The cost to learn depends on how frequently
you fly and how quickly you progress
There are over 200
flying schools in the UK
Find one near you and book a
trial lesson
Book a 1-hour lesson to make sure you really want to fly
You'll learn general aircraft handling, including take-offs and landings.
Passing Air Law is usually required before you are allowed to fly solo.
After around 10 to 20 hours of flying you'll be ready for your first solo flight!
You will need to pass a Class 2 Medical before you are allowed to fly solo
After the first solo, the solo cross-country flight is a big milestone in learning to fly. You are required to make a flight of greater than 150 nautical miles and land at two other airfields, all without the assistance of an instructor.
You'll already have flown further afield than your base aerodrome, but you'll learn how to navigate cross-country and land at other airfields.
You'll need to pass the other 8 exams before you can qualify as a pilot.
The skills test is the flying equivalent of the driving test. In it, the examiner will test you on everything you've learnt. It generally takes a couple of hours, but you'll be well prepared by the time you reach this point.
To make sure you can use the aircraft radio you are required to pass a practical test. This involves sitting in a room and talking into the headset as if you were on a real flight.
Your license lasts for life, but you'll need to make sure you keep flying regularly otherwise you may need to take a test.
PPL Tutor resources are available on mobile and desktop devices
All are free to download and try
Revise for and practice the 9 ground school exams.
Try Air Law for free!
Learn how to use the flight computer
Practice calculations for the exams
Learn the structure of core radio calls
Practice calls and get feedback ready for your test
Once you've learnt to fly, very few parts of the UK are off-limits
Regulations across Europe have been harmonised and flying in mainland Europe differs little from flying within the UK
Many pilots take their UK-issued license further afield, in search of new adventures, and better weather...
How you continue to fly after you've obtained your license will depend very much on your budget, but also on how often you plan to fly
| Plane hire | Flying Club | Shared Ownership | Sole Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Only pay for the time that you fly
£120/hr+
|
Pay a membership fee and a reduced hourly hire rate
£60+ monthl/
£100/hr+ |
Own half, a quarter, a sixth, or even less of a plane.
Pay a share of maintenance and hangar fees and for fuel when you fly. £3,000+ purchase
£150+ monthly £70/hr+ |
Own your own aircraft Pay all maintenance and hangar fees and for fuel when you fly £X,000+ purchase
£500+ monthly £70/hr+ |