PPL & LAPL Training
Get started with aviation

We run 2 Private Pilot Licence (PPL) courses, the EASA LAPL and the EASA PPL. They are similar courses. The LAPL is a European recreational flying licence and requires 30 hours of training, it can carry some ratings, eg Aerobatic and Night but not more. The PPL is an international private flying licence that can carry more ratings to extend your flying (e.g. Instrument Rating, Twin Rating etc.) the course includes a minimum of 45 hours flying training.

Training on both courses is similar but the PPL syllabus includes some instrument flying and radio navigation plus a little more navigation. The LAPL in real terms provides everything that you need and of course can be upgraded to a PPL whenever you choose.

We try very hard to make sure our students complete their pilots licence courses in the minimum number of hours. We have very good instructors and the courses are both carefully structured to make this possible. We must however caution that if you are not able to maintain continuity, inevitably the revision element of each lesson will take slightly longer and this may well mean that you need some additional hours to reach the required standard before being ready to take your skills test. Certainly we aim to produce the very best pilots so that we can be proud they are graduates of our school.

Cost

£5,700 or £8,550

LAPL and PPL courses based on C140, respectively. Additional £10/hour when training for EASA license.

If you prefer to use the Grob the difference in the hourly rate is added (£20 or £50 for the Heron)

Additional to course costs are:

Landing fees (£15 per sortie)
Theory Exams (£40 x 9)
Radio Test (£150)
Skills Test (£150 approx depending on examiner, additional £50 when flying for both EASA and UK CAA)
Medical Certificate (£150 depending on doctor)
CAA licence fees approx £120

We do not charge a membership fee.

Fleet

Aircraft

The Cessna 140, the Grob 115D2 and the Grob 115B (160hp) are all suitable for LAPL or PPL tuition.

The Cessna 140 is the
perfect training aircraft for somebody wanting to master tailwheel flying (typically aerobatic pilots). It is fantastic for teaching the basics of flying that will stay with you forever.

The Grob on the other hand are much more modern nose wheel aircraft, pretty much the same as that used by the RAF (quite different from the underpowered 115A)

The 115D2 is ex Royal Navy (the Heron) is fully aerobatic and has a stick rather than a yoke. They are very comfortable aircraft and fast and is ideal for those not needing tailwheel skills. They are certainly easier to fly and quite high powered with 160hp engines, this gives a good rate of climb that save you time in training. There is merit in trying both to understand the differences.

Currently the Cessna 140 dual is £175 per hour and the Grob 115B is £185 and the Grob 115D2 is £215 per hour. Once you have your licence and no longer need an instructor you can hire the Cessna 140 for £165, the Grob 115B for £175 per hour and the Grob 115D2 Heron for £215 per hour.