A Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) is the entry level pilot’s qualification and allows you to fly an aircraft anywhere in New Zealand and carry your friends as passengers.
To gain a PPL you will need to acquire particular flying skills, complete a certain amount of flight time, pass theory exams and undergo a practical flight test. You must also have passed an aviation medical examination.
The full list of requirements to achieve your Private Pilots Licence includes:
You must also complete at least 50 hours total flight time of which:
Note: You may not operate an aircraft for hire or reward without achieving your Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL)
Lessons are generally 90 minutes long, and consist of:
Lessons are charged by the hour for the type of aircraft you are operating, and there are different rates for flights with an instructor (dual) or just yourself (solo). Note other applicable fees may apply depending on the lesson (e.g. landing fees).
As the instructors time can be limited you should arrive at the club in good time and prepared for the lesson.
The six theory exams that are part of the syllabus are set at about the level of high school exams. A score of at least 70% is required for a pass in any subject. You can study for the exams on your own, using New Zealand textbooks.
The exams are:
PPL exams are held by ASPEQ. Once you register for each subject, exam papers are sent to a nominated exam centre for you to go and sit. See https://www.aspeq.com/ for details.
Any incorrect answers in the exams are noted as ‘knowledge deficiency reports’ (KDRs). Before you sit your flight test you must have demonstrated to a flying instructor that your knowledge of these aspects of the subject have improved.
To qualify for a PPL pilots must pass a class 2 aviation medical conducted by a CAA authorised medical practitioner. You can see a current list authorised medical examiners (AMEs) at the CAA website.
Alternatively you can apply to your own General Practitioner for a New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Medical Certificate- for Class 2, 3, 4 or 5 Driver Licence, with passenger endorsement. This will allow you to complete your flight training but imposes some restrictions. Please talk to us about this option.
Providing you continue to meet the legal medical requirements, there is no upper age limit for holding a PPL.
If you are ready to start working towards your PPL, give us a call on 04 902 6536 or visit our clubrooms where one of our staff will be more than happy to discuss your training in more detail.
You can also choose from our Flying Start packages:
First 3 lessons
Comprehensive ground briefing prior to each flight
Landing/Airways fees
Kapiti Aero Club PPL Flight Training Guide
$125 saving
Price: $795.00
Please visit the aero club to purchase this package
Approximately 20 flying lessons with a qualified Flight Instructor
Comprehensive ground briefing prior to each flight
Full annual club membership
Hardcover Pilot Logbook
Landing/Airways fees
Kapiti Aero Club PPL Flight Training Guide
Flight Training Manual by Waypoints
$675 saving
Price: $4995.00
Please visit the aero club to purchase this package
Prices include GST. Both packages valid for 12 months from date of purchase. No refund policy. Max student weight 115kg. Prices are subject to change.
Going Solo Pack – Flight times based on an average of 0.8 hour per flight (approx 45 minutes) up to a maximum of 16 hours. In order to be eligible to fly solo, students must pass an Aviation Medical, English Proficiency Test and be approved by an appropriate “B Cat” instructor.