Please note : We are not flying thoughout 2012
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Flight Training

Requirements to get your Microlight Pilots License (NPPL)

Types of license

Restricted

Requires a minimum of 15 hours flying instruction of which 7 hours must be solo. Some of the restrictions include: you can't take off if the wind is above 15 knots, you must not fly outside a radius of 8nm from your departure airfield, you cannot carry passengers until you have logged at least 25 hours flight time (10 hours as Pilot in Command).

Unrestricted

Requires a minimum of 25 hours flying instruction of which 10 hours must be solo. You must also complete the navigation part of the course and complete 2 cross country navigation exercises. You are free to fly where you like and can take passengers.

Lessons

The course starts with dual lessons where your instructor guides you through a series of flying exercises. The exercises start with basic handling skills and progress to complex manoeuvring and procedural flying. Each lesson is between one and two hours long and usually starts with a briefing, followed by the flying exercise followed by a de-briefing.

To see the full syllabus you can downloaded it here: NPPL Microlight Rating Syllabus (PDF)

Going Solo

When your instructor thinks you're ready and the conditions are conducive to do so you will go solo. This is an experience that a pilot will never forget and a massive stepping stone in the learning process.

You will then fly for 10 hours solo during which time you will complete two cross country navigation exercises.

Cross Country Navigation Exercise

You will use the skills taught by your instructor to conduct two land away flights at two seperate airports. This is by far the most exciting part of the syllabus. You will be expected to navigate safely to your destination and then return to your base location. 

General Skills Test

Once you’ve completed all your training you will need to pass a General Skills Test. The examiner will ask you to demonstrate the skills you've learnt during your training.

If you pass you have completed the flying section of the syllabus.

Exams

There are five exams to pass:

Medical

A medical examination is not required but you do need a medical certificate declaring you are healthy, signed by your doctor and countersigned by you.

Radio Operators License

To operate the radio in an aircraft you are required to possess a Radio-Telephony Operators Licence. There are several examiners in Scotland we can recommend for this exam.