The Private Pilot Licence PPL(A) is the beginning of an aviation adventure and, until recently, the first licence required to operate small general aviation aircraft independently. During the course, you will complete your first solo flight under the supervision of one of our instructors – an unforgettable experience for most students. After successfully passing the examinations at the Civil Aviation Authority (ULC), you become a fully qualified airspace user across Europe. Training at our school is conducted in accordance with European licensing standards for flight crew (EASA Part-FCL).

What is the PPL(A) licence – privileges

The Private Pilot Licence PPL(A) authorises non-commercial flight operations on aircraft with a maximum take-off mass not exceeding 5,700 kg. The holder may fly for recreational and private purposes only; however, carrying passengers is permitted. After obtaining additional ratings, a PPL(A) holder may progress to multi-engine aircraft operations (MEP(L) rating), instrument flight operations (IR(A) rating), or more complex aircraft types.

How to obtain a Private Pilot Licence

The PPL(A) licence requires completion of a training programme consisting of theoretical training (approximately 100 hours of study) and practical flight training (a minimum of 45 flight hours), followed by theoretical and practical examinations conducted by the Aviation Examination Board (LKE) of the Civil Aviation Authority (ULC).

PPL(A) training at Smart Aero Flight Academy

PPL(A) training at Smart Aero Flight Academy consists of a theoretical component – comprising 42 hours of classroom instruction at our flight school and a minimum of 58 hours of study on our proprietary e-learning platform – and a practical component comprising approximately 45 flight hours on the Cessna 152 or Piper PA-28.

The theoretical part of the PPL(A) course covers:

• air law,
• aircraft general knowledge,
• flight performance and planning,
• navigation,
• radiotelephony communications,
• operational procedures,
• principles of flight,
• meteorology,
• human performance and limitations.

The practical part of the PPL(A) course includes:

• a minimum of 45 flight hours on single-engine aircraft.

As part of PPL(A) training at Smart Aero Flight Academy, each participant receives:

• all necessary training materials,
• support and guidance from highly qualified flight instructors and aviation specialists,
• an individual approach and a friendly learning environment,
• answers to all aviation-related questions.

PPL(A) Course – Requirements

Candidates wishing to commence PPL(A) training must meet the following requirements:

• be at least 16 years of age at the start of training and at least 17 years of age at the time of the examinations,
• hold a valid Class 1 or Class 2 aviation medical certificate,
• have completed at least lower secondary education or equivalent.