This is the first step on the modular journey, it allows the holder to act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft for non-commercial purposes. Essentially, it’s the license that allows you to fly privately for leisure or personal reasons, not for pay.
The following are the requirements to pass the PPL:
Flying Hours
- 45 hours of instruction which must include:
- At least 25 hours of dual flight instruction.
- At least 10 hours of supervised solo flight time, including at least 5 hours of solo cross-country flight time with at least 1 cross country flight of at least 270 km (150 NM) that includes full stop landings at 2 aerodromes different from the departure aerodrome.
- 5 of the 45 hours can be completed in an approved flight simulator (an FSTD – flight simulation training device)
Skills Test
At the end of your training, you will need to take a skill test with an examiner in the relevant aircraft type to demonstrate that you can competently carry out the procedures and manoeuvres that you have been taught, while acting as pilot in command (PIC).
A pass in 9 theoretical exams
| Common subjects | Exams specific to the aircraft category |
| Air law Human performance Meteorology Communications Navigation | Principles of flight Operational procedures Flight performance and planning Aircraft general knowledge |
EasyPPL – Theory Exams
For these theory exams I’ll be using EasyPPL, as it’s highly recommended by most flight schools due to their condensed notes and question banks. I’ve bought the Silver Starter Kit as it seemed the best value for my purposes.
EasyPPL recommend the following order to take the exams, so I’ll be taking them in this order. After each exam I’ll release a short blog post.
- Air Law and ATC Procedures (most flight schools require you to pass Air Law before your first solo)
- Operational Procedures
- Aircraft General Knowledge
- Principles of Flight
- Human Performance and Limitations
- Meteorology
- Communications
- Navigation
- Flight Performance and Planning
Modular Pilot Kiran 