The Licences
Choosing between the different types of licence might seem daunting at first, but with the right advice it is fairly straightforward. We offer the two main licences available in the UK, the Light Aircraft Pilots Licence (LAPL) and the Private Pilots Licence (PPL). These are both entry level and both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Both licences have various minimum requirements. Unlike learning to drive, you will fly the aircraft on your own (solo) in various different scenarios, one being a qualifying cross country flight during which you will land at at least one other airfield. They also require the same theoretical knowledge and so the ground exams are the same.
Click on the links above for more details of each licence.
Light Aircraft Pilots Licence (LAPL)
The LAPL is a shorter course aimed at the typical hobby pilot. It has slightly more restrictions than the PPL in flight terms after you have achieved the licence, but also benefits from a less stringent medical requirements and is cheaper to obtain.
The LAPL will allow you to fly with a total of 4 persons on board in a single-engine aircraft up to 2000 kgs, which covers the majority of light aircraft and certainly all of our single-engine fleet. You are also restricted to flying within Europe.
Total Course Length
Minimum Solo Flight Time
Qualifying Cross Country Length
Estimated Total Prices
Fuji FA-200
Diamond DA40
Cirrus SR20
*All Prices are estimates including all flying and theory training, equipment, membership fees, and other miscellaneous costs. They are subject to change.
Private Pilots Licence (PPL)
The PPL course is longer than the LAPL but offers greater opportunities for the future. The PPL is an ICAO licence meaning that it is recognised worldwide and also allows the addition of ratings. If you are thinking of a career in the aviation industry then this is more suitable than the LAPL.
The PPL requires a Class 2 medical and also has a slightly more detailed test at the end. It is also less restrictive allowing you to fly most single-engine piston aeroplanes unless they require extra ratings/training.
Total Course Length
Allowable Simulator Time
Minimum Solo Flight Time
Qualifying Cross Country Length
Estimated Total Prices
Fuji FA-200
Diamond DA40
Cirrus SR20
*All Prices are estimates including all flying and theory training, equipment, membership fees, and other miscellaneous costs. They are subject to change.
Ground Exams
The LAPL and PPL both require the same nine ground examinations. They are multiple choice and are taken at the school here in one of our classrooms at your convenience. The 9 exams are:
All nine exams must be taken within 18 months and there are multiple ways to prepare. We stock books and other materials that enable you to self study for the exams and we also offer ground school tuition as either a complete package or per hour. More information can be found using the button below.
Radiotelephony Licence
The radiotelephony licence is generally required as part of either the LAPL or PPL. The licence is obtained after a course which can be completed here at our Solent base.
There are two exams to take, one of which, Communications, is already one of the nine ground exams. After this is the practical radio examination which can be taken here with our specialist radio examiner. For more information on the courses click the button below.