What does the skills test cost?
The skills test is the final practical assessment for your PPL. There are two costs involved: aircraft hire for the duration of the test, and the examiner's fee. Only one of these is set by us.
What you'll pay
The skills test has two distinct costs:
Aircraft hire for the skills test is charged at £250 per hour — the standard hire rate rather than the training rate, as you're renting the aircraft independently for the assessment. The test typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours of flying, so you can expect to pay approximately £500–£625 for the aircraft.
The examiner's fee is separate and paid directly to the examiner — not to us. The CAA authorises a number of Flight Examiners, each of whom sets their own fee independently. We'll guide you on this when you're approaching test standard.
What the test involves
The skills test is a comprehensive assessment of all the skills developed during training. It covers both ground elements and airborne exercises.
On the ground, the examiner will test your flight planning and pre-flight preparation — including a navigation plan, weather assessment, and a walk-around of the aircraft.
In the air, the test typically includes general handling, navigation to a planned destination, diversion planning, slow flight and stalls, circuits, and simulated emergency procedures. The examiner is assessing not just your ability to fly the manoeuvres, but your decision-making, airmanship, and radio work throughout.
You won't be entered for the skills test until your instructor is confident you're consistently ready. The goal is to go in once and pass — a retest means additional cost.
If you need a retest
If any section of the test is not passed, the examiner will note which exercises need to be repeated. You don't necessarily have to re-fly the entire test — in some cases, only the failed elements need to be re-examined.
A retest means additional aircraft hire time and another examiner fee. A few extra hours of preparation with your instructor is almost always less expensive than sitting before you're ready.