EASA PPL(A) – Private Pilot License

What is the Private Pilot License – PPL(A)?

• PPL(A) is regarded as a “recreational license”
  It is a qualification that allows the holder to fly as pilot-in-command (PIC) or co-pilot on aircraft in non commercial operations without remuneration.
• PPL(A) allows you to fly on single engine piston (SEP) aircraft in visual meteorological conditions (VMC)
  Private Pilot License is the first step towards becoming a professional pilot.
  To find out more about how to become a professional pilot, please click here.

Private Pilot License – PPL(A) training description:

• The training is designed for applicants with 0 flight experience
  Private Pilot License training is designed for applicants without any previous flight experience who want to obtain the PPL(A).
• The PPL(A) course consists of both theoretical and practical training
  Theoretical preparation and practical training are done concurrently – we offer the perfect combination of both without wasting your time.
• The course is concluded by a theoretical examination and a practical examination.
  During the training you will also need to pass the ICAO English proficiency exam.
• The Private Pilot License training can be started anytime.
  You can start the PPL(A) course anytime you are ready. All the lessons will be planned individually for you to suit your time requirements.
• The Private Pilot license can be obtained in a minimum period of 6 weeks.
  The duration of PPL(A) training will depend on the each trainee’s time availability for both the theoretical and the practical training.
• Use of electronic study materials
  The study materials are provided via a dedicated Flight Pad application, which you can download on your iPad.

PPL(A) Flight training with Flight Instructor:

• 20 hours – Basic maneuvers, emergency procedures, take-offs and landings etc.
• 5 hours – Navigation cross-country

Total of 25 hours with Flight Instructor

PPL(A) Flight training solo:

• 15 hours – Solo flights under ground supervision of the FI
• 5 hours – Solo navigation cross-country flights, one of 150 NM with full stops at two different airports other than departure airport

Total of 20 hours solo + extra minimum of 1 hour for final check ride with CAA evaluator

What are the Private Pilot License course entry requirements?

The Private Pilot License – PPL(A) course entry requirements are as follows:

1. to be at least 16 years old
   You need to be at least 16 years old (license can be issued at the age of 17 years).
2. to be at least Class 2 Medical holder
   You need to be physically fit for recreational flying (capable of holding a Pilot Medical Certificate Class 2).
3. to be proficient in the English language
   During the PPL(A) training, you will obtain ICAO English Language Proficiency minimum level 4.
4. to have sufficient knowledge of Mathematics and Physics
   You must be able to make some basic mental calculation and have a minimum of knowledge in Mathematics and Physics, no degree or scholarship are needed but an evaluation will be done by the Academy.

What can I do with my Private Pilot License – PPL(A)?

• Fly non-commercial flights with passengers
  When you successfully complete your PPL(A) training, you will get your Private Pilot License and with it a so-called SEP (Single Engine Piston) land qualification.
• Perform flights on single engine piston aeroplanes which are operated from land aerodromes
  After completing the PPL training, it is also possible to get the Night Rating to article about night rating to be able to perform flights at night, under VFR (Visual Flight Rules).

How can I get my Private Pilot License – PPL(A)?

Step 1: complete the theoretical training

Theoretical preparation lays the foundation for practical flight training. According to the EASA syllabus, the theoretical preparation consists of 100 hours, out of which at least 35 hours will be with an instructor in a classroom.
The ground training is divided into two modules – preparation for the PPL(A) exams and theoretical preparation for flight training.
The course consists of interactive lessons with maximum usage of modern study materials and equipment. You will be able to use our Library app, educational software and high-quality video materials.
Preparation for exam covers the following subjects:

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

Theoretical preparation for flight training covers:

• Manoeuvres
• Weight and Balance
• Flight Planning and Monitoring
• Communication
• Aerodrome and traffic pattern operations, measures and procedures to prevent collisions.

Step 2: pass the theoretical examination

At the end of the course, you will have to demonstrate a sufficient level of theoretical knowledge, which will be tested on a set of 9 written tests from the theoretical subjects. To pass the PPL(A) theoretical examination you need to achieve a score of at least 75% from each subject (Meteorology, Navigation, Communications, Aircraft General Knowledge, Principles of Flight, Air Law, Flight Performance and Planning, Human Performance and Limitations, Operational Procedures).
The PPL(A) theoretical examination is conducted at the premises of Civil Aviation Authority of the Czech Republic.

Step 3: complete the practical training

Flight training is performed on a single engine piston (SEP) aircraft according to visual flight rules (VFR). At the end of the flight training, you will have at least 45 hours total time. Out of which:

• 25 flight hours dual with an instructor:
  Dual hours are divided into 3 stages and cover basic airplane handling, take-offs and landings, advanced maneuvers, emergency procedures, instrument flying and navigation flying. During the flights with a flight instructor you will gain all of the necessary skills to safely operate an aircraft throughout all stages of a flight and act as a Pilot-In-Command.
• 20 hours of solo flights:
  Solo hours include local solo flights and solo navigation cross-country flights under supervision of the flight instructor on the ground (one of them being a flight of 270 km/150 NM with full stops at two different airports other than the departure airport).

Step 4: pass the practical flight examination

Once you pass the theoretical exams at the CAA and complete your practical training, you will need to prove your practical skills. The practical exam is performed under the supervision of a CAA-authorized examiner. You will need to demonstrate your ability to:

• operate the airplane within its limitations,
• complete all manoeuvres accurately and smoothly,
• exercise good judgment and airmanship,
• apply aeronautical knowledge,
• maintain control of the aircraft.

How much does Private Pilot License – PPL(A) course cost?

The course price starts from 7753 EUR. Training fees are covering following items and services:

• All training manuals
• Access to the Learning Management System and EASA question bank
• Instructor time for ground school & practical training
• Planes, including fuel

*All training fees are bound to the actual exchange rates of the local currency of the Flying Academy base where the training or a part of the training is provided. Learn more about complete training fees.

How long does it take to complete Private Pilot License – PPL(A) – training?

The duration of PPL(A) training depends on the trainee’s time availability for both theoretical and practical training and the minimum duration is 6 weeks of intensive training.
Do not hesitate to come and visit our bases in the Czech Republic to see our flight training centers and even try to fly an aircraft on your own during introduction flight!