Private Pilot Training
At Stapleford Flying Centre, gaining your Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is the first step into the world of aviation. Our PPL course gives you the freedom to fly light aircraft for leisure, with family or friends, anywhere your licence allows. Training is carried out on our well-maintained fleet with highly experienced instructors, and requires a minimum of 40 flying hours – a mix of dual instruction and solo practice. Alongside flying, you’ll study essential theory subjects including air law, navigation, meteorology, and human performance. To qualify, you’ll also need to pass a Class 2 medical and complete a skills test with an examiner.
With Stapleford’s long history of pilot training and our excellent facilities, you’ll be learning in a professional yet friendly environment that prepares you not just to pass, but to become a safe and confident private pilot.
Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) Overview
There is no previous experience required. Initial training introduces the candidate to flight in a single-engine aeroplane, beginning with general handling until a good level of proficiency is achieved. Strong emphasis is placed on mastering the basics of aircraft control and airmanship.
Training takes place in aircraft such as the Cessna 152, TECNAM P2008JC, or Piper Warrior PA28.
The course progresses through several stages:
- General handling to build core flying skills
- Airfield circuit training, where candidates learn take-offs, landings, and airfield operations, culminating in their first solo flight
- Cross-country flying, including navigation, radio communication, diversions, emergency procedures, and operations at commercial airports, ending with a 270 km solo qualifying cross-country flight across 3 airfields
- Final preparation for the PPL Skill Test, where all manoeuvres are refined to test standard
A Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Medical Certificate is required before solo flight, and the Air Law exam must be passed before the first solo.
Cross Country Flight, Navigation and ATC
The final section consists of preparation and rehearsal for the PPL skill test. All manoeuvres are reviewed during this phase and the candidate’s proficiency is raised to the standard required for the PPL flight test.
Exams
During the PPL course, candidates must pass 9 ground examinations:
Common subjects:
- Air Law
- Human Performance
- Meteorology
- Communications
- Navigation
Aircraft-specific subjects:
- Principles of Flight
- Operational Procedures
- Flight Performance and Planning
- Aircraft General Knowledge
In addition, candidates must pass:
- A Radio Telephony practical test
- A final PPL Skill Test (flight test) with an examiner
Costs / Training Requirements
Flight Training & Aircraft Hire (per hour)
- Aircraft hire is charged from brakes off to brakes on
- Flights are paid after completion
- Prices may be subject to a fuel surcharge
- Discounts available when purchasing block hours for hour building
Membership Fees
- Joining Fee: £15 (one-off)
- Full Flying Membership: £170 per year
- Associate Membership: £85 per year
- Junior Membership (17 and under): £85 per year
Minimum Training Requirements
At least 40 hours of flight training, including:
- Dual instruction (with an instructor)
- 10 hours of supervised solo flight time
- 5 hours of solo cross-country flight, including a qualifying cross country in one day consisting of:
- A flight of at least 270 km (150 NM)
- Landings at 2 different aerodromes
At the end of training, you will take a Skill Test to demonstrate competency as Pilot in Command (PIC).