The UK Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

The Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is the gold standard private flying licence and also the first rung on the ladder towards a career in aviation.

It is by far the most popular of the courses we offer and allows the holder to act, without renumeration, as the pilot of an aircraft carrying passengers.

The PPL can have numerous additional endorsements added to enable the holder to fly at night, on instruments only, in multi-engine aircraft or even to become a flight instructor!

The only pre-requisite for enrolling a Private Pilot Licence course is that you must be at least 14 years old.

The easiest way to get started is with our enrolment package (see our price list), which includes all the essentials at a heavily discounted price. We will provide a thorough induction to familiarise you with the flying school and the course, and will get you set up with our online services so that you can start booking flying lessons straight away.

Training is delivered on a pay-as-you-go basis, so there are no further up-front costs.

Course Overview

Flight training: 45 hours (minimum)
Ground study options:
- Self study
- Online courses
- Classroom
Ground examinations: 9 Multiple choice (on-site)
Medical certification: Class 2

Costs

Enrolment: £699 (includes membership, flight equipment & CBT ground school)
All other training fees (flying, ground school, examinations etc) are pay-as-you-go and as per our price list

Estimated course duration: 4+ months

Approximate budget: £12,000 - £15,000

The UK Light Aeroplane Pilot Licence (LAPL)

The LAPL is a 'light' version of the PPL and is primarily aimed at those who plan to only fly privately, in aircraft of limited size and in good weather conditions. It also requires a slightly less demanding medical certification, so those who can not obtain a Class 2 medical can fly with reduced priviliges.

If you are limited by a medical condition or are only ever likely to fly for pleasure and in good weather then the reduced cost of the LAPL can make it the pragmatic choice.

The only additional rating that can be added to the LAPL is the Night Rating, but the licence is upgradeable to the PPL post-issue which then opens the door for further training if desired.

Students enroling on a Light Aeroplane Pilot Licence course must be at least 14 years old.

Training is delivered on a pay-as-you-go basis, so there are no further up-front costs.

Course Overview

Flight training: 30 hours (minimum)
Ground study options:
- Self study
- Online courses
- Classroom
Ground examinations: 9 (on site)
Medical certification: Class 2 or LAPL

Costs

Enrolment: £699 (includes membership, flight equipment & CBT ground school)
All other training fees (flying, ground school, examinations etc) are pay-as-you-go, and as per our price list

Estimated course duration: 3+ months

Approximate budget: £10,000

The Night Rating

By adding the Night Rating to your PPL or LAPL, you will be able to exercise the privileges of your licence at night under VFR.

This course includes 4 hours of dual training at night, including a dual navigation sortie, plus an hour of solo circuits.

There is no flight test or ground examination for the Night Rating but some ground school will be required. Ground school is available from our online ground school portal.

The Night Rating course can be undertaken either post-completion of a LAPL/PPL course (LAPL holders will require a minimum of 1 hours instrument training) or integrated within a PPL course.

Course Overview

Pre-requisites:
- LAPL or PPL
- Minimum of 1 hour dual instrument flying for LAPL holders
Content:
- Flight training: 5 hours
- Ground examinations: None
Fees:
- Course enrolment fee: £250
- All other training fees are pay-as-you-go, and as as per our price list

The Night Rating course fee is payable up-front, is non-refundable and valid for 6 months. All training fees are pay-as-you-fly.

Estimated duration: 3 days

Approximate cost: £1,500

The Instrument Rating (Restricted)

The IR(R) is a UK only rating which extends the privileges of your PPL to allow flight in IMC and to perform instrument approach procedures in UK airspace.

There is a 15 hour dual training requirement, a ground examination and a flight test to complete.

Prior to application for the issue of an IR(R), the PPL holder must have totalled at least 25 flying hours since licence issue, which can include the IR(R) course itself.

For those progressing to advanced commercial training, IRR training can be credited towards the Competency-Based Instrument Rating (CB-IR) - making the IRR a very pragmatic investment!

Course Overview

Pre-requisites:
- PPL
Content:
- Flight training: 15 hours
- Ground examinations: 1 multiple choice (on-site)
Fees:
- Course enrolment fee: £750
- All other training fees are pay-as-you-go, and as as per our price list

The IRR course fee is payable up-front, is non-refundable and valid for 12 months. All training fees are pay-as-you-fly.

Estimated duration: 4 weeks +

Approximate budget: £5,500

Airline Transport Pilot Licence

(ATPL) Theory

Merseyflight have partnered with Bristol Ground School (BGS) to bring you their market-leading online ATPL theory training.

This distance-learning package allows you to continue working and flying whilst completing your ATPL studies from the comfort of your own home. The course can be completed at your own pace, with students generally taking anywhere between 6 and 24 months to conclude.

For more information and pricing, click here (link opens in a new tab).

Course Overview

Pre-requisites:
- Private Pilot's Licence (PPL)
ATPdigital CBT software – available on Mac, iPad or Windows computers
18 month subscription to BGS Video Library
Bristol Question Bank – BGSonline
Technical software support throughout your studies
Optional, printed training manuals

The Flight Instructor FI(A) Certificate

The holder of the UK Part-FCL FI(A) Flight Instructor Certificate has the ability to teach both the practical flight training and theoretical knowledge elements of the Private Pilot's Licence (PPL) and Light Aeroplane Pilot's Licence (LAPL) course to ab-initio students.

The FI(A) is the gateway qualification to earning money with a pilot's licence, and is the the only qualification which allows a PPL with a Class 2 medical certification to be renumerated for flying duties.

A pre-course assessment flight is required prior to being accepted on to this course.

The 125 hour ground school requirement includes 25 hours of teaching and learning theory, technical training and the preparation and delivery of both airborne and classroom-based lessons.

The 30 hour airborne training course is based on the air exercises of the PPL syllabus and how to teach them effectively.

Upon completion of the course, an assessment of competence, including a flight test, will be conducted with a CAA examiner.

Course Overview

Pre-requisites:

Candidates for the FIC course shall hold at least a PPL(A) and have completed a minimum of:

- - 10 hours of instrument flight instruction on single-engine piston (SEP) powered aeroplanes;
  - 20 hours of VFR cross-country flight on SEP aeroplanes;
  - 200 hours of flight time, 150 hours of which as Pilot in Command;
  - 30 hours on SEP aeroplanes of which at least 5 hours shall have been completed during the preceding 6 months;
  - A VFR cross-country flight as PIC, including a flight of at least 540 km (300 NM) with full stop landings at 2 different aerodromes.
Content:
- Pre-entry flight test based on the SEP proficiency check
- Flight training: Minimum 30 hours (excludes pre-entry test)
- Ground school: Minimum 125 hours
- Skills test

Fees:
- Course fee: £1,500 due on enrolment
- Ground school: 3 x £1,750 instalments
- All other training fees are pay-as-you-go, and as per our price list

Course fee is payable upon enrolment, is non-refundable and is valid for 12 months. Ground school fees are payable up-front and in instalments throughout the duration of the course to maintain a credit balance. Flight training fees are pay-as-you-fly. CAA application and examiner fees are seperate to the above and as per the CAA Scheme of Charges.

Estimated duration: 6 weeks +

Approximate budget: £14,000

Multi-Engine Piston (MEP)

Class Rating

A holder of a MEP(Land) class rating is able to act as pilot in command of a MEP(Land) class aircraft. The rating is valid for 12 months.

The course includes theoretical ground training on subjects associated with the operation of multi engine piston aircraft, which culminates in a written examination. It includes elements, some of which are generic and some of which are specific to the type of aeroplane to be used on the course.

Flight training comprises at least 2 hours 30 minutes of dual flight instruction under normal operations and not less than 3 hours and 30 minutes of dual flight instruction in engine failure procedures and asymmetric (one engine inoperative) flight techniques.

Course Overview

Pre-requisites (minimum):
- Private Pilot's Licence (PPL)
- 70 hours Pilot in Command

Content:
- Ground school: 7 hours
- Flying training: 6 hours (minimum)
- Examinations: 1
- Skill test

Fees
- Course enrolment fee: £950
- All other training fees are pay-as-you-go, and as as per our price list

The MEP Course enrolment fee is payable up-front, is non-refundable and is valid for 6 months. All training fees are pay-as-you-fly.

Estimated duration: 2 weeks

Approximate budget: £5000

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

To be renumerated for flying, a pilot must either hold a Flight Instructor Certificate (FIC) or a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

The content of the CPL course is similar to the PPL course but at a more advanced level, with tighter performance tolerances and a strong emphasis on commercial operations and captaincy skills.

A proporion of the course (and the skills test) must be completed in a complex aircraft, i.e. with a variable pitch propeller and retractable undercarriage. The complex aircraft can be either a single or multi-engine aircraft.

Upon completion of the course and issue of a CPL, a pilot will be qualified to act as Pilot in Command of commercial air transport flights in a single-pilot aircraft.

Course Overview

Pre-requisites
- PPL(A)
- Night Rating
- ATPL theory
- Approximately 100 hours pilot in command; 150 total
- Class 1 medical certificate
- For a multi-engine CPL, have completed the training for the MEP class rating

Flying Training (minimum):
- 15 hours visual flight training
- 10 hours instrument flight training
- Up to 10 hours can be credited if an Instrument Rating (IR) is already held

Fees:
- Course enrolment fee: £1,250
- All other training fees are pay-as-you-go, and as per our price list

The CPL Course enrolment fee is payable up-front, is non-refundable and is valid for 12 months. All training fees are pay-as-you-fly.

Estimated course duration: 5-6 weeks

Approximate budget: £6,000+

Competency-Based Instrument Rating (CB-IR)

For candidates with no prior instrument flying experience, the CBIR course is a minimum of 40 hours flight training in a single-engine aircraft and 45 hours in a multi-engine aircraft.

It is important to be clear; the requirements of the course are stipulated as instrument flight time and not total flight time. This means that, unlike other courses, taxi time is not counted towards the requirements.

However, previous experience can be used to credit against the minimum training requirements in order to reduce the overall length of the CB-IR course. This can include, but is not limited to:

an IR(R) course
Flight time under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) as PIC
a CPL course

Up to 30 hours (35 for the multi-engine CB-IR) can be credited in total, depending on the particular circumstances.

An assessment flight will be conducted to determine the training required for candidates looking to credit previous instrument flying experience. The assessment flight time does not count towards the requirements of the course.

The course includes training in:

instrument flying techniques
departure and arrival procedures
enroute and approach procedures
Asymmetric procedures (if applicable)

Upon completion of the course and issue of an Instrument Rating, a pilot will be qualified to fly aircraft under IFR, including PBN operations, with a minimum decision height of no less than 200 feet.

Course Overview

Pre-requisites (minimum):
- PPL(A)
- Night Rating (if IR to be used at night)
- ATPL/CB-IR theory
- At least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as PIC
- For a multi-engine CB-IR, have completed the training for the MEP class rating

Flying Training (minimum):
- Assessment flight (approx 1.5 hours, if credit is being claimed)
- 40 hours instrument flight time under instruction (single-engine aircraft)
- 45 hours instrument flight time under instruction (multi-engine aircraft)
- Up to 30 hours credit for previous experience (35 hours for multi-engine)
- Skills test

Fees
- Course enrolment fee: £2,250
- All other training fees are pay-as-you-go, and as per our price list

The CB-IR Course enrolment fee is payable up-front, is non-refundable and is valid for 12 months. All training fees are pay-as-you-fly.

Estimated course duration: 5-6 weeks

Approximate budget: £6,000+

It all starts here

Turn your dream into reality with Merseyflight.

It all starts here

Turn your dream into reality with Merseyflight.

A PPL (or LAPL) is the first rung on the ladder regardless of your ultimate aviation goal. Once achieved, you can add further privileges to your licence. Follow our pathway below to see where your aviation journey can take you – just click on a course for more information.

Courses for beginners

Choose from one of our CAA approved courses.

Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

– OR –

Light Aeroplane Pilot Licence (LAPL)

Upon completion of either course you will be qualified to fly a single-engine light aircraft.

Enrol Now!

Further training &

aircraft hire

Build your experience and add further privileges to your licence.

Night Rating

Instrument Rating Restricted (IRR)

Aerobatic Rating

Hour Building

Instructor training

Flying instruction can be part of the journey towards a commercial licence or a rewarding career choice in its own right.

Flight Instructor Certificate (FIC)

Instrument Rating Instructor (IRI)

Class Rating Instructor (CRI/SE)

UPRT Instructor

Aerobatic Instructor

Commercial training

Professional training courses for pilots seeking a career in commercial aviation.

ATPL Ground Examinations

Multi Engine Piston Rating (MEP)

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

Instrument Rating (CB-IR)

Advanced Upset Prevention & Recovery Training (UPRT)

Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) & Jet Orientation Course (JOC)

Enrol today and start booking your lessons online!

A Merseyflight membership is the minimum requirement to start your flight training journey with us. As standard, an annual membership gives you the following benefits:

12 month access to flying school facilities
Member flying rates
Online booking
Electronic logbook
Online training records
Online study materials
Online course guidance
Use of school equipment
Insurance cover

Upgrade to our Frequent Flyer membership programme and you will benefit from:

5 – 7.5% discount on all of your flying and landing fees
Priority booking – book your lessons up to 6 weeks in advance (4 weeks standard)

Membership Tariff Comparison

	Standard	Frequent Flyer
Annual fee	£199	£299
Minimum flights or hours within preceding 28 days	N/A	< 2 training flights < 2 hours flying	2+ training flights 2 + hours flying	4+ training flights 4+ hours flying
Advance booking	28 days	42 days	42 days	42 days
Flying discount	0%	0%	5%	7.5%
Landing discount	0%	0%	5%	7.5%

Alternatively, choose our Enrolment Package to kick start your training. Packed with everything you need at a discounted price, our enrolment package includes:

Frequent Flyer Membership
Subscription to the Pooley’s Aviation Academy online ground school for computer-based theory training, examination practice, regular webinars and much more.
2.5 Hours of mandatory induction ground school; including the first two exercises of the PPL syllabus (aircraft familiarisation and preparation for / action after flight), instruction on how to pre-flight check an aircraft, tuition on how to make the most of our online services (booking, training records, flying logs, study resources etc) and registration with the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Our ‘Pilot’s Starter Kit’; All the flight equipment you need up to your first solo flight! Includes 5 course text books (Air Pilot’s Manuals volumes 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7), Pilot’s logbook, kneeboard, aircraft checklist, hi-vis vest, airside pass holder and laynard – all in a stylish Jeppesen flight bag!

Select Membership

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a PPL/LAPL training course consist of?

A flight training course consists of two concurrently running threads; a practical element (flight training) and a ground study element (theoretical knowledge). Both the flight training and theoretical knowledge elements of the course are defined in an internationally recognised syllabus.

The practical training is wholly undertaken at our facility, in our fleet of training aircraft and under the instruction and oversight of our highly qualified and experienced team. In order to complete the practical element of the course, a student pilot must:

Complete training in all parts of the practical syllabus to an acceptable standard;
Complete at least the minimum required dual training and solo flying hours.

The theoretical knowledge requirement covers 9 subjects:

Aviation Law
Operational Procedures
Communications
Meteorology
Aircraft General Knowledge
Principles of Flight
Navigation
Flight Performance & Planning
Human Performance

In order to complete the theoretical knowledge element of the course, the student pilot must pass a multiple choice ground examination in each of these subjects. All ground examinations are sat at Merseyflight.

Unlike the practical training, the ground study is mainly in the hands of the student pilot and undertaken in the form of home-study using the course materials. It is essential that the student pilot remains focused on their study throughout their course, ensuring that it runs concurrently with their flight training for maximum benefit. The instructor will guide and support the student with regard to integrating their ground study and will offer additional ground school if required.

Merseyflight do offer an online ground school for a small additional cost – More details can be found on our resources page.

Upon completion of both the practical flight training and the theoretical knowledge examinations the student will undertake a flight test with one of our examiners.

What is the difference between the PPL and LAPL courses?

Aside from some air exercises being omitted from the LAPL syllabus, the two courses are identical; however, once you have started training for one of the licences your flight training credit is not transferrable to the other mid-course, so the decision must be carefully considered.

Who can learn to fly?

Anybody can learn to fly – almost!

First of all, you need to be at least 14 years old to count your training flights towards your total hours. You must be 16 years old before you can fly solo and 17 years old for licence issue.

You also need to be able to demonstrate that you are fit and healthy enough to fly. This is done by undertaking a medical examination. There are different levels of medical certification required, depending on your choice of course; Class 1, Class 2 and LAPL. For the PPL you will require at least a class 2 medical which must be performed by a CAA approved aeromedical examiner (AME) whereas the LAPL medical can be performed by your GP.

You may have certain medical conditions which preclude the award of higher levels of certification which may affect your choice of course.

We can provide guidance on the process of gaining certification and recommend local CAA approved AMEs. You can also find contact details for these AMEs on our resources page.

Please note: you do not need a medical before you start learning to fly but you will need one before your first solo flight.

Finally, learning to fly takes dedication and is not cheap. You will need to be motivated, have enough time to fly regularly, study at home and be able to fund your flight training. You can estimate your overall course costs by using our handy course calculator.

How much will a PPL or LAPL cost?

One of the most often asked questions!

The answer is not as simple as it might first seem as there are a lot of variables. The good news is that your overall spend is very much in your own hands. By working hard on the ground you can make the most of the expensive time in the air. Students who study conscientiously, learn from their instructor’s critique and are well prepared for their flying lessons generally complete their training at the lower end of the budget. However, you should expect to budget for at least £10,ooo to £15,000.

What will I need to budget for?

Annual membership
Aircraft and instructor hire
Landing fees
Flight equipment
Study materials
Examination fees
Test fees
Ground school
CAA Application fees
Medical examination

Can I do all of my training at Merseyflight?

Yes.

Merseyflight are a CAA approved flight training and ground examination centre and offer a complete training solution for both the Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) and the Light Aeroplane Pilot’s Licence (LAPL).

We are specialists in, and dedicated to, teaching the PPL, LAPL and associated ratings.

What is Merseyflight's success rate like?

Our success rate is second to none. Check out our honours board on our home page.

How and where do I start?

If you have never been in a light aircraft before then we recommend you start with one of our extended trial lessons or ‘Learn to fly’ packages.

If you have already completed one of these and are ready to enrol on one of our courses then the first step is to become a Merseyflight member. Once you have been granted access to our online booking system it’s as simple as scheduling your next lesson!

Should I learn in a 2 or 4 seat aircraft?

Your choice of learning in a 2 seat or 4 seat aircraft will usually be determined by your size and weight or just by pure personal preference.

Our 2 seat trainers are Piper PA-38 Tomahawks and the 4 seat option is the larger Piper P-28-A Cherokee.

Training costs are slightly higher in the Cherokee due to the heavier airframe and larger engine. Details regarding flight training costs can be found on our pricing page. Landing fees for the Tomahawk and the Cherokee are identical.

What equipment do I need?

You are going to need various bits and pieces of equipment for both your practical flight training and your study.

Some equipment is essential, such as your basic flight equipment and course books.

We offer 2 equipment packages which include your essential kit and some recommended items. One kit is for everything you need up to and including your first solo flight and the other comprises navigational equipment which you will need for the later stages of your training.

We are a Pooley’s Flight Equipment dealer, so you can either purchase equipment from us or from Pooley’s directly – just don’t forget to use our discount code MERSEYFLIGHT for an extra 5% off!

How do I prepare for my ground examinations?

Approximately 100 hours of study is recommended to pass your theoretical knowledge ground examinations. Merseyflight offer a number of ways to support your learning:

Self study

The self study approach to ground exams is the cheapest option and the most fundamentally important. The only costs involved are the course books and your time.

Books can be purchased in either ebook or paperback editions from ourselves, or directly from Pooley’s. If purchasing from Pooley’s, use coupon code MERSEYFLIGHT to receive a 5% discount on checkout.

Online ground school

Merseyflight offer an online solution which ideally should be used to complement your course books.

The online ground school covers all of the subject areas of the PPL and LAPL ground examinations with graphically based interactive courses.

Progress tests and mock examinations can also be accesses through the course interface so that you can test yourself against an extensive database of realistic examination questions.

Classroom based ground school

We offer classroom based ground school in either a one-to-one or group course format.

Ground school in this environment can be used for both practical training briefings and theoretical knowledge teaching.

Ground school is conducted by one of our experienced flight instructors.

We also regulalrly host a very popular and highly rated Radiotelephony course which includes the practical test required for the award of your Radio Telephony licence.