Many people ask about PPL meaning. PPL stands for Private Pilot License. The Private Pilot certificate, internationally referred to as the Private Pilot License (PPL), is your first goal as a pilot. (Note: In the UK, this would be private pilot licence.) The PPL provides foundational knowledge and skills for all future aircraft pilot training. As a Private Pilot, you can fly an airplane day and night in visual flight conditions. In fact, you can even carry passengers, such as friends, family, and co-workers. Still, there are some restrictions. For instance, you cannot fly for paid compensation or hire. In other words, you can’t make money as a private pilot or look for actual jobs flying. However, you can share the operating expenses with your passengers. The PPL is your foundation course on a pathway to an airline pilot career where you can earn a good salary.

If flying is your dream, the PPL is your first step. And, you can train right here in the beautiful Rockville, Maryland area! Wondering how to begin? Keep reading!

Private Pilot License Course Requirements

To be eligible to pursue your Private Pilot License, you must meet certain requirements, such as:

• Be at least 16 years old to fly solo.
• Be at least 17 years old to receive your private pilot certificate.
• Read, speak, write, and understand English.
• Obtain at least a third-class medical certificate.
• Perform basic math: adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.

Time needed: 90 days.

Meet the requirements.

Create a checklist of all requirements, such as age, paperwork, and skills. The FAA allows you to begin flight training at a young age. However, you must be 16 years old to fly solo and be at least 17 years old to officially receive your PPL. You must be proficient in English, hold a third-class medical certificate, and possess basic math skills. If you meet these requirements, you’re ready to begin training.

Complete ground school.

Your ground school classes cover a wide range of topics to prepare you for flight training, such as aerodynamics, weather, flight planning, and navigation. Ground school typically takes about 4 weeks to complete and may even be done virtually. You will likely do some flight simulator training while attending ground school. Once you complete your ground school training, you must pass the FAA written exam to complete this step.

Complete flight training.

The FAA requires 40 hours of actual flight training in order to earn a private pilot license. This includes day and night flying, cross-country, and other types of flight training requirements, such as various maneuvers. Your flight instructor will train you in all required skills, and it is typical for most student pilots to train for 50 or more hours to build the skills and confidence they need. These skills can be augmented in a simulator.

Pass your check-ride.

Once your flight instructor feels you are ready, he or she will sign off and arrange your final check-ride with an FAA examiner. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills as you plan a flight, interact with ATC, fly maneuvers, and follow all directions from the examiner. When you pass your check-ride, you’ve earned your stripes and are now an official private pilot. This entire process takes about 3 months.

PPL Course Duration

Full-time students enrolled in the Professional Pilot program complete 5 lessons per week. Students who dedicate themselves to completing their PPL by studying hard earn their wings quickly. By making pilot training their top priority, they are able to complete within a 3-month period. Part-time students that are working or enrolled in school may take longer. As a result, they typically find that their PPL takes 4-6 months to finish based on their available schedules.

PPL Course Training

The FAA requires students to log a minimum of 40 total flight hours in order to be eligible for the Private Pilot’s License (PPL). However, with today’s technology, fewer than 5% of pilots complete their training within the minimum flight requirements. Based on our experience, students need a minimum of 50 airplane flight hours to meet the PPL requirements. Students that progress quickly through the courses are proficient at English. They usually fly 5 times per week, work hard in their ground lessons, and study independently. They have also taken courses through our Virtual Flight Academy before arriving at flight school. We’ll get you through Ground School and Flight Training so you’ll be ready for your FAA test.