Learn To Fly

How much does it cost to learn to fly ?

Its the first question we get asked so lets hit it head on. At GS Aviation we offer the lowest cost route there is into flying powered aeroplanes. We achieve this by conducting all of our training on Microlight aircraft but, before you get dragged into the general mis-conception of the term 'Microlight' please take a look at our Myth Buster page - HERE.

Once you have obtained your licence you will be able to fly any of our aircraft and, if you decide you want to fly aeroplanes with 4 seats or more then there are upgrade paths available. By using this low cost training route we are able to shave thousands off the cost of learning to fly. A more in depth look at the figures is on our training packages page.

The Pilot’s Licence

The National Private Pilot’s Licence (NPPL) is a UK specific pilot’s licence developed in 2002. The NPPL may include in it aircraft Class Ratings that allow the holder to fly specific classes of aircraft, such as microlights. To obtain a NPPL with a Microlight Class Rating you must complete flight training with a UK Civil Aviation Authority authorised flying instructor entitled to instruct on microlights. An upgrade path then exists if you want to fly larger aircraft at national (NPPL) or international levels.

Time and cost

The hours quoted below are minima that only the most naturally talented young students achieve. The rest of us normally take a little longer. A few achieve their licences within weeks, others take months, and those on a tight budget sometimes take a year or two.

When budgeting for flying training, it is wise to calculate the cost of the minimum number of hours required and then add between 50 and 100% of that cost, depending on how confident you feel of your own ability.

Realistically, a budget of £4500- £6000 should cover your training. It may be possible to learn for less by using your own aircraft for your training. We offer a number of packages to help you to reduce the overall costs - for more details see our training packages page.

Don’t forget ground school. In addition to flying training, the student pilot must also learn a number of ground school subjects that are considered vital to becoming a safe and competent pilot. The best results are always achieved by a combination of attending lessons and private study.

For more information visit the National Private Pilot’s Licence website at http://www.nppl.uk.com/, where the syllabus is available for download. Also, see our own guide to the Training Syllabus

Age limits

The minimum age to start flying training towards the grant of the licence is 14 years. There is no maximum age. You can go solo at 16 and be granted your licence when you are 17.