Kaitaia Aero Club    

           Quality Aviation Since 1948     

GENERAL AVIATION AIRCRAFT 

The Private Pilots Licence allows you to fly a New Zealand registered light aircraft, such as the club Warrior, carrying passengers in reasonable weather anywhere in the world.  These aircraft are referred to as General Aviation (GA) aircraft.  The PPL(A) is the first rung to a flying career and further training could lead to becoming a commercial pilot, instructor, top-dresser or airline pilot. 

If you want to use an aircraft as you might your car; this licence is for you.  Full details area given in AC61 available on the Civil Aviation Authority web site.

To start training for a PPL you must be at least 16 years old, but may not be issued with a licence until you are 17. All courses are run in English and you need a reasonable command of that language.  You must obtain a class 2 aircrew medical before flying solo.

Flying training comprises a minimum of 50 hours flying including at least 15 hours dual and 15 hours solo; 5 hours instrument flying; 5 hours advanced dual; 5 hour  night and 10 hours cross country.   It is not compulsory to complete the cross country or night training but the license will be restricted accordingly.

It is important to note that the 50 hours is considered by the authorities to be the minimum flight time in which the required standards can be met.  A young, intelligent, motivated person with a lot of aptitude may achieve it in this minimum time.  Most people will take longer and should view the extra training as enjoyment of their new hobby in a controlled environment.

To fly an hour will require about 2 hours on site as time must be allowed for briefings, inspecting the aircraft etc. so make sure you allow plenty of time for your training. 

Written exams of the multiple choice type must be taken in: Flight Radiotelephony; Air Law; Air Navigation & Flight Planning; Meteorology; Human Factors; Aircraft Technical.  Exams are usually sat at Kerikeri.

Studying for these needs to be started early in your training.  Self study will be required and this can be supported by attending group lectures run by the club.  One to one tutorials are available should you consider that necessary. 

At the end of the training a flight test is undertaken with an independent inspector.  The inspector will be a very senior pilot with a love of light aircraft flying, and is appointed by the authorities.  He will want to pass you but his job is to ensure you meet the standards to reduce the chance of accidents later.  Our job is to help you get to the standard in the minimum time practical and yours will be to show off your new skills on the day!