National Pilot Licence (Aeroplanes)

 

The NPPL is a stand-alone licence and is separate from the PPL licensing structure. The privileges of the NPPL licence are limited to:

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• Flight only in UK air space and in UK registered aeroplanes

• Flight in other Countries with permission of the National Authority.

• Day or night (if a night rating is held)

• In single-engine piston aeroplanes with a weight of 2000 kg or less

• Restricted to a maximum of 3 passengers plus the pilot.

• Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) rating can be added.

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Reduced medical requirement. You are able to ‘self-declare your medical fitness​.

 

What’s involved

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Minimum of 32 hours of flying training of which 10 hours must be solo. Clearly defined exercises cover aircraft familiarisation, climbing, descending, turning, slow flight, stalling and circuits, culminating in your first solo flight. Steep turns, emergency drills and basic instrument flying lead on to dual navigation tasks. A practical skills test in general handling and navigation of the aircraft completes the course for licence issue. Early lessons are usually about an hour in length, although later tasks may require up to 3 or more hours. Flying is normally booked in advance with the office.

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Are there any exams?

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Yes, these are the five multiple choice exams. The PLL has nine. The exams are administered by Three Counties Flying School.

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​Meteorology,

Navigation,

Aviation Law,

Human Factors

Aircraft Technical

 

We can provide you with all the books and materials necessary for your study. If you wish, you can take advantage of our online ground school, which will be the perfect complement to self-study in the comfort of your home.

 

Age limits

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No age limits apply to fly and learn. However, 14 is the lower age limit at which the instructional flying can count towards the issue of your licence. Minimum age of 16 years applies for solo flights, and you must be 17 years old to hold a licence.

 

 

 

Weather restrictions

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Flying is largely dependent on good weather. Good visibility is important, especially in the early stages. Low cloud and strong winds can sometimes restrict operations. You are advised to phone us before setting out for the airfield to check weather conditions.

 

How long will it take?

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This is governed by aptitude, personal commitments, weather, and of course funds. Intensive courses are possible and occasionally people do complete it in a month, though a more leisurely pace is usual (typically 8-12 months) when moulded around your domestic schedule. Although 32 flying hours is the minimum legal requirement, most people do take longer.

 

How much will it cost?

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Course price and aircraft hire rates are available on request. It is important to bear in mind that 32 hours is a minimum requirement, extra hours will be charged pro-rata. The approximate cost is around £7000

 

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After you obtain your Pilot Licence

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Once qualified, you may hire the school’s aircraft and carry passengers. Cost-sharing is permissible, providing the pilot pays at least an equal proportion of the cost.

 

Maintaining your licence privileges

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The licence is valid for the lifetime of the holder, once issued the licence is held unless it is provisionally suspended, suspended or revoked by the issuing authority or is surrendered by the holder.