PPL/NPPL Course
The Course
Learning to fly light aircraft at Fenland, you have 2 main options:
You can either train for the PPL(A) or the NPPL(A), both of which have their own advantages, and you may want to get further details from your Instructor before making your choice.
The NPPL(A) will suit most recreational pilots, does not require a medical examination, and is limited to UK flying, whereas the PPL(A), with its more comprehensive training, will suit those who are interested in flying abroad or pursuing a career in aviation.
Before a licence can be issued the applicant must complete the minimum hours of flying which includes the following requirements:
| PPL | NPPL |
| Minimum 40 hours total.
Class 2 Medical. |
Minimum 32 hours total.
Pilot Medical declaration. |
| Minimum 10 hours of solo flight time (including minimum 5 hours of cross country flying and a flight of 270km with landings at 2 airfields different from that of departure). | Minimum 10 hours of solo flight time (including minimum 4 hours of cross country flying and a flight of 150km with landings at 1 airfield different from that of departure). |
| A successful skills test with an examiner. | A successful skills test with an examiner. |
In addition to flying training, students are also required to complete the Theoretical Knowledge examinations, which are the same for both licences. Appropriate Ground School Training and all exams are available at the School. There are 9 multiple choice written examinations which are held in-house:
Air Law
Meteorology
Flight Planning and Performance
Aircraft General Knowledge
Principles of flight
Radio Telephony – Theory and Practical
Operational Procedures
Navigation
Human Performance
Before a student can be recommended for the Skills Test, all flying training requirements must be met and ground examinations passed.
Finally, the student must complete a Radio Telephony Oral Examination before applying for their licence.
How Can We Help?
At Fenland Flying School we offer a high quality of flight training within the relaxed atmosphere provided by a club environment and friendly, approachable instructors. Our instructors are mature and experienced with a broad history of careers spent in aviation, not just ‘marking time’ or hours-building as a prelude to becoming airline crew.
For training we have Cessna 152 and Cessna 172 aircraft. Both are proven training platforms and are ideal for operating out of short grass airfields such as Fenland.
The airfield itself is busy enough to keep you on your toes without creating expensive delays and interruptions to your tuition. It benefits from a control tower staffed by Air Ground Radio Operators throughout the week. With a runway length of just 594 metres, learning to land at Fenland will give you confidence everywhere you go!
What Will It Cost Me?
Unfortunately learning to fly is not cheap, but is less expensive than many hobbies. Below is an outline of what you can expect it to cost you, should you complete the course in the minimum hours. The cost can be spread over your training time – you can pay as you go, with very few up-front costs, making it a very affordable and enjoyable hobby. The training time is usually around 12-18 months.
| PPL | NPPL | |
| Flying Training Minimum Hours (based on Cessna 152 @ £189 ph) | £7,560 | £6,048 |
| Theoretical Knowledge Exams @ £49 per exam | £441 | £441 |
| Practical Radio Exam | £200 | £200 |
| Medical conducted by an Authorised Medical Examiner | c.£140 | c.£140 |
| Equipment | c.£250 | c.£250 |
| Test Fee | £300 | £300 |
| Licence Fee | £251 | £205 |
| Membership of Fenland Aero Club (inc all landing fees at Fenland) | £250 | £250 |
| Away Landing Fees | c.£45 | c.£45 |
| Flying School Membership @ £60 per month for 6 months | £360 | £360 |
| TOTAL (spread over your training time) | £9,797 | £8,239 |
After completing either licence, a pilot must endeavour to remain practised and current. To satisfy legal requirements every licence holder must fly a minimum number of hours and have a biennial (every two years) review of proficiency.
Obviously with a PPL or NPPL in hand you will want to do more than just keep current. Maybe you’ll take a night rating course or try your hand at instrument flying, or, with the PPL, take a trip abroad.
Whatever it is you want to do, the staff at Fenland will gladly offer advice and a helping hand.
Fenland Flying School Training Organisation DTO 0253.