How To Get Your UK Pilots License

Thinking of Buying or Selling an Aircraft in the UK? Speak to the Experts

To get a pilot’s licence in the UK, you’ll need to follow a structured process regulated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The most common route is the Private Pilot Licence (PPL), which allows you to fly light aircraft for non-commercial purposes.

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Ready to Get Your UK Pilot’s License? Follow This Quick-Action Plan

Earning your UK pilot’s license opens a world of freedom, adventure, and achievement that few other hobbies or careers can offer. Whether you’re flying for fun, planning weekend escapes, or building toward a professional path, becoming a pilot is an unforgettable experience.

With a Private Pilot License (PPL), you can:

Fly to remote airstrips, coastal destinations, or countryside retreats not served by commercial airlines.
Enjoy spontaneous weekends in the Channel Islands, Wales, or the Lake District—no traffic, no train delays.
Explore aviation communities, attend fly-ins, or share your passion with friends and family.

Requirements

1. Meet the Basic Requirements: You must be at least 17 years old to hold a PPL (you can begin training at 14). You’ll also need to pass a Class 2 Medical Examination from a UK CAA-approved Aeromedical Examiner.
2. Choose a Flight School: You’ll need to enrol in a UK CAA-approved Approved Training Organisation (ATO). A list is available on the CAA’s website.
3. Complete Flight Training: A minimum of 45 hours is required, including 25 hours of dual instruction and 10 hours of solo flying (5 of which must be solo cross-country). Training includes aircraft handling, navigation, emergency procedures, and more.
4. Pass Ground School Exams: You’ll need to pass 9 written subjects: Air Law, Operational Procedures, Meteorology, Human Performance, Navigation, Flight Performance & Planning, Aircraft General Knowledge, Principles of Flight, and Communications. These are typically multiple choice exams taken at your flight school.

5. Pass a Radiotelephony (RT) Practical Exam: This is required for legal use of aircraft radios during flight.
6. Pass a Skills Test: This is a final assessment flight with an examiner to ensure your flying proficiency.
7. Apply for Your Licence: Submit your training record, exam passes, medical certificate, and application form to the CAA for approval.

Other License Options

LAPL (Light Aircraft Pilot Licence) – Easier to obtain than the PPL, suitable for small aircraft and shorter flights.
NPPL (National Private Pilot Licence) – A more limited, UK-only option.
ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) – Required for airline or commercial piloting careers.

Costs: Expect to spend between £10,000 and £16,000 for a full PPL in the UK. Final costs depend on the training location, aircraft used, and how quickly you complete the program.
If your goal is a professional flying career, you’ll need to continue with a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and eventually an ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence).

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