Easy Pass PPL Exams - Getting a PPL

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How to get a private pilots licence (PPL)

Learning to fly & obtaining a private pilots licence

Complete a minimum of 45 hours of flying training at a CAA approved training organisation which will include ...

25 hours of dual flight instruction
10 hours of supervised solo time
You also have to complete a solo cross-country flight of 150 nautical miles that includes landings at two aerodromes different to your departure aerodrome, then complete a flying skills test with a flight examiner.

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The average time taken taken to achieve a PPL is around 60 hours, but this will depend upon student ability and flying lesson frequency, which is often disrupted by such things as the UK weather.

There are 9 theoretical knowledge exams that have to be passed prior to your flying skills test, the exams are multiple choice and taken on a computer at your flying club or approved ground school, the pass mark for the exams is 75% the subjects are...

Air Law
Aircraft General Knowledge
Flight Planning and Performance
Human Performance and Limitations
Meteorology
Navigation
Operational Procedures
Principles Of Flight
Communications

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Once you have taken your first theoretical knowledge exam you have 18 months to complete the remaining exams. When all the exams are complete the exams remain valid for a further 24 months.

Before you can solo you are required to hold a class 2 medical certificate, this medical assessment is conducted by a specialist aviation doctor called an aeromedical examiner (AME)

Although not a CAA requirement, many flying clubs require students to pass the air law exam before conducting their first solo flight.

You will also need a radiotelephony licence to operate the aircraft radio and talk to air traffic controllers

Once you have achieved your PPL you can enjoy the freedom of flying.
Many pilots buy their own aircraft, where others choose to keep the cost of flying to a minimum by purchasing a share in an aircraft which can be considerably cheaper or you can simply rent an aircraft from your flying club... the sky's the limit!

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Frequently Asked Questions

In the UK you can start training towards the grant of a PPL from the age of 14
You can solo once you have reached the age of 16
You can hold a UK PPL at the age of 17

There is no maximum age to hold a PPL as long as you can meet the requirements of a class 2 medical certificate.

Your training will cost approximately £8,000 - £10,000 depending on the school you choose to train with.
PPL training is usually pay as you go, meaning you pay for each flight as you go allowing you to spread the cost of your training.

This entirely depends on what time you can set aside towards your training.
You can spread your training out over several months or even over a few years.
Some students choose to complete their PPL full time and complete their training in under a month.
The training is flexible allowing you to study around other commitments, you will be able to come up with a plan with your chosen school to suit your requirements.

No academic qualifications are needed for a Private Pilot Licence (PPL). However, you do need to be healthy enough to pass a class 2 medical examination, be at least 17 years old and pass both theoretical exams and a practical skills test.
You must also be proficient in English and hold at least ICAO level 4 (out of a possible 6 levels). Further information on language proficiency requirements can be found on the CAA website.

A UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Private Pilot Licence (PPL) allows you to fly British-registered aircraft anywhere in the world, providing this is a single-engine aircraft, with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 5,750kg or less with no more than 19 seats on a non-commercial basis.
Unless you have additional ratings on your licence, you will be restricted to flying in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), meaning days with good visibility and weather for flight.
Note: Always check the specific regulations of the country you plan to fly to, as they may have their own rules regarding documentation, validation, and procedures for foreign-licensed pilots.

Once you've passed your PPL, one of the most exciting things you can do is share your flying with family and friends.
Private pilots are allowed to carry passengers, as long as it's not for commercial purposes (i.e. you aren't being paid to fly them). But you are allowed to share the direct operating costs of the flight (like fuel, airport fees etc.) with passengers, providing you aren't making a profit.

A UK PPL is valid for life, meaning it does not technically 'expire', but the Single Engine Piston (SEP) rating allowing you to fly needs to be revalidated every 2 years.
To revalidate your SEP rating, you need to have completed the following during your second year of each 24-month period.

Flown 12 hours, of which 6 were as Pilot-In-Command
Flown 12 take-offs and landing
Flown one hour with an instructor
Have your licence endorsed and forms sent off to the CAA
Have a current and valid medical certificate

This will allow you to be signed off by an examiner, flight instructor or class rating instructor (providing they have authority to do so). Failing to meet these requirements before the expiry date means you will need to undergo a proficiency check (skill test) with an examiner to regain your currency.

Yes, you can still get your private pilots licence even if you wear glasses or contact lenses, providing you meet the minimum requirements as part of the eyesight test within your medical examination. More specific information on the requirements can be found on the CAA website.

Many PPL students told us they felt most confident walking into an exam after practicing test questions with real-time results and simple explanations, which is how the easypasspplexams question bank came to be developed.
Our database is regularly updated with the latest and current e-exam questions, giving you the opportunity to prepare for and complete your exams quickly, without the pain and frustration of wasting hours with the books or spending money on groundschool.
You can find out more information about the PPL exam modules we offer by clicking here.

Whilst a UK CAA Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) both allow you to fly some of the more popular single-engine aircraft (e.g. Cessna 152 & 172, Piper Warrior, Arrow etc.) and take passengers along with you, the LAPL is restricted to UK only flights in lighter aircraft with a maximum of 3 passengers.
A PPL is the more typical choice for those learning to fly as it offers more freedom and potential paths once passed, although for those just wanting a more basic licence for recreational use, a LAPL could be a more appropriate option.

	PPL	LAPL
Region (British Registered Aircraft)	Worldwide	UK
Validity	PPL: Lifetime SEP: 2yrs	LAPL: Lifetime SEP: N/A
Medical	Class 2 Under 40: Valid 5yrs Over 40: Valid 2yrs Over 50: Valid 1yr	LAPL Medical Under 40: Valid 5yrs Over 40: Valid 2yrs
Additional Ratings	Multi-Engine, Instrument Ratings, Night Rating, Aerobatics	Night Rating, Aerobatics
Minimum Training Hours	45hrs of which, 10hrs Solo of which, 5hrs Solo Cross Country Including 1 Cross Country of 150 NM landing at 2 airfields	30hrs of which, 6hrs Solo of which, 3hrs Solo Cross Country including 1 Cross Country of 80 NM landing at 1 other airfield
Aircraft Restrictions	Max Take-Off Weight: 5,750 Kg Max Passengers: 19	Max Take-Off Weight: 2,000 Kg Max Passengers: 3

After earning a PPL, you may wish to move onto a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). This allows pilots to fly for hire or reward, potentially leading to a career in aviation.
Other options include adding ratings and endorsements to your PPL, such as a Night Rating or Instrument Rating, or advanced training in specific areas such as Multi-Engine (aircraft with multiple engines), Type Rating (for specific aircraft) or Instructor Rating (to teach others). These allow you to fly in conditions outside VMC (clear visibility days) and a wider variety of aircraft further extending your scope as a pilot.

Enjoy a trial lesson at a flight school or flying club before committing to your training to ensure flying is for you.
Visit your chosen flying school and meet the staff and instructors to make sure its what you want to do before commiting financially.