PRIVATE PILOT FIXED-WING / AIRPLANE (PPL)

CAAP requirements for Private Pilot Certificate:

Must be at least 17 years of age
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
Hold at least a current 3rd Class Medical Certificate
Pass the CAAP Knowledge (General) Test
Pass the CAAP Practical Flight Test and Oral Examination (Checkride)

A Private Pilot – The First Steps

In order to become certified by the CAAP as a full-fledged Private Pilot, you must first be able to take and successfully pass both Knowledge (General) and Practical (Checkride) tests which include an oral and actual flight examination. You must also pass a physical examination done by an accredited physical examiner of the CAAP. Only after all these tests have been successfully completed, is a Private Pilot Certificate awarded. From this point on, you may be able to start renting aircraft and carry passengers all for private enjoyment and use.

There are some limitations though in becoming a Private Pilot. The chance to earn is not feasible since one cannot work for hire. It is at this stage wherein Private Pilots start their training to become Commercial Pilots for their Commercial Pilot Certificate. This includes the challenge in conquering different aircrafts which are faster, more complex and require proper training from certified instructors. Modules include Multi-Engine and Instrument Pilot Training which are considered most advanced.

Ground Course

PPL module introduces the student to the fundamentals of flying: from medical considerations to radio communication. To experience full rights for PPL, you must complete 40 hours of flight training and pass the CAAP General and Powerplant Examinations, and 1 hour Checkride. A Private Pilot License holder can fly without supervision. Once you gained the license, you may take your family and friends to anywhere you wish. With 84 hours of ground schooling, subjects for PPL include:

Basic Medical Factors
Basic Pre-Flight Facts
Basic Theory of Flights
Basic Aircraft Performance
Basic Weight and Balance
Basic Aircraft Powerplant
Basic Flight Instrument
Basic Meteorology
Air Traffic Control and Communication
Civil Air Regulations
Basic Flight Regulation
Basic Flight Computer
Basic Air Navigation
Basic Radio Aids to Navigation

CAAP Minimum Required Flight Training Hours

40 hours of extensive flight training which includes dual and solo instruction for basic airmanship, cross-country navigation, and emergency procedures is the CAAP minimum requirement. This 40 hours of flight time consists of at least 20 hours of Dual flight instruction, at least 10 hours of Solo flight ( 5 hours of Solo local flight and 5 hours of Solo cross-country), and 10 hours of which can be Solo flights or Dual.