Training & Milestones

How is PPL training structured?

5 min read

Training & Milestones

Updated Feb 2026

PPL training follows a defined syllabus set by the Civil Aviation Authority. It combines flying exercises, solo flight time, navigation training, and nine theory exams — all building towards a practical skills test with an independent examiner.

The minimum hours

The CAA requires a minimum of 40 hours total flight time to be eligible for the PPL skills test. In practice, most students need 45–55 hours — the minimum is rarely achieved, and the realistic total is what you should plan around.

40 hrs

Minimum total flight time

25 hrs

Minimum dual instruction

10 hrs

Minimum supervised solo

Within those solo hours, at least 5 hours must be solo cross-country flying, including one qualifying cross-country flight of at least 150 nm.

The phases of training

Training progresses through distinct phases. Each builds directly on the last, and your instructor will move you forward when they're satisfied you're ready — not on a fixed schedule.

Basic handling and circuit training

Dual

You learn the fundamentals of aircraft control — straight and level flight, climbing, descending, turning — before moving into circuit training. The circuit is the building block for all takeoffs and landings, and you'll fly it repeatedly until it's second nature.

First solo

Solo

Once your instructor is satisfied with your circuit flying, you'll fly the circuit solo for the first time. This is one of the defining moments of your training. From here, you continue building solo circuit hours alongside further dual exercises.

Advanced handling and emergencies

Dual

Stalling, spinning awareness, unusual attitudes, forced landings, and precautionary landings. This phase develops the skills needed to handle situations that don't go to plan — and the judgment to recognise when they're developing.

Navigation training

Dual & Solo

You learn to plan and fly cross-country routes using VFR charts, a navigation computer, and dead reckoning. Dual navigation flights come first, then solo navigation exercises, building to the qualifying solo cross-country.

Skills test preparation

Dual

Your instructor conducts a pre-test to assess your readiness across the full range of skills test exercises. Once they're satisfied you're ready, they recommend you for the test. The test itself is conducted by an independent CAA-authorised examiner.

Theory runs alongside flying

You don't do all your flying first and then sit the theory exams. Ground study runs in parallel with your flight training from the start. Your study materials cover all nine subjects, and you sit each exam when your instructor considers you ready — usually as the relevant subject becomes relevant to your flying stage.

All nine CAA theory exams must be passed before you can sit the skills test. Building your ground knowledge as you fly — rather than cramming at the end — means the theory reinforces what you're learning in the aircraft, and vice versa.

Start studying early

Students who engage with the ground theory from the beginning of their training consistently perform better — in the air and in the exam room. The subjects aren't separate from flying; they explain what you're doing and why.

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