Detailed training syllabus

PPL training

Detailed
syllabus

(Extract from the FFA Training Commission's PPL(A) practical training programme – Edition 2 Amd 1 – April 2022)

Training has a ground theory part and a practical flying part.

Ground theory training

Theory training comprises 12 sessions:

  1. Regulatory environment
  2. Operating the aeroplane
  3. Basic aerodynamics
  4. Ground marshalling signals
  5. Flight mechanics and characteristic speeds
  6. The circuit
  7. Failures and special procedures
  8. Navigation methods
  9. Introduction to radio navigation aids
  10. Introduction to the flight file
  11. Flying without visual references (instrument flight, visual circuit)
  12. Preparing for the PPL(A) exam

Practical flight training

Practical flight training comprises 34 sessions and 8 flights in 3 modules:

  1. A handling module (16 lessons, 1 flight)
  2. A navigation module (14 lessons, 5 flights)
  3. An advanced navigation module (4 lessons, 2 flights)

Practical flight training includes the additional theory needed in practice. Intermediate sign-offs of the following competencies are required before the associated privileges are granted:

  • Before the first solo, which grants the privilege of the first solo flight
  • Before the solo navigation, which grants the privilege of the first solo cross-country flight
  • Before the PPL test (PPL pre-test), which grants the privilege of taking the PPL skill test.

The 34 sessions and 8 flights of these 3 modules are organised as follows:

Handling module

The 16 lessons and 1 flight of the handling module cover:

  • Flight preparation
  • Aerodrome traffic on the ground and in the air;
  • Flying the aeroplane by external visual references
  • Normal take-offs and landings
  • Slow flight
  • Engine and system failures
  • Threat and error management for local flights
  • Go-around
  • Communication in aerodrome traffic and local flight

Navigation module

The 14 lessons and 5 flights of the navigation module cover:

  • Maximum-performance take-off
  • Flight by sole reference to instruments
  • Dual cross-country flight
  • Aerodrome traffic on the ground and in the air
  • Crosswind take-offs and landings
  • Abnormal and emergency operations and manoeuvres
  • Flights from and to controlled aerodromes
  • Knowing how to access weather information
  • Threat and error management for cross-country flights

Advanced navigation module

The 4 lessons and 2 navigation flights cover:

  • Repeating the handling and navigation exercises, with a module on decision-making and managing a flight in degraded conditions
  • Using modern navigation and flight management equipment;
  • Managing a flight at maximum weight;
  • Managing the flight plan;
  • Threat and error management on a cross-country trip with passengers.

Glossary

  • PPL(A) Private Pilot Licence — a document authorising a person to act as pilot on board an aeroplane.
  • VFR Visual Flight Rules — a set of regulations under which an aircraft may operate in clear visual conditions, such as bright, clear days
  • SEP Single Engine Piston — a type of aeroplane powered by a single piston engine
  • DTO Declared Training Organisation

PPL training