National Private Pilot's Licence (NPPL)

The National Private Pilot's Licence (NPPL) allows you to fly in visual conditions, in daylight, with passengers in any simple single (piston) engined aeroplane (SEP) within the united kingdom. You may not receive payment for flying but, in certain circumstances, you can share the costs with your passengers.

The Authority requires a minimum of 32 hours training before they will issue a licence. It is, however, quite common for students to take more than this minimum to achieve the required standard.

Requirements For NPPL Issue

1) Thirty two hours total flying time in a dual-control aeroplane.

2) Ten hours of the 32 hours total must be solo time (called P1) of which at least 4 hours must be solo cross country navigation, including the Qualifying Cross Country Flight which normally accounts for about 2 hours.

3) Twenty-two of the 32 hours total must be dual flying with a JAR instructor and must include 2 hours of stall and spin avoidance training (SSAT).

4) Passes in the following ground exams:

Air Law

Navigation

Meteorology

Flight Performance & Planning

Human Performance and Limitations

Aircraft General Knowledge & Principals of Flight

Communications (Radio Telephony)

5) A certificate of fitness from a general practitioner, equivalent to DVLA group two. (DVLA group one only allows for solo flight only)

6) An RT practical test

7) Navigation Flight Test (before Qualifying Cross Country)

8) Qualifying Cross Country of 100 nm min

9) Skill Test

10) Aeroplane knowledge (oral exam)

11) A personal log book certified correct by the Chief Flying Instructor.

12) A completed NPPL Application Form

13) A cheque made out to the Licensing Authority for the appropriate fee

Flying Training Exercises

1) Aircraft familiarisation

1e) Emergency drills

2) Preparation for and action after flight

3) Air experience

4) Effects of controls

5) Taxying

6) Straight and level flight

7) Climbing

8) Descending

9) Turning

10a) Slow flight

10b) Stalling

11) Spin avoidance

12) Take off (inc. emergency procedures) and climb to the down-wind position

13) The circuit, approach and landing

14) First solo

15) Advanced turning

16) Forced landing without power

17) Precautionary landings

18a) Visual (Pilot) navigation

18b) Operations at minimum level and reduced visibility

19) Instrument appreciation

Navigation Flight Test

Qualifying Cross Country (solo)

The Skill Test

Note: The NPPL can be converted to a JAR PPL by obtaining a Class 1 or 2 JAR medical and completing further flying training.

Differences training is required to fly complex aeroplanes such as variable pitch propellors, retractable undercarriage, taildraggers, pressurized aircraft and forced induction engines (turbocharged and supercharged).