Private Pilot Licence
UK PPL(A)
Cambridge Aero Club has been training
pilots for over 90 years
Our historic school at Cambridge airport offers the full ATC experience in a varied training environment, providing student pilots with invaluable real-world experience.
About the PPL
A Private Pilot Licence (UK PPL(A)) entitles you to fly a Singled Engine, Fixed wing aircraft (SEP) up to a maximum take-off weight of 5700kg, with passengers, for private and recreational purposes.
This licence is a necessary stepping stone for anyone wanting to pursue a career in the Airlines or even just looking to take up the ultimate pursuit.
A comprehensive qualification, the PPL syllabus includes both practical flight training and ground based theoretical study.
When you learn to fly, your UK Licence will be valid throughout the UK and Europe and is usually acceptable worldwide subject to individual national requirements.
Post Brexit the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) has confirmed that the UK licence will still allow you to fly throughout Europe as we remain part of ICAO (the ‘Chicago Convention’). more information can be found here.
Your Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) will allow you to fly as pilot in command for private use (i.e. not commercial gain). For many the PPL is the first step towards becoming a commercial pilot (CPL), more information can be found on our Hour Building page.
You will be training for a UK Private Pilot Licence with ‘a single engine piston (SEP) class rating’.
Pre course requirements
You can learn to fly from the age of 14 years. There are a few milestones to consider:
Firstly you must be a minimum of 17 years old to obtain your licence (you may start building hours towards your licence from the age of 14 and complete your first solo at 16).
Prior to your first solo flight you must gain a Class 2 medical certificate from an Aero Medical Examiner (AME)
You can obtain this certificate by attending a brief medical examination with an (AME); we have a monthly clinic at the Aero Club and will be happy to advise. More information can be found here.
Instructional Breakdown
We pride ourselves on only employing flight instructors of the highest calibre. They come from a range of backgrounds, from military to commercial airline pilots. Between them they have a wealth of both practical and industry knowledge, invaluable to student and newly qualified pilots alike.
Structured lessons
Your training is arranged around your other commitments and we are open 7 days a week to help accommodate this. With enough notice, you can train as intensively as you wish: For instance some students choose settle into a regular weekly slot, whilst others fly anything up to twice a day, 5 days a week!
Our standard booking ‘slots’ are 2 hours long, which include a pre-flight briefing, your flight and a post-flight debrief.
You may book any number of lessons up to 2 months in advance. Once enrolled, you will have 24 hour access to our easy-to-use online booking platform, allowing you to view, book and amend with your chosen instructors.
During your first lessons, you can expect to fly for 40-50 minutes. As you progress, flight time will increase to around an hour. Frequent and regular lessons may minimise the overall course duration.
Lesson frequency
Your training progress will be significantly improved if you are able to attend regular lessons with minimal time in between.
This will greatly reduce the amount of training needed to reach the required standard for a PPL and will therefore save you a considerable amount of money.
Time for your first solo
Without doubt one of the biggest moments when you learn to fly will be your first solo! Before you fly solo for the first time, in addition to passing your Air Law exam, you’ll need to take a simple medical examination with an Aero Medical Examiner (AME) to ensure that you’re fit to fly. Most students are ready for their 1st solo flight after 10-15 hours of flight training, then it's over to you!
Our fleet of immaculately maintained, modern, well equipped aircraft are ideal for flight training.
All are dual-controlled and you have a choice of aircraft to complete your training in:
Our 2-seater Cessna 152's our a perfect affordable option, whilst our 4-seater Cessna 172's are a trusted trainer with a bit more room. Our Cessna 182 offers flying in style, with a high spec all round.
Find out more about our aircraft here.
Training requirements
If you haven’t flown before, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requires that you spend a minimum of 45 hours in the air before you can take your final Skills Test, which is the aircraft equivalent of a driving test. We will only put you forward for test, once you have completed the required training and are deemed ready for test.
Of these 45 hours, 25 hours must be dual (with an instructor) and 10 hours solo with you acting as pilot-in-command. 5 of your solo flight hours must be cross-country flights, i.e. away from your base airfield. As part of your PPL Exams you will complete:
- Your Skills Test (practical)
- Radiotelephony (FRTOL) practical exam
- 9 theoretical ground exams (via the CAA's online portal)
All of the above can be undertaken here at Cambridge Aero Club and more information on the examination process can be found here
Studying towards your exams is usually a combination of self-study and online ground school. We are affiliated with Easy PPL Ground School, which has everything you need to pass the more rigorous CAA exams.
So where do I start?
Your first step towards your PPL is to book in with us for your Taster Flight. This allows you to try things out before committing to full membership, can be counted towards your final logged hours and is essentially your first PPL lesson.
Taster Flights
Want to get studying?! We have all of the study materials you need! Check out out our 'Aviator Kits' on sale here at our onsite Pooleys Shop. The perfect gift for that budding pilot!
Aviator Kits
Excellence
We have both flight and ground examiners, meaning we can offer a full and independent examination service to both Cambridge Aero Club members and visiting members alike.
World renowned as one of the top pilot training organisations, we were one of the first to be granted ATO (Approved Training Organisation) status by the CAA.
Our reputation is for providing outstanding initial and advanced PPL training and post-qualification courses. Rest assured our syllabus, flight instructors, Safety Management System, and aircraft are continually monitored and audited by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
But don't just take our word for it,
check out our testimonials!
Andrea S
Flight Experience
Great time in the skies over Cambridge.
My son's instructor on the day was humourous, professional and knowledgeable. The flight experience was a very good one getting a great introduction into the world of flying.
Marianne Crowder
Former PPL student
Cambridge Aeroclub was recommended to me for their professional, friendly atmosphere and excellent facilities. From my first lesson I knew I was in good hands: the instructors are knowledgable and helpful and someone was always on hand to answer my questions. With their help I feel I’ve gained the skills and confidence I need to fly safely and well.
Chris Bishop
Director of Microsoft Research AI
The Cambridge Aeroclub is such a friendly and welcoming environment, with great aircraft and superb instructors!..