Private Pilots Licence (PPL)

The PPL course offers you the training and experience you need to obtain an extendable licence. At Leicestershire Aero Club, all of our training is approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and combines both practical flight training and the theoretical knowledge required to fly light aeroplanes within the UK and Europe.

PPL training requires a minimum of 45 hours flying time including ten hours solo, ending with a skills test with an examiner where you will need to prove your general handling and navigation skills.

Training is typically done in a Cessna 152, a small 2 seater training aircraft. You will have the option to upgrade to train in a larger 4 seat aircraft if you prefer.

45 hours is the CAA minimum hour requirement but you should be aware that more training time may be required to achieve test standards. This is determined by your own abilities.

• Minimum  25 hours dual  instruction
• Minimum 10 hours supervised solo,  including:
• Minimum 5 hours solo navigation including a solo qualifying cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles, landing at 2 intermediate airfields.

There are 9 written examinations to complete which are all multiple choice and require a 75% pass mark.

They can be taken at your convenience at Leicester Airport and include:

• Air law
• Human Performance
• Meteorology
• Navigation
• Flight Performance and Planning
• Aircraft General
• Principles of Flight
• Communications
• Operational Procedures

Our experienced instructors will support you throughout your training. Typically you will be booked training sessions in 2 hours blocks, for which you will fly for 60 to 90 minutes. You only pay for the time spent in the aircraft, your pre and post-flight briefings with your instructor are free. You can fly as often as you like but we recommend that you should aim to fly at least once a week as regular flying experience plays an important role in the training.