Becoming a Pilot starts here

 


What is a Private Pilots Licence (PPL)?


  • A Private Pilots Licence is a European standard licence which enables the holder to fly an aeroplane, with non-fare paying passengers, within the borders of the European Union.
  • Licence are issued by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) according to the requirements set down by the Joint Aviation Authority (JAA)

 


What are the requirements for a Private Pilot Licence (PPL)?


  • Requirements for a PPL are listed below.
  • When these requirements are met a student can apply for the PPL skill test under taken by a certified IAA examiner.
  • During the skill test the examiner will observe the student during a full navigational exercise, both during the planning stage on the ground and during the actual flight.

 


Minimum Age requirements:


  • At 15 you can log your hours
  • At 16 you can fly solo
  • At 17 you can obtain your PPL

 


Requirements:


  • Class 2 medical: A list of GP's qualified to undertake the class two medical is available on the IAA’s website. The medical checks all areas of general health and shouldn’t take more than an hour.
  • Pass in PPL (A) Theory Examinations: There are four exams which cover 9 subjects, Air Law and ATC Procedures, Aircraft General Knowledge, Flight Performance and Planning. Human Performance and Limitation, Meteorology, Navigation, Operational Procedures, Principles of Flight, Communications.   The majority of this information will be compiled during the course of your training. We also run ground school classes coming up to each set of exams with classes running two evening per week.
  • Minimum 45 Hours Logged Flight Time: Not that straight forward unfortunately! Of the forty five hours, 10 hours must be solo, of which 5 hours must be solo cross country, which must include one flight of more than 150nm with two landings.
  • We are fully aware that this process may sound daunting, but the thrill of learning to fly solo is exhilarating, so please feel free to drop in and speak with one of our instructors or operations staff.

 


What is the next step after PPL if I wish to fly for an Airline Company?


  • The route to becoming a Commercial Pilot involves several steps which are structured the same as for the PPL.
  • Age,
  • Medical,
  • Exams,
  • Hours of flight time and apply for skill test.
  • Again, we are fully aware that there is a great deal of information in respect of obtaining a pilot licence. For further information please feel free to drop in and speak with one of our instructors or operations staff.