Most people dream of flying, growing wings and gliding off a cliff or mountain somewhere. We make that dream come true. Come and visit us at Inverness airport or give us a call during office hours 7 days a week on 01667 460361 and we'll be happy to help you get your wings.

When learning to fly you need to consider which type of licence you want to hold. There are currently two basic types of Private Pilots Licence for use in the United Kingdom, the National Private Pilots Licence (NPPL) and the Private Pilots Licence (PPL). Choosing the type you wish to obtain depends on a few factors;

PPL The Private Pilots Licence

• Minimum age 17 years
• Minimum age for solo 16 years
• Minimum age for logging flights 14 years
• Licence is valid for 5 years and must be renewed with an Examiner.
• Medical is a more detailed Initial CAA JAR Class 2 (private pilot) medical examination, which must be carried out by an approved Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) doctor.
• Able to pilot aircraft outside of the UK to other contracting states as P1 (Pilot in command)
• Cannot receive payment for public transport or aerial work, unless that person is an instructor.
• Part of your training towards a commercial licence (CPL) should you wish to follow this path.
• On completion you will be able to fly a single engined piston aircraft up to 5700kg with a maximum of 6 seats.
• Further training will allow more powerful aircraft, more complex aircraft and aircraft with more than one engine
• Training to complete an Instrument Rating is possible on the PPL allowing the pilot to fly without sight of the ground and in airways.

NPPL The National Private Pilots Licence

• Minimum age 17 Years to complete course
• Minimum age for first solo is 16 years of age
• Minimum age for logging flights is 14 years
• Licence is currently issued for life and does not need to be renewed.
• Medical is a simpler Department and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) Group 2 standard for professional drivers self certificated and validated by your GP.
• Restricted to UK airspace 
• Simple Single Engine Aircraft only (200hp limitation)
• No Night, No Instrument flying on this licence
• Upgrade to full PPL possible if the minima and medical requirements have been met and another PPL skills test completed with an examiner
• Regarded as a sport and recreational licence and is used purely for that purpose.
• A great and cost effective licence.

Whatever the reason for you choice it is still best to discuss which option you should finally take with one of our instructors. They will be able to give you good advice based on your requirements and situation about which licence option is best for you. Call us on 01667 460361 or email info@highlandaviation.com

If you want to learn to fly in Scotland why not learn to fly in Inverness with us - the scenery is breathtaking and when you're not flying there's a host of other things to do.