• Air Law and Operational Procedures Aeroplanes

• Meteorology

• Flight Performance and Planning

• Human Performance and Limitations

• Aircraft General and Principles of Flight

• Navigation and Radio Navigation

• Communications - PPL

Pass mark is 75%. Once all subjects are passed they remain valid for a period of 24 months from the date of the successful completion of the examinations

If the candidate fails to pass an examination at the first attempt there will be a 2 week period before sitting another paper on the same subject

Should the candidate fail the examination at the second attempt there will be a 4 week period before taking a further attempt

In the event of a third failure the candidate will incur an automatic 3 month ban on sitting any examinations until further remedial study has been carried out. The candidate will be required to produce a certificate of completion of further study signed by the CFI stating that the student is ready for re-examination

The next examination will be taken at either the CAA or a regional examination centre and a booking will be required to be made through Exam Support PLD. A re-sit fee will also be payable to the CAA

It is therefore strongly recommend that a candidate prepares fully before attempting any of the examinations

For more information about how to pass the ground examinations see PPL (A) Groundschool

 

PPL (A) Skill Test

Before attempting the PPL Skill Test all ground examinations must be passed and all flight training must be completed

 

Pass a PPL Skill Test conducted by a CAA Flight Examiner (FE) within 6 months of completing the training and all sections of the PPL Skill Test must be completed within a period of 6 months  

Section 1 Departure

Pre-flight including documentation, weather, mass & balance, performance calculations

Pre-start external/internal checks

Starting engine(s)

Taxiing

Power & Take-off checks

After take-off checks

Aerodrome departure procedures

ATC, radio procedures

 

Section 2 Airwork

Straight & level

Slow flight

Climbing (best rate/angle)

Medium turns (30º AOB)

Recognition and recovery from spiral dive

Steep turns (360º at 45º AOB)

Full clean stall and recovery

Approach to the stall with 10º-30º AOB approach configuration/power

Approach to the stall in landing configuration

Descending (power on/power off)

ATC, radio procedures

 

Section 3 En-Route Procedures

Flight plan, dead reckoning and map reading

Maintenance of altitude, heading and speed

Orientation, timing and revision of ETAs, log keeping

Diversion to alternate aerodrome, planning and implementation

Use of radio navigation aids position fix and tracking

Basic instrument flying (180º turn in simulated IMC)

Flight management (flight log, routine checks, carb. icing, etc)

ATC, radio procedures

 

Section 4 Approach and Landing Procedures

Aerodrome arrival procedures

Precision (short field), crosswind (if suitable conditions exist) and flapless landing

Touch and go

Go-around from low height

ATC, radio procedures

Action after flight including documentation

 

Section 5 Abnormal and Emergency Operation

Simulated EFATO (SE only)

Simulated forced landing (SE only)

Simulated precautionary landing (SE only)

Simulated emergencies

 

Section 6 Simulated Asymmetric Flight (if applicable) And Relevant Class/Type Rating Items

This section may be combined with sections 1 through 5

Simulated engine failure during take-off (at a safe height)

Asymmetric approach and go-around

Asymmetric approach and full-stop landing

Engine shutdown and restart

Any relevant items of class/type including: handling of the autopilot, pressurisation system, de-icing, etc

Oral questions

ATC, radio procedures

Medical Requirements

Before commencing training for the PPL it is recommended you apply for a Class 2 medical certificate. A list of Aviation Medical Examiners (AME) can be obtained from the CAA. For more details see JAR Medicals

Privileges

To act as PIC or co-pilot on non revenue flights and not for remuneration
No public transport or aerial work except:-

• Flight Instruction if an instructors rating is held.

• Glider Towing

• Dropping Parachutists

Carriage of Passengers

Before carrying passengers by day or night the PIC shall have carried out:-

• By day - 3 take-offs and landings as PIC in the same class/type of aircraft in the preceding 90 days

• By night - 1 take-off and landing as PIC in the same class/type of aircraft in the preceding 90 days provided that a night rating is also held.

Weather Minima

Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in sight of the surface 3 km visibility outside controlled airspace or 10 km visibility under Special VFR in a Control Zone (CTA)

Controlled Airspace

IFR in controlled airspace requires an Instrument Rating (IR)
IFR in class D and E controlled airspace requires an Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) Rating

Revalidation