Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

The PPL is also the first step toward a commercial pilot’s license.

Holding a private pilot’s license allows you to be the pilot-in-command or co-pilot of an airplane of a class and type in accordance with the license as well as the pilot-in-command of an ultra-light airplane.

Privileges

  • Fly for the fun of it!
  • First step in an aviation career. Not looking to make this a career? Maybe the Recreational Pilot Permit is the best choice for you.
  • No limit to the number of passengers.
  • You can add rating to fly at night, in cloud, multi-engine, or advance airplanes.

Prerequisites

  • Must be a member of the Smiths Falls Flying Club.
  • Must be at least 17 years old at the completion of training. A student pilot may start as young as 14 years old.
  • Must hold a Category 3 or Category 1 medical certificate from an aviation medical examiner.

Requirements

  • Minimum of 40 hours of PPL Ground school online (not provided through the SFFC FTU), includes topics on:
    • Air exercises, radio operators certificate, air law, meteorology, navigation and general aeronautical knowledge.
  • Write a pre-solo examination & radio license examination.
  • Write a Private Pilot Licence examination and obtain not less than 60% in each of the four mandatory subject areas:
    • Air law
    • Navigation
    • Meteorology
    • Aeronautics – general knowledge
  • Minimum of 45 hours of training in an aircraft including:
    • 17 hours of dual including 3 hours of cross-country and 5 hours of instrument time (a maximum of 3 of the 5 hours may be ground time).
    • 12 hours of solo flight time including 5 hours of cross-country with a minimum flight of 150 nautical miles and 2 stops.
    • 16 hours of dual or solo build up time may include a maximum of 5 hours in an approved simulator or Flight training device.