PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE (PPL)
The Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) – PPL(A) – is the second licence that a pilot trains for. Apart from holding a RPL licence, there are no other pre-requisite qualifications for PPL training. However, all students should have a good understanding of maths and physics theory and application, be fluent in the use of English, and be 17 years before the PPL flight test. Holding a current PPL and meeting recent flying experience allows you to fly, with passengers, anywhere in Australia.
PPL REQUIREMENTS
There are no pre-requisites however all students should have an adequate practical understanding of maths and physics, be fluent in the use of English, be 15 years before their first solo flight and 16 years before the RPL flight test.
PPL SYLLABUS
The PPL syllabus is focused on ‘operating the aircraft safely and efficiently under visual flight rules in all-weather conditions’ and is based on a minimum of 25 hours flight training and 10 hours dedicated ground training which is sequenced before flight training.
PPL FLIGHT TRAINING
Flight training lessons continue to develop a higher proficiency level in aircraft general handling, advanced manoeuvres, circuit operations, basic instrument flight, procedures in the event of abnormal situations and human factors and non-technical skills awareness, application, and decision-making. As well, flight training lessons include long navigation exercises incorporating operations at controlled and uncontrolled aerodromes, in complex controlled (capital-city) airspace and in remote areas.
PPL COURSE DURATION
The time to reach competency for the PPL licence varies markedly between students. Our experience has shown that most students take some additional hours to experience complex airspace and to reach a competent standard and the confidence level required. Each training flight is around 1.2 hours (for general flying) and 3.5 hours (for cross-country navigation) plus around 0.5 hour for pre- and post-flight briefs, and each long briefing is 2.0 to 2.5 hours. When done part-time the PPL course is usually completed within 12 months.
PPL COURSE COST
The cost of the PPL course depends on the aircraft used and each student’s training rate, ability, effort, consistency and progress. Additional costs need to be allowed for to cover a Basic Aeronautical Knowledge course and CASA exam (PPL), purchasing textbooks and equipment (headset) if required, maintaining an ASIC (security ID card), maintaining an aviation medical and logbook.
OUR FLIGHT SCHOOL
Training is conducted at Albury Aerodrome NSW in a purpose-built flight training school collocated with Oberon Aviation. The school consists of a fleet of capable training aircraft and the region’s only state-of-the-art Redbird full motion flight simulator.
I had originally started at a different school and transferred to Flight Training Centre part way through.
Flight Training Centre has since stood out to me for having excellent training focused on safety and student success, with experienced instructors who are friendly and thorough.
Jeremy W
