National Private Pilot Licence – NPPL (A)

The National Private Pilot Licence for Aeroplanes, or NPPL(A), is a practical and accessible route into recreational flying in the UK.

With the appropriate class rating, an NPPL(A) allows you to fly UK-registered light aircraft within UK airspace and share the experience with family and friends. It is ideal for anyone who wants to fly for enjoyment, explore new destinations and experience the freedom of becoming a qualified pilot.

We offer training towards both PPL (A) and the National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL) licenses. We also provide in-house ground school and theoretical knowledge support, including options for non-members.

NPPL (A) Privileges

An NPPL(A) with a valid SEP(Land) class rating allows you to act as pilot in command of suitable single-engine piston aeroplanes for non-commercial operations.

Subject to the aircraft, rating, medical and operating requirements, you may:

• Fly UK-registered SEP aeroplanes in UK airspace.
• Fly aircraft with a maximum certified take-off mass of up to 2,000 kg.
• Carry up to three passengers, with no more than four people in the aircraft including the pilot.
• Share the experience of flying with family and friends.
• Visit aerodromes throughout the UK.
• Fly different aircraft variants after completing any required differences training or familiarisation.
• Apply to add other eligible aircraft class ratings to your licence.
• Fly outside the UK where permission has been obtained from the relevant foreign aviation authority.

NPPL (A) Pre-Requisites

To obtain a NPPL(A), you must:

• Be at least 17 years old when the licence is issued.
• Be at least 16 years old before completing your first solo flight.
• Hold an appropriate medical certificate or have made an eligible Pilot Medical Declaration before flying solo.
• Complete the required theoretical knowledge training and examinations.
• Complete an approved programme of practical flight training.

There is no need to wait until you are 16 or 17 before discussing training with us. The appropriate age to begin lessons will depend on the individual student, their maturity and their ability to operate the aircraft safely.

Training For Your National Private Pilot Licence

Wherever practical, we aim to provide continuity of aircraft and instructors while giving you the experience needed to become a confident, adaptable pilot.  The applicant must have a minimum of 40 hours to apply for a licence. These hours are to be made up as follows:

• 22 hours of dual instruction, including at least one hour of instrument appreciation.
• 10 hours of supervised solo flight.
• At least four hours of solo cross-country flight.
• One solo cross-country flight of at least 150 km or 80 nautical miles.
• A full-stop landing at an aerodrome other than the aerodrome of departure during that qualifying cross-country flight.

These hours are an absolute minimum. As we all learn at different paces some people may need more time in order to obtain the standard required for skills test.

NPPL Theoretical Knowledge

Alongside your practical flight training, you will study the knowledge needed to plan and conduct flights safely.

The NPPL(A) theoretical examinations cover five subjects:

• Air Law
• Human Performance
• Meteorology
• Navigation
• Aircraft General Knowledge

NPPL Medical Requirements

Before you can fly solo and apply for your NPPL licence you will need to pass the appropriate medical requirements. Follow this link for more information.

PPL Skills Test

Once you have completed the required training, passed your theoretical examinations and reached the appropriate flying standard, your instructor will recommend you for a skill test.

The test is completed with an authorised flight examiner (we have our own examiners!) and assesses areas including:

• Pre-flight planning and preparation.
• Aircraft handling.
• Take-offs, circuits and landings.
• Navigation and diversion procedures.
• Abnormal and emergency procedures.
• Airmanship and situational awareness.
• Judgement and decision-making.

The skill test is a formal assessment, but you will already have practised each element during your training. We will only recommend you when your instructor believes that you are properly prepared.

NPPL – Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a NPPL cost?

The total cost depends on several factors, including:

• The aircraft used for training.
• How regularly you fly.
• The number of hours you need to reach skill-test standard.
• Landing and navigation charges.
• Ground school and examination fees.
• Medical, examiner and CAA application fees.
• Membership, books, charts, headset and other equipment.

The legal minimums are 40 hours for the standard PPL(A) course and 32 hours for an NPPL(A). Many students require additional training.

Have a look at our FREE Learn to Fly guide for an up-to-date personalised estimate based on our current aircraft and instruction rates. We will explain what is included and help you plan a realistic training budget.

How often should I fly?

The simple answer to this is as often as possible! The more often you fly the more consistent your training will be. Instructors find that students who fly infrequently will spend much of their lesson revising skills that have learnt previously. This will obviously take a lot longer and flying is an expensive activity. Therefore we recommend you come as often as you can afford.