private pilot license (ppl)
The first step to becoming a pilot, for many people, starts with this license. The ability to fly is an exhilaration that is unsurpassed! Family trips take on a whole new meaning, you can get to that business meeting in less time, or even train for further job opportunities. The sky is the limit!
If you’re undecided on committing to a license, why not try a discovery flight?
One of our students after passing his Private Pilot License flight test
PPL privileges
You may command any aircraft for which you are endorsed
You may take more than one passenger
You may endorse your license with higher ratings like:
Night rating
VFR over the top
Instrument rating
And more…
You may not act as a pilot for compensation or reward. Only commercial pilots may do so.
PPL License requirements
Category 3 medical
Age: 17 years
45 hours total time, of which:
17 hours dual (minimum)
12 hours solo (minimum)
40 hours of ground school
At least 60% on the Private Pilot (PPAER) written exam
Flight test passed
Ground School
A new PPL ground school starts approximately every 16 weeks. To sign up, call us to add your name to the course. You can pay before the first class or come to the club and get it all done before class starts. The cost is 400$. It is from 7pm to 9pm on Tuesdays. You will need your maps and a few books. The ground school kit is available for purchase for 280$. It contains the following books, maps and aids:
From the Ground Up, Flight Training Manual, POH, E6B, protractor, ruler, VTA, VNC and more.
You may use a headset from the club for 5$ per use, or use your own. You can find some pretty good deals on Kijiji - David Clark headsets are popular and good quality.
Pre-Solo requirements
Medical: Don’t forget to get your category 3 (or cat 1 for your professional license) medical done before going solo. It can take up to 12 weeks to receive the certificate in the mail. You need it with you to be able to go solo. Thus we recommend getting your medical done before, or as soon as you start flying to make sure your solo isn’t delayed due to paperwork.
———-> Civil Aviation Medical Examiners <——- Follow this link for your nearest Transport Canada certified medical examiner
Written exams: You also need to write your PSTAR and radio test before going solo. Your instructor will give your more information on those once you start training. Study material can easily be found online or in apps, like the PSTAR app.
Your PSTAR, Radio exam and PPL written exam may be done at the club. Speak to dispatch to book them. 780-419-6777
What To Expect
The minimum requirements published are exactly that, the minimum. On average, it takes about 65 hours to obtain your PPL. Flying often and regularly as well as studying a lot will help you complete your training in less time. We can’t give you exact number for time or cost since it really depends on each person, what their schedule is like and how much effort they are willing to put in.
Due to the increase in demand for flight training we have started a waitlist to ensure the instructors have enough time to spend with each student. Please call Dispatch to be added to the New Student list. As availability allows, we will be able to call the next student to start their training.
**Ground school does not have a wait list. We recommend you start ground school before flight training because you’ll become a priority student and be called from the waitlist quicker.
Estimated Cost and time commitment
The following times are the legal minimums. Actual times are subject to student ability and effort.
National average flight time upon license completion is 65 hours. The minimum requirement is 45 hours total time.
Tuition
Dual C172M - 27 hours $6021.00
Solo C172M - 15 hours $2370.00
Ground Brief - 20 hours $1,300.00
Ground School - 40 hours in class $475.00
Total Tuition $10,166.00
* Plus applicable taxes. Rates include fuel.
* Rates are current as of 2023-JUL-15 and are subject to change without prior notice.
* Please contact our office at 780-419-6777 for more information.
Books and Supplies
The following are included in the ground school kit:
Textbook "From the Ground Up" $90.00
Textbook "Flight Training Manual" $40.00
CFS, VNC & VTA Charts $40.00
E6B, Protractor, etc. $35.00
Lob Book and Training Record $20.00
Total Supplies (approx.) $225.00
* Plus applicable taxes
* Students are required to supply their own pilot equipment (headset, kneeboard, timepiece, etc.)
* Books and Supplies can be purchased directly from any aviation supply shop or through the flying club
Other fees (not payable to Namao)
Flight Test Examiner Fee (approx.) $450.00
License Processing (Authorized Person) $40.00
Transport Canada License Application Fee $55.00
PPAER Written Examination Fee $110.00