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Image by Jelleke Vanooteghem

WHICH LICENCE?

There are two main Pilot licences you can get. Find out which is best for you.

Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

The PPL is the main licence that most people opt for. The course consists of a minimum of 40 hours of flight training that includes 10 hours of supervised solo flights. It is an internationally recognised licence which means it is much easier to fly abroad in Europe or the U.S.A.

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It is also the only licence to get if you have any intention of going on to become a commercial pilot or fly larger aircraft such as multi engine aircraft.

Flight training at Blackpool Airport

ADVANTAGES

  • Allows you to add on additional ratings to the licence such as to fly in bad weather

  • The definitive licence if you intend to fly commercially

DISADVANTAGES

  • Training course is slightly longer than the NPPL

  • More restrictive medical requirements

National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL)

​The training course is shorter, only 32 hours and 10 hours of solo flying. This means that you can potentially save money by doing the NPPL however this assumes that you complete the course in the minimum number of hours.

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The NPPL also has less restrictive medical requirements. They are easier to attain and you can make a Personal Medical Declaration rather than pay for a Class 2 Aviation Medical.

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The NPPL now allows you to add additional ratings such as Night or UK Instrument Rating (IMC Rating).

Flight training at Blackpool Airport

ADVANTAGES

  • Shorter training course

  • Less restrictive medical requirements

  • Can be upgraded to the PPL at a later date

  • Can add Night and Instrument Ratings

  • Can operate on Personal Medical Declaration

  • Can fly into some European Countries who recognise the UK NPPL licence - e.g. France & Ireland (though some conditions may apply)

DISADVANTAGES

  • Even though the training course is shorter, the proficiency levels are the same

  • Limited to light aircraft

Summary

The NPPL a shorter course which causes a reduction in the initial cost of the training. It is perfect for recreational flying in light aircraft. The NPPL offers the ability to add on extra ratings allowing you to fly at night or in bad weather. 

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No matter which licence you choose, don't worry too much. It is perfectly possible to upgrade your NPPL to a PPL at a later date.

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