Student completing an aircraft check-out on the Cessna 152

Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL)

Overview

The Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) is similar to the Private Pilot Licence, however it has some additional restrictions. The licence holder may only:

  • Undertake daytime flight in good visual and weather conditions
  • Fly Single Engine Piston (SEP) Aircraft with a maximum take-off weight not exceeding 2 metric tonnes
  • Carry a maximum of three passengers

Requirements and Course Structure

To obtain the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence you must complete a minimum of 30 hours flying. This must include at least 15 hours of flight with an instructor and 6 hours of supervised solo flying time. As part of the training a Solo Cross Country flight of at least 80nm must be completed and must include a full stop landing at an aerodrome different from the aerodrome of departure.

You will also be required to pass nine theoretical exams, all of which are multiple choice with a 75% pass mark. The exams can all be conducted through Flynqy Pilot Training on site and subjects include:

  • Air Law
  • Operational Procedures
  • Human Performance and Limitations
  • Navigation
  • Meteorology
  • Aircraft General Knowledge
  • Principles of Flight
  • Flight Performance and Planning
  • Communications

Once the flight training has been completed to the required standard and all examinations have been successfully passed, you will be required to complete a Skills Test to demonstrate your competency and ability to act as Pilot-In-Command of an aeroplane.

You will also be required to complete a Radiotelephony Practical Examination, which can also be conducted at Flynqy Pilot Training. This examination will allow you to apply for a Radiotelephony Operators Licence which is essential for communicating with Air Traffic Control.

Once you have gained the licence you will be required to fly 10 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC) before you can carry any passengers.

Medical

To undertake any solo flight training and to hold a LAPL licence, you must have obtained an LAPL medical certificate from your GP. Appropriate CAA paperwork must be completed by your GP for the medical to be issued.

How do I start?

Simply phone, email or visit us to find out more information or to book in for your first session!

If you have never flown a light aircraft before, we recommend that you take one of our Trial Flight Experiences. If you enjoy your Flight Experience and decide that flying is definitely for you then you can book to start on the NPPL course. Any time flown during your Flight Experience will count towards the hours needed to hold a NPPL. The initial NPPL session is three hours, which includes: a course introduction, aircraft familarisation and your first flight. After the initial session, lessons are typically two hours, including briefings. The average flight time per session is one hour.