PPL (Private Pilot Licence)
The PPL is the beginning of modular training and it can take from three to 12 months to complete, possibly more. The duration depends on the funding available, weather, your availability and other factors. The course is intense but fun; learning all the required syllabus plus the theory can be a challenge, but is achievable.
The minimum required flight time is 45 hours, of which 10 must be solo (five of these solo hours must be cross country navigation flights, with one 150 nautical mile flight with two full stops at aerodromes, different than the departure aerodrome).
You will also need to complete the PPL theory test, which consists of nine subjects: air law, meteorology, navigation, principles of flight, human performance, communications, operational procedures, aircraft general knowledge and flight performance and planning.
Most importantly you will need a medical. There are two classes of medical (as described
here). For PPL flying, Class 2 is sufficient. However if you plan on furthering your training to commercial, it is advisable to seek a Class 1. A Class 1 medical needs to be renewed annually but covers Class 2 privileges for 5 years.
It is better to attain a Class 1 medical prior to beginning the PPL because if you have any underlying medical issues that may prevent you from gaining a commercial licence, it’s better to know before you begin.
Finally you will sit a flight test involving all core competencies. The training can be done in 45 hours but on average students complete it in around 50 to 60 hours, depending on the frequency of training. In conjunction with this flight training ground classes will be required.