate’s proficiency is raised to the standard required for the PPL flight test.

Theory Exams:  In parallel with the flying training, the student will need to study for and pass nine theory exams these starting with Air Law and including operational procedures, Principles of Flight, Aircraft General Knowledge, Navigation, Flight Performance and Planning, Meteorology, Communications,  and Human Performance. The studying for these exams can be done at home or if preferred individual or class instruction can be provided. Ground School is charged at £30 per hour when carried out on a one-to-one basis, if there are several of you learning at the same time then this cost can be shared.

Other Things to Consider

All training takes place in a Cessna 152 (2 seater) or a PA 28(4 seater) according to your preference and comprises of :

  • 35 hours of dual instruction
  • 10 hours of supervised solo flight

Payment at CFS Flight Traning Nottingham (CFS Nottingham) can be on a pay-as-you-go basis ( i.e. by the hour ) or you can pay in instalments and pay from time to time when you have used up your credit. It is up to you.  The only upfront payment is an annual membership of £100.

The time it takes to complete a course varies from individual to individual. Remember that the 45-hour figure is a minimum required by the Civil Aviation Authority. Not many people manage to get their license in the minimum hours. Normally it takes between 50/55 hours depending on how often you fly. The more frequently and regularly you are flying the less time it will take you to learn. So allow for this in your budgeting.

Other costs to take into account when working out your budget are

- Books for Ground school study. We can help you with the selection of these and provide starter packs.

- Headsets - CFS is happy to loan headsets (free of charge) to students, but we recommend that you purchase your own. Headsets vary tremendously in price from £70.00 to £600+. A good set will cost around £150.00.

- When it comes to the end and you want to take your skills test then there will be Examiner Fees and aircraft hire. We will tailor a course to suit your needs – we can provide residential courses if that is what you require and will take care of all your needs prior to arrival.

At a Glance

  •  Covers nearly all single-engine piston aircraft. Turbine aircraft require different training. The minimum age for licence issues is 17 years. The minimum age for solo is 16 years.
  • The minimum visibility condition for flying is 5 kilometres.
  • You can fly with up to three passengers in an aircraft.
  • Allows the licence holder to undertake additional training for tailwheel aircraft and aircraft with supercharged engines, variable pitch propellers, retractable undercarriage, pressurised cabins, and cruise speed exceeding 140 knots. Night and Instrument qualifications can also be added.
  • Maintained through a minimum of 12 hours flying in 24 months
  • Class two aviation medical required (cost ~ £200)
  • Recognised worldwide (ICAO) Allows flights into European Airspace.
  • The first step on the modular route to the Commercial Pilots Licence.

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