A SHORT GUIDE TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A JAR PRIVATE PILOT'S LICENCE

Section links : [Intro] [Ground Studies] [Flying] [Medical] [Costs] [NPPL] [Club]

INTRODUCTION
The PPL course consists of both flying training and ground studies with associated examinations. Your instructor's objective is to ensure that you reach the necessary standard to qualify for the issue of a PPL in the shortest possible time and consequently at the lowest possible cost. 

GROUND STUDIES
The first part of your Ground Studies is the preparation for the flying lessons and the second for the written examinations in the following subjects. 
 
Air Law and Operational Procedures
Meteorology
Flight Performance and Planning
Human Performance and Limitations
Aircraft General and Principles of Flight
Navigation
Communications

As is normal practice in the UK, this is largely by self study. However, an instructor is always on hand to should you require any additional tutoring.
Ground briefings and exams are free of charge for members. Non members are charged £25 per briefing/exam.

With the exception of Communications all the examinations are sat at the Club. The Communications requires a visit to a locally based special examiner who charges a fee for his services.

FLYING TRAINING
The course consists of a minimum of 45 hours of flying lessons following a syllabus approved by the Civil Aviation Authority. While the standard can be achieved in that time it could take longer. At least 25 hours will be dual flight instruction which includes 2 hours of stall awareness and spin avoidance training. The minimum solo requirement is 10 hours including 5 hours of cross country flight. Additionally during your training you will complete a cross country flight of at least 150 nautical miles in the course of which you will land away at two aerodromes prior to returning to Edinburgh.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Although a Medical Certificate is not required at the commencement of your training it will be needed before your first solo flight. It is obtained from a CAA Medical Adviser and our advice is that you should have the medical examination carried out at an early date.

COSTS
Your training will normally be done in our Tomahawk aircraft. The current rates are £148 per hour dual (training with an instructor), and £133 per hour solo. If your weight exceeds 180 lbs you will require to train on our Warrior and the rates for this are £173 per hour dual and £158 per hour solo.
Landing fees at the aerodromes, including Edinburgh, are additional to this, rates dependent on the aerodrome in question.

You will also require various textbooks and equipment, the total cost of which is about £200.
Club Membership costs £225 per year.

An airport security pass costs £85 and is valid for 5 years
You can also expect to pay £150 (approx) for your medical, £192 for your flight test, and £176 for your licence.
The only up front charge of those is your Club membership, other costs are incurred as you go along, spread over the period of your course.

THE NATIONAL PPL
We can also train you for the NPPL. Unlike the JAR PPL, which is internationally recognised, this licence is a UK only licence. Although there is a reduced flying syllabus and the minimum training hours are reduced, from experience, the same amount of flying training hours are required. The ground syllabus and examinations are the same. The major advantage of this licence lies in the reduced medical requirements .

THE CLUB
The Club, which is one of the few members owned and operated flying clubs in Scotland, and has been training pilots since 1934.  We are open 7 days a week from 9am to 5.30pm so please do not hesitate to contact us for further information. If you would like to visit the Club, one of our instructors will be happy to offer you a coffee, a chat on what to expect, and to answer any questions you may have. It would be advisable to telephone in advance.