Dreaming of flying? A Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is the first and most important step towards making that dream real. It allows you to fly aeroplanes for leisure and travel, opening the door to the fascinating world of general aviation. Earning it, however, requires a considerable investment of both money and time. This guide explains every aspect of the PPL(A), from the requirements and training process to the full range of costs.
Explore PPL(A) flight training at Ventum Air.
What is a PPL(A), and who can obtain one?
The PPL (A) permits you to fly aeroplanes with a maximum take-off mass of up to 5,700 kg for non-commercial purposes. You may act as pilot in command on leisure flights and carry passengers, but you cannot be paid. Thanks to EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) regulations, the licence is recognised across Europe. The PPL (A) is the foundation of an aviation career, above the LAPL (light aircraft pilot licence) in the hierarchy and a prerequisite for further CPL and ATPL training. Entry requirements are standardised and strictly defined by EASA and the Polish Civil Aviation Authority (ULC):
- age – at least 16 when training begins and 17 when taking the final exams;
- education – at least lower-secondary level or equivalent;
- medical certificate – a valid Class 1 or Class 2 aviation medical certificate obtained before flight training begins.
The route to a PPL(A) – from theory to your first solo flight
PPL (A) training has two main stages: theoretical and practical. Both are explained below.
Ground school
Ground school involves around 100-110 hours of study across nine key subjects, including air law, meteorology and navigation. You can choose traditional classroom lessons, often at weekends, or flexible e-learning that lets you study at your own pace. After completing the internal course, students take a series of state theory exams at the Polish Civil Aviation Authority (ULC). All exams must be passed within 18 months of completing the course, with up to four attempts allowed for each subject.
Flight training
This is the heart of the course. The minimum required flight time is 45 hours, including at least 10 hours of solo flight. The programme covers:
- dual flights – learning basic manoeuvres and procedures;
- aerodrome circuit flights – practising take-offs and landings;
- flights in the training area – developing your skills;
- your first solo flight – an important circuit flight after passing the internal assessment;
- navigation flights – including a compulsory solo cross-country flight of at least 270 km, with landings at two different aerodromes.
Up to 5 hours may be completed in a simulator. Flight training ends with a practical skill test before an examiner from the Polish Civil Aviation Authority's examination board. Once you pass and complete the formalities, the ULC will issue your PPL(A). The process usually takes 3 to 6 months, depending on your availability, the weather and the school's schedule.
How much does a PPL(A) licence cost?
The pilot course at Ventum Air includes ground school and flight training, delivered by experienced instructors using a modern aircraft fleet. The main components of the PPL (A) course cost are:
- Ground school and e-learning – offered in flexible formats such as weekend or evening classes, covering subjects including aerodynamics, navigation and air law.
- Flight training – at least 45 hours in PS-28 Cruiser and other modern aircraft, completed at an individually tailored pace under the supervision of certified instructors.
- The LAPL(A) course, with at least 30 hours of flight training and a theory module shared by PPL(A) and LAPL(A) students.
- Advanced programmes covering ATPL(A), CPL(A), multi-engine, IFR and night-flight training.
- Additional FI(A) instructor training and simulator training.
We calculate the exact cost of a PPL(A) licence individually – contact us, and we will prepare a quote tailored to your chosen training route.
Summary
Obtaining a PPL (A) is the beginning of a fascinating adventure. A well-planned investment in training will provide years of safe and rewarding flying and a strong foundation for further development in aviation. We encourage anyone interested to contact Ventum Air. We will be pleased to help you earn your PPL (A).
If you are just getting started, also read how to become an aeroplane pilot – step by step.