What is the PPL?

The PPL is the first and most basic qualification obtained by most pilots. Although, under the European JAA and UK CAA licencing systems, there are more basic licences available (National PPL; Microlight licence etc), the JAA PPL is the first qualification anyone can obtain with the benefit of considerable licence privileges. Since the PPL is usually attained by students with no prior flight experience, it provides the foundation for a pilot's future skills and his attitudes as a pilot. For this reason, it is extremely important that the correct techniques, skills and attitudes are invariably taught and used in aircraft operation.

The PPL allows the student to act as Pilot in Command (PIC) of most single engine, piston-powered, fixed-wing aircraft during the day, in Visual Meteorological Conditions (i.e. fair weather) and to carry passengers. The PPL is for private use only, and no financial reward may be gained for flying.

Training for the PPL

Standard PPL:

The traditional route of obtaining the JAA PPL consists of a minimum of 45 hours of flight time, including 25 hours with an instructor ("dual") and 10 hours of flight without in instructor ("solo"). The difference may comprise either solo or dual time. 20 hours of briefing time are included. Additional training is sometimes required depending on the individual progress made throughout the training, and this is assessed by means of a number of progress tests (PT's) which are incorporated into the flying. These are designed to identify any weak areas of application or understanding - a crucial aspect of professional flight training, since misunderstandings or weak areas of technique must be addressed before flight training can progress efficiently. By benefitting from airline-grade flight instruction and quality control procedures, EFT students have attained a first-time flight test pass rate of 97% in the PPL flight test.

There are seven written examinations which must be passed prior to passing the final flight test, which marks the completion of the course. The pass mark of 75% may be obtained in a maximum of three attempts per exam, although most EFT students routinely obtain higher scores on the first attempt.

Books & Equipment :

You will obviously need study material for these exams. We have created an amazon.co.uk wish list which includes the books you will require to help you study for these exams. You are well advised to study these books and the PPL Simplifier prior to arriving at EFT. If intending to take Professioanal Training later the CRP5 is the recommended flight computer (The CAA use this to calculate their answers) and is available at Pooleys - CRP 5

To legally operate aviation radiotelephony equipment as a licenced pilot, an appropriate licence is required. Obtaining this licence, consists of written and practical examinations which are carried out at EFT's base by our resident examiners.