Private Pilot's Licence 4-seater Aeroplane - EASA PPL(A)

The EASA PPL course at Highland Aviation requires a minimum of 45 hours flying time, including ten hours of supervised solo flying. On completion of the training, you will then undergo a skills test with an examiner. The test will examine your general handling and navigation skills. In addition, there are nine theory exams, all of which are multiple-choice with a 75% pass mark. You will also be required to obtain a medical certificate issued by an EASA Aeromedical Examiner and pass a verbal radio telephony test.

The course is structured to follow EASA requirements, but we tailor the course to your individual needs, making sure you understand the lessons and build on your experiences, giving you the confidence to perform to your best abilities.

The PPL is a lifetime licence; once you have it, it's yours for life irrespective of the hours you fly, much like a driving licence. However, to fly an aircraft you need a valid rating and this does require continued experience (12 hours flying in the second year of your rating) or a proficiency check with an examiner. If you've not flown in years, we would recommend speaking with one of our Instructors who can assess your flying ability and establish a training plan to get you back up to the required standard.

The PPL allows you to pilot an aircraft within the limits of VFR (visual flight rules). To allow you to fly in more advanced conditions, you have the option to add ratings to your licence, such as the Night Rating, allowing you to fly at night, and the Instrument Rating (Restricted) so that you can fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).

As an EASA Approved Training Organisation (ATO) we have a duty of care to make sure you are progressing and learning effectively through your course and we take this very seriously. With this in mind, we aim to keep you with the same instructor whenever possible. All lessons are one to one so you can get quick answers to all your questions without feeling self conscious or worrying you are taking up other people's time!

The course is available seven days a week at Inverness Airport (EGPE).

There are nine multi-choice exams to be completed:

*Aviation Law
*Operational Procedures
*Navigation
*Meteorology
*Human Performance Limitations
*Principles of Flight
*Aircraft General Knowledge
*Flight Planning and Performance
*Communications

The PPL in a nutshell

- Must be at least 14 to start logging flights, 16 to go solo during your course, and 17 to apply for the licence.
- During your course you must:

*Fly at least 10 Hours of Solo flight time including 5 Hours of Cross country
*Complete a Cross country solo flight of at least 150 nautical miles including stopping at two aerodromes different from the departure aerodrome.
*Fly at least 25 Hours of Dual flight time
*Obtain the appropriate medical certificate
*Be granted a FRTOL (Flight Radio Telephony Operators Licence). We will help you with this.

- Licence is valid for life but does require pilot currency 
- The PPL is recognised worldwide unlike the LAPL which is only Europe-wide.
- No passenger limit, only aircraft size and type.
- Can fly a single engine aeroplane or motor glider of not more than 5700kg maximum take-off weight 
- Can add an Instrument Rating (IR(R)) which permits flight in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). This is a great rating and can really enhance your piloting skills.

The price is for our standard package, which includes Highland Aviation annual membership, the 9 theory examinations, 4 hours of compulsory extended briefings, and all landing fees at Inverness. We also offer silver and gold packages - please get in touch with us for further details.