A private pilot’s licence, or PPL for short, is the most sought type of pilot’s licence. This is the first and most basic form of pilot’s license other than the student pilot’s license and allows the holder to legally pilot an aircraft by day only and in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).

While some may seek a PPL for recreational flying or sometimes business flying a private pilot’s licence is the first major milestone on the road to becoming a commercial pilot.

Typically, training involved in the PPL course includes learning to take off and land safely, aircraft maneuvers, emergency procedures and flight navigation cross-country planning.

The following requirements are prescribed by the South African Civil Aviation Authority:

• The applicant must be 17 years or older to obtain a PPL
• The applicant must be a holder of valid class 2 aviation medical certificate
• Must have pass all 7 online SACAA PPL theoretical examinations
• Must accumulate no less than 45 hours flight time in an aircraft of which;
• At least 25 hours are dual instruction in an aircraft
• At least 15 hours are accumulated as solo