Private Pilot Licence

MOTIVATION not already in existence is readily provided in the form of a no obligation Trial Flight which entitles you to a hands on flying experience where the instructor is able to, in a dual controlled aircraft, talk you through several typical experiences including, take off, climbing, turning, descending and landing. Should this encourage your enthusiasm your instructor will talk though the programme involved, which is available on demand

Suggested TIME frame is to fly at least once every week to ten days to maintain currency and therefore cost effectiveness. This means achievement of a PPL can be within 12 - 18 months. It can be done quicker should your time and money permit. If it takes longer the cost increases as one lets currency slide and more revision of exercises is required.

Finance is required to cover the following:

• Membership Fee for the Aero Club
• Flying
• Airways & Landing Fees
• Medical
• Medical Assessment (Issue) CAA
• Exams 6 (Navigation, Meterology, Air Tech, Law, Human Factors, Radio)
• Maps
• Computer (Circular Slide Rule)
• Log Book
• Flight Test Fee (PPL)
• PPL Issue Fee (CAA)

Total Cost Approximately $12,000 (NZD)

It is important to appreciate that upon achieving a PPL it is necessary to budget for sufficient flying on an annual basis to keep current. To fly at least once per month maintains a level of safety and confidence. Following the achievement of a PPL licence your instructor can provide many extensions to further develop your interest and skill in flying such as additional ratings, aerobatics, mountain training, strip training etc.

Licence Requirements

• Age: In order to hold a Private Pilots Licence (PPL) you must be 17 years of age. However training can start prior to this. To fly solo you must be at least 16. There are no upper age limits. To obtain a Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL) the minimum age required is 18.

• Experience: No prior experience in flying is required to commence flight training at Wakatipu Aero Club.

• Education: There is no minimum educational requirement for obtaining a PPL. For those wishing to continue on to a CPL, a grounding in Physics and Mathematics is an advantage but not essential. Motivation is important!!

• Examinations: For each individual licence or rating there are corresponding exams which must be passed before the licence or rating can be validated. These exams are multi choice and vary in difficulty.

• Medical: A medical certificate is required before a student can go solo. We recommend that you have your medical soon after you commence training for your PPL. If you intend to carry on and obtain a CPL we suggest that you inform your doctor as the medical examination for the CPL is to a much higher standard. If you wear contacts or glasses, regulations require you to carry a spare.