Learn To Fly - GeneralAviation.eu

LEARN TO FLY

We commonly say, “spread your wings and fly”. It is time to take this expression to the next level!

Have you ever imagined flying an airplane? The keys to start your pilot’s license can be found here! The Private Pilot License, commonly called PPL, gives you the opportunity to fly all over the world.
Let’s take a look at the process of how you can become a pilot!

The conditions

17 years old minimum

The minimum at age to take the final pilot’s exam is 17 years old. However, there are options for those who are younger and interested in becoming a pilot.

Speak English

English is the language of aviation. Some countries will, however, also allow the use of its native language. Most of the time, an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Aviation English level 4 (or higher) proficiency is mandatory. If given the option, it is advised to complete your pilot training in English and not just in your native language.

Medical certificate

You need to have a medical certificate in order to receive your license and fly. You will need to have a valid medical class 2 (or higher) certificate.This certificate is required to fly as a private pilot. The examination includes an eyesight and hearing check, an electrocardiogram, a physical examination and a check of your medical history. Certificates are valid for 5 years for pilots under age 40.

Costs

The cost range of earning a license is between 8 000 euros and 10 000 euros.

Theory

A PPL requires 100 hours to 120 of theory.

Of those total hours, 20 hours are dedicated for practical training.

There is an exam at the end of the process.

Theory content

Air Law, Human Performance, Meteorology, Communication, Principles of Flight, Operational Procedures, Flight Performance and Planning, Aircraft General Knowledge, and Navigation.

Flight time

EASA requires a minimum of 45 hours of flying time before you take your private pilot practical examination. (up to proficiency)

However, each national aviation administration has its specific requirements for the solo flights and navigation flights.

Time commitment

Total process takes eight months to one year, which includes both theoretical and practical training.

But in reality you the time will depend on your availability to do the flight hours and the theoretical package.

Steps to Becoming a Pilot

1

Make an appointment with a flight school in your country.

2

Obtain the appropriate aviation medical certificate.

3

Acquire pilot-related equipment, including a logbook (to document flight hours), a headset, and a Visual Flight Rules (VFR).

4

Navigate theory coursework.

5

Take practice flights with an instructor. Learn numerous flying skills such as check lists, preflight checks, airspace work, orientation, navigation, etc…

6

When your instructor finds you ready, you will do a solo flight followed next by solo navigation when ready.

7

Pass the theory test with a certified organization. Then, pass the flying exam with a certified examiner.

8

You are officially a Private Pilot.

What is next after the PPL? Want to go further?

You can decide to complete your PPL with other qualifications including aerobatics, instrument flight rules (IFR), skydive, seaplane, etc. An extensive list of other qualifications can be found HERE.

You can build on your initial training to become a professional pilot, airline pilot, military pilot, etc.

You can have your license transferred to another country to be able to fly in other areas.

You can become a flight instructor or a theory instructor.

If you fly in the U.S. you will follow the rules of the FAA. In the EU, EASA is the regulator and every member country has its own aviation administration to apply the regulation. Find your own national administration on the MAP.

What other opportunities exist?

Fly a balloon

Have you ever thought to fly a balloon or a glider? You can pilot them both in the US and EU from age 14.

Pass the LAPL

Pass the LAPL (Light aircraft pilot license). It allows you to fly alone, from the age of 17. You can fly a single-engine aircraft anywhere in Europe during the day after at least 30 hours of training flight. You can only fly alone (without passengers).

Discovery flights

Have you ever thought of doing a discovery flight? Check with a flight school, or an air-club in your country to have more information about it.

Check the map

Events

There are plenty of events each year in every country: flight demonstration, air meetings, convention, open days.

More info