The PPL is the licence that allows a pilot to fly as pilot in command for private, non-commercial purposes. It typically requires 35–45 hours of flight training, theoretical knowledge exams, a medical certificate and a final skill test or checkride.
The Private Pilot Licence is the foundational pilot qualification, permitting flight as pilot in command for private, non-commercial purposes. Under EASA the course requires a minimum of 45 flight hours at an ATO or DTO, nine theoretical knowledge exams and a skill test; the FAA requires 40 hours under Part 61 (35 under Part 141), a knowledge test and a checkride. A Class 2 (EASA) or third-class (FAA) medical underpins the privileges.
Real-world completion runs well above the minima — 55–70 hours is typical — driven by lesson frequency more than talent: students flying twice weekly finish in fewer hours than students flying twice monthly, because skill decay between lessons costs repetition.
Why it matters for flight schools
The PPL is most schools' volume product and the top of every commercial pipeline: PPL students become hour-builders, CPL candidates and referral sources. It is also where drop-out concentrates — the students who stall mid-course are visible in progress data weeks before they quit, which makes progress monitoring a retention tool, not just an administrative one.
How FlightLogger handles it
FlightLogger tracks each PPL student against the syllabus in real time — lessons flown, theory progress, stalling students flagged — so instructors intervene on data instead of discovering drop-outs after the fact.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a PPL take?
Flying twice a week, typically six to nine months; once a week stretches toward a year or more. Hours follow frequency — infrequent flyers repeat material and finish with more total hours, not fewer.
What does a PPL cost?
Broadly €10,000–15,000 in Europe depending on aircraft type, location and how many hours beyond the minimum the student needs. Exams, medical, landing fees and equipment add to the headline rate.