Private Pilot License (PPL)

The Private Pilot License (PPL) is the most comprehensive entry-level license for pilots and is recognized worldwide. With this license, you may fly during the day in good weather and you may immediately carry passengers, which is a major advantage compared to other licenses. In addition, you can expand your license with extra ratings, allowing you to fly at night or in poor weather conditions.

The training consists of four phases, each concluded with a progress test. To obtain the PPL, you must complete at least 45 flight hours, of which at least 25 hours are with an instructor and at least 10 hours solo. In the first phase, you learn the basics of flying, such as take-off and landing, and prepare for your first solo flight. Since you need a valid Class 2 medical certificate for your first solo, we recommend obtaining it early in the training to avoid delays.

Phase two focuses on advanced flying techniques and navigation. You learn how to respond in unexpected situations, such as an engine failure or deteriorating weather. You also learn to navigate using a map and a compass. In phase three, you explore more advanced navigation techniques and visit larger, controlled airports and even a foreign airport.

The fourth and final phase is the preparation for the practical exam, the ‘skill test’. In this phase, you perfect your flying skills and practice with your instructor to ensure you are fully ready. Once both you and your instructor agree that you are prepared, you can take the exam. After successfully completing this exam, you can fly an aircraft on your own or expand your skills with, for example, a Night Rating or Instrument Rating.

Special Air Academy and GreenCarbon offer the option to offset the CO² emissions of your training flights (up to 70.525 kg per hour). This is achieved through certified Dutch projects that plant trees to remove CO². These forests remain for at least 12 years and are clearly visible from the air, making them suitable targets for your navigation flights. The certificates are registered with ONCRA.org to ensure integrity.

In addition to the practical training, you must also complete a theoretical course. The theoretical training for the Private Pilot License consists of nine subjects, in which you learn about aviation regulations, the basic principles of flying, and weather phenomena that affect the performance of your aircraft and the planning of your flight. These subjects can be taken with an instructor from Special Air Academy or through an online theory course from Orbit Groundschool.

The listed rates include VAT. These prices are estimates based on the legal minimum requirements for the practical flight training. No rights can be derived from these guidelines.

The minimum age for applying for the license (license) is 17 years. You do not need any prior education or previous flight experience to start the PPL training.