No doubt depending on your passion for flying of course, you are going to start as being enthusiastic and aggressive in your studies. Like anything though it will have its moments where it is not so glamorous and you will have study segments that you do not enjoy all that much. Remember that everything you learn is applicable to your goal of achieving your PPL.

In total, you need to log 45 hours of flying time. This total time consists of at the very least 25 hours under duel instruction. Meaning that you will be flying with an instructor who will assist you. Then there has to be a minimum of solo flying consisting of at least five hours. This segment demands that the five solo hours be cross-country, which will include a qualifying flight. This qualifying flight is a cross-country flight of at least 270 km. During that time, you will be required to land at aerodromes outside of your home field. So far, we have covered at total of 35 hours, but we said you must have 45 hours to obtain your license. The last ten hours can be completed in either format, meaning as dual flights or solo or divided amongst both.

One thing that will remain consistent throughout your instruction will be the detailed flight briefing every time of a flight. Your instructor responsible for this will cover every aspect of the exercise. Once the flying exercise is complete there will then be a debriefing. Here is where your input is very important. Your strengths and weaknesses are important, and anything you are not sure about should be raised at this time.

It goes without saying that safety is the number one priority. In the beginning stages, your flying time will be within your area. You will spend a fair amount of time learning safe departure and landing techniques. Once you have mastered your first solo, then you will move onto navigation. The flight schools have a very intensive systematic training protocol that they adhere to.

Interestingly enough the age requirements to obtain your PPL are quite lax. In other words, you only need to be seventeen to legally obtain your license. You can start duel flying at the age of fourteen, and these hours can be banked towards your course. You cannot fly solo until the age of sixteen. One thing you must bare in mind is you will have to pass a medical, and understandingly so. For PPL.s, a class 2 medical is a requirement, which must be conducted by an authorized medical examiner. The JAR (Joint Aviation Rules) regarding the medical aspects is strictly enforced.

When it comes to the theory part of your course, you will be subjected to seven written exams. From the date of your first exam, you will have to complete the remainder of them within 12 months. You will have a further 24 months to complete your flight training if you wish to extend your training schedule. Each flight school will have their own format in which they subject you to your exams, but all exams are standard under JAA.

Your final test will be the skills test, which will be conducted by a CAA examiner. Upon successful completion of this, you will be awarded your test certificate, which you send onto the CAA in order to obtain your PLL license. You will learn at that time there are specific privilege that you will be entitled to. You must also make yourself aware of the regulations that are a requirement in order for you to keep your license valid.