Personal flying training

The early modules of the modular airline pilot training programme can be completed on a stand-alone basis and the resulting privileges used for personal leisure or business flying. Whether you think of taking your family and friends up in the air or add to your business by flying yourself to meet your clients, qualifying as a pilot be your next big achievement.

The licence

PPL(A) – the first module of the commercial course – can be taken on its own by anyone as there is no prior experience requirement. The privileges of the holder are to act as pilot in command on a non-remunerated flight by day in good visibility. Further ratings can subsequently be added to the licence to remove some of these restrictions.

LAPL(A) is a relatively new EU-only licence mainly aimed at those with minor medical issues who cannot achieve the PPL(A) medical standard. It is equally available, though, to those who would like to qualify as pilots in fewer hours (30 vs. 45) compared to the PPL(A). Westwings plan to offer this course to non-commercial customers on an individually negotiated basis.

The ratings

The private pilot’s privileges can be extended by gaining additional ratings:

• Night Rating – a short course carried out in the hours of darkness to enable the pilot to fly at night. Applies to both PPL(A) and LAPL(A);
• Multi-engine Rating – extends the privileges to multi-engine aircraft, PPL(A) only;
• Instrument Rating – allows the pilot to fly in bad weather, without external visual reference. PPL(A) only;