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WHICH LICENCE?

There are two main Pilot licences you can get. Find out which is best for you.

Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

The PPL is the main licence that most people opt for. The course consists of a minimum of 45 hours of flight training that includes 10 hours of supervised solo flights. It is an internationally recognised licence which means it is much easier to fly abroad in Europe or the U.S.A.

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It is also the only licence to get if you have any intention of going on to become a commercial pilot or fly larger aircraft such as multi engine aircraft.

Flight training at Blackpool Airport

ADVANTAGES

  • Allows you to add on additional ratings to the licence such as to fly in bad weather

  • The definitive licence if you intend to fly commercially

DISADVANTAGES

  • Training course is slightly longer than the LAPL

  • More restrictive medical requirements

Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL)

The LAPL was created by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to standardise all the different national recreational pilot's licences.

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The training course is shorter, only 30 hours and 6 hours of solo flying. This means that you can potentially save money by doing the LAPL however this assumes that you complete the course in the minimum number of hours.

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The LAPL also has slightly less restrictive medical requirements which for certain people may preclude the PPL.

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The LAPL doesn't allow you to add on many additional ratings such as an Instrument Rating (IR) (although you can add a Night Rating to it). It also limits the aircraft you fly to those weighing less than 2,000kg although this isn't likely to be a problem as this covers pretty much any recreational single engine aircraft and is only a problem if you intend to go commercial.

Flight training at Blackpool Airport

ADVANTAGES

  • Shorter training course

  • Less restrictive medical requirements

  • Can be upgraded to the PPL at a later date

DISADVANTAGES

  • Even though the training course is shorter, the proficiency levels are the same

  • Limited to light aircraft

  • Cannot add additional ratings to the licence

Summary

The LAPL a shorter course which causes a reduction in the initial cost of the training. It is perfect for recreational flying in light aircraft. The PPL offers the ability to fly bigger aircraft and add on extra ratings allowing you to fly at night or in bad weather. It is ideal for pilots that may want to expand their knowledge after initial training or go on to become a commercial pilot.

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No matter which licence you choose, don't worry too much. It is perfectly possible to upgrade your LAPL to a PPL at a later date.

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