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Flying School
We operate training on aeroplanes for complete beginners and experienced pilots. Please choose a category above to get more detail of our services and get started toward your pilot licence. Or read more about our flying lessons and learning to fly with us below.
Learning to Fly with Almat Flying Academy
Learning to fly is an exciting and genuinely rewarding journey. At Almat Flying Academy, you’ll find a friendly team, a supportive club atmosphere, and the structured training environment you need to build confidence and make real progress. From day one, you’ll always have someone on hand to offer guidance, encouragement, and practical advice.
To begin your training, you’ll simply join as a member, and your instructor will create a personal training plan that fits around your schedule.
Flying Lessons – Where to Start
If you’re curious about learning to fly but unsure where to begin, our Trial Flying Lessons are the perfect first step. You’ll take the controls of a light aircraft and experience the thrill of flying for yourself. Your lesson includes a FREE consultation, helping you understand the training pathways available, including the PPL (Private Pilot Licence) or the NPPL (National Private Pilot Licence).
A big part of learning to fly is hands-on instruction in the aircraft, but there’s also a theory element. We provide ground school for both the PPL and NPPL. You can choose one-to-one tuition, distance learning, or our 5-day intensive ground school, which is designed to prepare you to pass all written exams in a single week. You can also book individual modules if you prefer a more flexible approach.
Our Flight Instructors and Examiners
Our full-time instructors and in-house examiners are dedicated to giving you the highest standard of training. With examiners on site, many students progress from complete beginner to fully-licensed pilot in as little as three months.
If you’re keen to qualify as quickly as possible, take a look at our fast-track options.
Learning to Fly – FAQ
Is There an Age Limit for Flying Lessons?
You can start logging hours towards a licence from 14.
You can fly solo at 16, and you can hold an NPPL or PPL from 17.
There’s no upper age limit, as long as you can meet the medical requirements, you can fly.
Will I Pay a Set Price for Every Lesson?
No – you only pay for the actual flying time (brakes off to brakes on).
How Long Before I Can Fly Solo?
It varies by student, but 10–20 hours of instruction is typical.
Do I Have to Pay in Advance?
No, payment is made after each flight.
What Aircraft Can I Learn to Fly In?
We offer a fleet of aircraft to suit different preferences:
- Cessna 152 (2-seat)
- PA28 (4-seat)
- Cessna 172 (4-seat)
Two-seat aircraft offer great economy; four-seat aircraft offer more comfort, especially helpful for taller or broader students. All are excellent training platforms.
How Many Hours Do I Need for a Licence?
We offer both the NPPL and the PPL.
NPPL Requirements
- Minimum 32 hours total training
- Includes at least 22 hours dual and 10 hours solo (including solo navigation)
- A qualifying cross-country flight is required
- Completion of a skills test leads to licence issue
PPL Requirements
- Minimum 45 hours total training
- Includes 25 hours dual and 10 hours solo, with at least 5 hours solo navigation
- Includes a 150-nautical-mile qualifying cross-country with landings at two different aerodromes
- After completing the syllabus, you’ll take a skills test
If you’re just starting out, you may find our Pilot Licence Guide helpful, it explains both licence types in more depth.
More information can also be found on the Civil Aviation Authority website.
Is Learning to Fly Safe?
Yes. Light aircraft are one of the safest forms of transport. All aircraft are thoroughly inspected before each flight and maintained to strict CAA standards. Our instructors are fully qualified commercial pilots and their licences are regularly revalidated by authorised examiners.
Am I Insured When Flying with Almat?
Yes – you are covered under the aircraft’s insurance policy. You can view the documents on request.
Is Learning to Fly Difficult?
It takes motivation and consistency, but most people find it very achievable with the right support.
Does Weather Affect Training?
Yes – your type of lesson and the weather conditions both matter. We follow all CAA rules to ensure safety and enjoyment.
Does a Trial Flight Count Toward Training?
Yes – trial lessons are taught by the same instructors who deliver the NPPL and PPL syllabus, so the time can be logged if you choose to continue.
All our training complies fully with current CAA requirements.
Do I Need Any Special Qualifications?
No, just enthusiasm and commitment.
Do I Need Special Clothing?
Comfortable, practical clothing is best. A warm jacket helps in winter when walking to the aircraft.
For safety, we ask ladies not to wear high heels, as they make rudder control difficult and can damage the wing surface.
Aircraft are heated in winter, and in summer they have good airflow through cooling vents.
Probably the best flying school in the region. Competitively priced and the staff and instructors have a sense of humour (just don’t use words like impact and crash!)There’s a fledgling branch over at Sywell too
Micky P
18:22 15 Feb 23
I bought a trial flight for my boyfriend and he thoroughly enjoyed it. Everyone at the flying school were great and made the experience easy and fun. I would highly recommend this flying school to anyone who is interested in learning how to fly. It also makes a great gift.
Gilly Da S.
08:45 09 Jan 23
My son decided at the age of 13 that he wanted to be a pilot, he flew locally to us from the age of 13 to 15 landing and taking off on grass at a very small local airfield. Liam then needed to gain more experience and needed expert guidance. At 16 he was flying solo, we did originally try another school in Coventry prior to Almat Flying Academy but that was a total disaster. Coventry is not local for us but they have kept Liam in the air and nurtured him right to the end where he now leaves them only to finish his commercial pilots licence.We could not recommend this flying school enough and as a parent you can trust these not to keep milking your bank account unlike other flying schools.
Sharon E.
16:33 27 Oct 22
Flying School Resources
Learning To Fly Quizzes
Learning to Fly? Try Our Quizzes to Check Your Knowledge