Private Pilots License (PPL)
The most popular course and route of becoming a pilot. A minimum of 45 hours of flight training is required. It allows you to fly any UK registered aircraft you hold a class/type rating for.
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For people wishing to fly commercially, this is the first step.
IMC / IR (R) Rating
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This rating is only valid for you to fly UK registered aeroplanes in UK airspace. You may fly in IMC outside controlled airspace, (in Class G) and fly IFR in Class D or E controlled airspace with appropriate permission.
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The training involves a written exam, 15 hours of dual instruction, and a skills test.
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Night Rating
The holder of a night rating may fly at night under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). They may fly at night under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) if they have an instrument rating in addition to the night rating.
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The night rating course involves theoretical knowledge instruction, and 5 hours of flight time at night, including at least 3 hours of dual instruction, and at least 1 hour of cross country navigation.