British Aviation AcademyBritish Aviation Academy

Private Pilot Course

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Overview

PPL / LAPL / NPPL

Private Pilot (PPL), Light Aircraft Pilot (LAPL) and NPPL courses for UK CAA and EASA — structured training on our Fowlmere fleet.

LAPL / NPPL
30 hours minimum — recreational licence path
PPL(A)
40–45 hours — international licence, more ratings
EASA or UK CAA
Train under UK CAA or EASA where applicable
Structured syllabus
Designed to complete in minimum hours
Taster flights
Try before you commit to a full course
No membership fee
Transparent additional costs listed below
Course details

PPL, LAPL and NPPL.

PPL(A)

40 hours UK CAA minimum · 45 hours EASA minimum.

  • International private licence — instrument and radio navigation in the syllabus
  • Path to IR, MEP and other ratings after licence issue
  • Can be upgraded from LAPL/NPPL when you are ready

LAPL

30 hours minimum flight training.

  • European recreational licence (EASA LAPL)
  • Night and aerobatic ratings possible; fewer privileges than PPL
  • Class 2 or LAPL medical

NPPL

30 hours minimum — UK CAA NPPL.

  • UK CAA national private pilot licence
  • Similar flying to LAPL; medical declaration route available
  • Upgrade to PPL at any time with additional training
Timeframes

Timelines and Duration.

30

Hours (LAPL / NPPL minimum)

40

Hours (UK CAA PPL minimum)

45

Hours (EASA PPL minimum)

9

Theory exams

We schedule around your availability. Gaps between lessons mean more revision time per sortie — contact us to plan a realistic timeline. Email bookings@britishaerobaticacademy.com or call +44 (0)1763 208 281.

Costs

Course Pricing.

LAPL / NPPL (C152)

£6,150

Based on minimum hours on Cessna 152. C140 or Grob hire — hourly difference added.

PPL(A) (C152)

£9,860

UK CAA PPL based on minimum hours on Cessna 152. EASA training +£25/hr on applicable sorties.

Price includes

  • Dual and solo flight training for the quoted minimum hours on C152
  • Structured ground briefings integrated with the flying syllabus

Price excludes

  • Landing fees (£20 per sortie at Fowlmere)
  • Nine theory exams (£60 each)
  • Radio telephony test (£150)
  • Skills test with examiner (paid to examiner, not included in course price)
  • Medical certificate (~£150 depending on doctor)
  • CAA licence issue fees (approx £120)
  • Additional £25/hr when training for an EASA licence
  • Higher aircraft hourly rate if training on C140 or Grob instead of C152

We do not charge a membership fee while in training. Course prices assume continuity of training; extra hours may be needed if lessons are spaced out or before skill-test standard.

Aircraft

Meet the Training Fleet.

Frequenty Asked Questions

Your questions answered.

What is the difference between PPL, LAPL and NPPL?

The PPL is the full international private licence (40h UK CAA / 45h EASA) with more rating options later. LAPL and NPPL are 30-hour recreational routes — LAPL under EASA, NPPL under UK CAA. Training is similar; the PPL syllabus adds instrument and radio navigation work.

What is the skills test?

After you complete the flying syllabus and pass the nine theory exams and radio test, a CAA examiner conducts a separate skills test in the aircraft. It is not included in the course price.

Which aircraft can I train on?

LAPL and PPL tuition is available on Cessna 140, C152, Grob 115B, Grob 115D, Grob 115D2 and Piper PA-38. Quoted course prices assume C152; other types add the hourly rate difference. We are happy for you to try tailwheel and nosewheel types during the course.

Can I try flying before committing?

Yes — we offer taster flights for potential students. Contact us to arrange a sortie at Fowlmere before you book a full course.

How do I book or enquire?

Email bookings@britishaerobaticacademy.com or call +44 (0)1763 208 281 to discuss dates, aircraft choice and medical requirements.

Ready to start flying?

Tell us your goals — PPL, LAPL or NPPL — and we will help you pick the right path and aircraft at Fowlmere.