Put most simply, a Private Pilot License (also known as a Private Pilot Certificate) allows you to fly a single-engine aircraft for private use. It is a popular and well-structured route into aviation – followed by many hobbyists and professional pilots.
Guides For Private Jet Owners
What Can You Do With A Private Pilot’s License?
A Private Pilot’s License allows (PPL) you to act as the pilot in command of most single-engine aircraft. This will enable you to fly solo or with passengers in any appropriate aircraft. A standard PPL covers general aviation light aircraft, usually with two or four seats. A license will cover the pilot to operate any aircraft, although usually, a flight school will require time in a new aircraft type before hire. Importantly, you cannot fly commercially or for payment.
The Private Pilot’s License is the first main step into aviation. For some, this is as far as they go, flying themselves and family or friends for recreation. For others, it is the start of further training and licenses to become a professional pilot.
Requirements For A PPL
To begin training, there are age, language, and medical requirements. In the US, Europe and the UK, the minimum age to obtain a PPL is 17 (although flight training can begin earlier). Pilots must understand English as this is the common language of aviation globally.
Prospective pilots must also pass a medical examination. In the US, this is known as a third-class medical certificate (with second and first class certificates needed for commercial aviation). There are defined standards for general health, hearing, and eyesight.
How To Obtain A License
If you meet these initial requirements, you can start flight training. This involves instruction in all areas of flying – including aircraft operation, manoeuvres, navigation, and cross country flying.
The exact requirements differ between countries – and practically, even more so depending on student ability. The requirements and issuance are controlled by each country’s aviation authority. In the US, this is the FAA; in the UK, it is the CAA; and in Europe, the EASA.
The minimum flying time required is 40 to 45 hours, but students often take longer. Depending on progress, a new pilot might fly solo in as few as ten hours. There are also minimum requirements for the number of solo hours flown and the number of take-offs and landings. Final certification involves passing a flight test and completing written tests.
Once a license is obtained, there are strict regulations to keep it active. In the US, this involves passing a regular medical and taking a flight review every two years.
Going Further Than A Private Pilot’s License
A PPL allows daytime flying in good weather conditions of single-engine aircraft. There are additional licenses, also known as ratings, possible. These include night flying (combined with the PPL in the US but not in the UK or Europe), instrument flying in poor visibility, seaplane flying, and multi-engine ratings. These can extend the possibilities of recreational flight for the private pilot.
Moving beyond private flying, pilots can start training towards a commercial pilot license after a certain number of hours logged. And going further, Airline Transport Pilot Licenses and multi-crew licenses open the way to a career as a pilot.
Final Thoughts
The PPL is a popular license, opening up aviation to anyone with the ambition and ability to fly. In the US, in 2020, there were over 160,000 active private pilots (and a similar number of fully qualified active airline pilots).
