Private Pilots Licence
PPL is the licence required in order to fly yourself and passengers for pleasure without any hire or reward. The PPL is sometimes
referred to as a recreational licence, however as for all pilots, a high standard of professionalism and training is still required.
PPL – Requirements:
Class 2 Medical Certificate
Be at least 17 years of age
Minimum 50 hours flight training
35 hours dual
15 hours solo, this includes:
5 hours dual cross country navigation training
5 hours solo cross country navigation
5 hours instrument flight training
Examination passes in 6 theory subjects – Air Law, Meteorology,
Aircraft Technology, Human Factors, Navigation, Flight Radio

Flying Time:
Although the CAA minimum requirement for PPL is 50 hours flight
time, a realistic total is 60 – 70 hours flight training before the PPL
flight test is undertaken and licence issued. The actual time it will
take each individual student to complete their training will depend
on the frequency of training, their natural aptitude, dedication and
proficiency.
Minimum Age:
The minimum age to hold a pilot licence is 17. Pilots may
commence training at any age, although no one may pilot an
aeroplane solo under the age of 16. There is no upper age limit.
The Medical:
All candidates must pass a CAA Class 2 medical for PPL If the
goal is to go on and complete CPL training then a Class 1 medical should be saught. The minimum of a Class 2 medical must be obtained
before solo flight can be undertaken. A list of approved medical
assessors in New Zealand and worldwide can be found on the CAA
website: www.caa.govt.nz
