Getting Started

Everything you need to know
before your first flight

Requirements, medicals, costs, timelines — all the questions you have before committing, answered clearly.

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New student guide

Before Your Trial Lesson: The Complete Checklist

What to bring, what happens in the air — everything you need to arrive confident.

All articles

Before Your Trial Lesson: The Complete Checklist What to wear, bring, and expect — from arrival to debrief
Do I need a medical certificate before I start? When you need a Class 2 medical and how to get one in Scotland
What age do I need to be to start flying? Age requirements for lessons, solo, and the PPL licence
How long does it take to get a PPL? Realistic timelines for part-time and intensive training
Can I train part-time around a full-time job? How our schedule works and how to train consistently
What's the difference between a PPL and a CPL? Recreational vs commercial licences explained simply
What aircraft will I learn on? Our training fleet at Fife Airport
Can I train if I'm not a UK resident? Visa requirements and the Standard Visitor route
Can I train full-time? What intensive training looks like, and realistic timelines for Scotland
Do I need to pass theory exams before I start flying? No — here's when theory exams actually fit into your training
Can a health condition stop me from becoming a pilot? How the CAA assesses pre-existing conditions — and why you shouldn't self-exclude
Can I transfer my training from another school? How transfers work, what we need, and whether you'll need to repeat anything