Become a private pilot and master the sky

It may have been your dream for a long time, but you don't know how to go about it or you don't dare. Know that becoming a private pilot is accessible to everyone with passion (essential) and hard work. But when you learn with passion, you don't feel like you're working; you enjoy it.

The PPL (Private Pilot Licence) is structured as follows:

• A theoretical exam
• A practical exam

1. Enrolling in an aeroclub

The first step towards conquering the sky is, of course, to go to an aeroclub and enroll. I advise you to choose the one closest to your home for obvious practical reasons.

If you live in a big city, you might have a choice between several aeroclubs. Take the time to visit them all before making your decision. Your choice will depend on your feeling during your visits, as well as the cost per flight hour. You will also need to compare the availability of instructors and aircraft.

You can also make your choice based on the aircraft available at the different clubs. Ultimately, your final decision will depend mainly on your feeling towards the people who welcomed you, and especially your feeling with the instructor.

You will be asked for certain information and documents during your registration. You will need to have a Class 2 medical examination. For this, you will make an appointment with an authorized aviation doctor.

2. Your first flight

Once your registration is complete, you will make an appointment for your first flight with your instructor. This first flight is a "discovery" flight of the aircraft and its flight controls. Your instructor will show you all the steps that you will perform with him.

You will perform takeoff and turns, as well as get to know the sensations of the aircraft. The goal here is really to have your first piloting sensations.

After the flight, your instructor will explain the steps of your training and how it will proceed. In parallel, you will begin studying theory with a pilot's manual.

3. The first solo flight

After about 15-25 hours of flight, you will make your first solo flight, meaning you will be alone on board. For this flight, you will perform circuit patterns that you will, of course, have already practiced with your instructor.

This flight is always a very special flight for all pilots in the world; it perfectly expresses that feeling of freedom when you fly.

At this stage, you should also logically be ready to take your theoretical exam.

DISCOVER

4. The theoretical exam

The theoretical exam is in the form of multiple-choice questions (MCQ). To pass it, you must achieve 75% correct answers out of the 120 questions in the exam.

You will need a pilot's manual as a resource, either in book version or digital format. I still recommend the book version and making handwritten revision cards.

To review the questions asked in the exam, several platforms have a question bank. For example, you have Aérogligil or Mermoz.

As soon as you pass your theoretical part, you will have 18 months to pass the practical exam. Don't worry, at this stage, you will be about halfway or a third of the way through your flight training.

5. The practical exam

To take the practical exam, you will need a minimum of 45 hours of flight, including:

• 25 hours of dual instruction flight
• 10 hours of solo flight (including 5 hours of cross-country flight)
• A solo flight of 150 NM (280km) with 2 full stop landings at 2 different aerodromes

Allow approximately 60 hours (on average) to obtain your private pilot's license.

When your instructor feels you are ready, and you feel ready too, he will authorize and register you for your flight exam. Be aware that even if your instructor is an examiner, he will not be able to conduct this flight test with you.

Congratulations, you are an airplane pilot!

Celebrate, but always in moderation, of course.