Private Pilot Licence

 

A Private Pilots Licence (PPL) is a recreational licence.  This licence allows you to fly yourself and your friends and family around NZ and enjoy the pleasure of flight.  The NZ CAA PPL is an ICAO recognised licence so if you are an International Student you can convert this licence and continue to use it when you return home.  You cannot receive any payment for your services on a PPL licence, if you wish to do so then you need to obtain a Commercial Pilots Licence.

 

To obtain a PPL, you need to complete the six PPL theory subjects (Human Factors, Air Law, Meteorology, Flight Radio Telephony, Navigation, General Aircraft Technical Knowledge), complete the ICAO English Proficiency Assessment and a minimum of 50 hours flight time covering the NZ CAA Syllabus requirements. 

 

Nelson Aviation College offers three courses per year to complete the PPL theory subjects in March, July and November.  For more information see our PPL theory page.  The theory can also be self studied using the Private Pilot Series Textbooks by Pilot Books, and completing the examinations through Aviation Services Limited.  Students must achieve a mark of 70% or better to pass each theory exam.

 

The PPL flying component can be completed at any time throughout the year to suit you.  Our course consists of 55 hours of Cessna 152 flight time including the flight test.  You will complete the minimum requirements for the issue of a PPL, including Terrain Awareness, Basic Mountain Flying and Cross Country hours.  A night rating is also available but is not included in the basic course rate.

 

The course cost includes all landing and airways fees as well as the initial flight test and licence issue fees.  As flying is a skill, your actual course cost may vary and will depend on your abilities, knowledge and effort put towards acquiring this licence.  Any additional hours required to meet the PPL standard over and above the 55 hours allocated will be charged at the current aircraft rates at the time of training.  Examination retests and flight test partials will incur additional charges. 

 

The duration of the PPL flying component is approximately six weeks, but can vary due to weather delays and students ability.

 

Self funding and International Students: $13,200.00

Student Loan Students (55 hrs): $14,926.00

This course is not available by itself for Student Loan Funding.