Private Pilots Licence (PPL)
If you’ve got the bug and have always wanted to fly, let’s take away the mystery.
Although there is no lower age limit to fly, you must be 14 years of age for flying experience to count towards your licence, 16 to go solo and 17 to hold a licence. The good news is there no upper age limit.
The PPL course requires a minimum of 45 hours flying time which includes 10 hours solo and finishes with a flight test with an examiner. Training for you PPL will follow a structured progressive path. Prior to each lesson throughout the course you will have a detailed pre-flight brief with your instructor who will go through each element of the exercise. After the flight there will be a thorough de-brief where you will discuss the flight with your instructor and they can answer and explain any questions you may have.
The early parts of the training are spent in the local area where you will learn to handle the aeroplane safely. This is followed by circuit training where you will learn to take off and land, and during this time you will go solo. You then progress to navigation and finally put all the elements together.
The flying is the fun part of the course, but can also at times seem like hard work. Determination, motivation, patience and a sense of humour will see you through.
There are seven written exams to be completed in Aviation Law, Navigation, Meteorology, Human Performance Limitations, Aircraft Technical, Flight Planning and Performance and R/T Communications. Although at first there will seem to be a lot of it, the subjects are not difficult. You will need thorough and detailed knowledge and all this helps to make you a safe and competent pilot. And after all, if you’re hooked on flying then learning more about is no hardship.
Most students self study from the excellent books available with guidance from their instructor, and any other pilot members here are always willing to help and explain things. For brushing up or for those who prefer a more structured approach we also offer ground school.
There is also a practical Radio Telephony exam which must also be taken and this can also be done here at Bristol.
You must pass an Aviation Class 2 medical examination and provided you are reasonably fit there should be no problem. Disability or a medical condition does not have to prohibit you from flying, give is a call or pop in and see us, there are many ways to overcome the barriers.
The course duration should be between 6 and 18 months dependant on weather and your personal circumstances and availability.