In this guide, we will look at how long it takes to get a UK PPL if you train around work, the challenges, and how to overcome them.
A Private Pilot License or PPL requires a strict training regimen, focus, and a whole lot of passion for aviation. However, if you are someone who can’t pursue aviation full-time due to your day job and commitments, then you might face delays in obtaining your PPL.
This isn’t to say that it is impossible, it’s just that it will take a bit more time than your average PPL candidate who lives and breathes aviation. Keep in mind that training around work is tricky, but it is usually done by scheduling your training sessions in a way that you can comfortably train without pushing yourself towards burnout.
In this guide, we will look at how long it takes to get a UK PPL if you train around work, the challenges, and how to overcome them.
Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
The PPL is a favourite amongst hobbyists and aviation enthusiasts. It is the goal of any leisure-oriented pilot who wants to fly in the United Kingdom (UK). While there are other pilot licences like the LAPL, which are relatively easier to obtain, these simple licences don’t provide as many benefits and have several restrictions compared to the PPL.
The PPL is a general aviation licence. It enables pilots to fly for fun, or in other words, it is a licence that enables you to fly without the expectation of monetary compensation. This is the biggest difference between the PPL and a commercial licence like CPL. However, most people are completely content with obtaining just a PPL because it fits their lifestyle.
This is because a PPL can allow you to keep your day job whilst allowing you to fly for fun over the weekends. PPL pilots use their licence to fly light aircraft, a category of aircraft that predominantly has two aircraft subtypes:
- Flex-Wing
- Fixed-Wing
Flex-wing aircraft are simple aircraft with a lighter design and a wing system designed with special fabric that “flexes” in the air. This allows for more control and offers a unique way of flying. The fixed-wing aircraft offers more versatility, better range, and control. These aircraft are the choice for both PPL and CPL pilots to fly for training or leisure purposes.
When you get your PPL, you can choose between both subtypes and enjoy the skies whichever way you like!
Training For a PPL Around Work
Here are the basics of what the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has to say about part-time training:
- To be eligible for a PPL, you must complete a minimum of 45 flight hours with at least 25 hours of dual instruction and a 10-hour solo flight, which includes a solo cross-country flight.
- You must pass 9 written exams and a skill test with an examiner to be eligible for a PPL. This is part of the theoretical section of flight training and is a must for all pilots.
Training Part-Time Around Work – Typical Timeframes
There are three possible timeframes for pilots who decide to go for a PPL:
Almost Full-Time Training
Most people who pursue a PPL want to get through training as soon as possible. This is to minimise costs and time in training.
People doing mainly flying lessons with few breaks can complete their training in as little as 3 to 4 months, provided that the weather and scheduling are favourable.
Part-Time Training (Training Around Work)
If you want to fit in training around your typical 9-to-5, then you need to know that it will be challenging, but not impossible at all!
If you train around a typical 9-to-5 schedule, with lessons on weekends and evenings, then you can take around 12 months (1 year) to complete flight and theoretical training. Please note that these are optimal estimates, and it is also common for part-timers to take up to 18 to 24 months to complete all training.
In most cases, keeping a training window of around 2 years is better because it allows people to set realistic goals.
Keep in mind that the pace of your training will depend on:
Frequency of Lessons
Flying weekly, or more if you can manage, helps you retain skills much better than training with long gaps. By taking frequent gaps, you can prolong training and can have slower progress.
Weather and Season
Training depends on the cooperation of several variables; the biggest one is weather. Bad weather can cancel lessons, especially in UK winters, which can lead to longer gaps between sessions.
Study Time
Theory is as important as practical flight training. Without theoretical training, you will not be able to obtain your PPL. This is why many people aim to target ground school training first because passing the theory exams early helps avoid delays later.
Aircraft/Flight School Availability
Not all flight schools offer flexible training hours. However, many comprehensive schools, like Sherburn Aero Club, offer various levels of flexibility for all types of pilots. Make sure that you check with your flight school to see if their training schedule matches your availability.
Why Go with PPL When Training Around Work?
Most people prefer the PPL because it offers them the choice to take on additional certifications to expand their skillset. In fact, PPL pilots can also continue their training right where they left off if they decide to go for a CPL in the future.
Whenever pilots fly (after obtaining their licence), they rack up flight hours. These hours are used to determine the overall experience of a pilot. The more flight hours you have, the more experience you have. The good news is that if you go with a PPL, you can gain flight hours and then carry forward your flight hours to your CPL in the future.
You can even take on various certifications, like an Instrument Rating or a Night Rating, to expand your capabilities as a pilot. This can allow you to fly in even more flying conditions, such as during non-optimal weather conditions or even at night.
This makes PPL quite alluring for people who have a day job. Not only can you train at your own pace, but you can slowly decide to upgrade your PPL whenever you feel ready.
Tips For Obtaining Your PPL When Training Around Work
We’ve already covered the basics of fitting training around work for your PPL licence. Let’s dive a bit deeper and see how you can get the most out of your flight training while working a typical work schedule:
Stick to a Schedule
As with everything in life, if you want to see results, you have to commit and show consistency.
Flight training requires focus, and while a little downtime here and there is okay, if you take long breaks between lessons, then chances are that you will likely be restarting yourself every time you continue training.
This can not only increase the time it takes to get your licence, but it can also quickly rack up the cost of training.
Our best recommendation for someone who wants to fit training with their normal work schedule is to build a strict timetable.
Strictness is key here if you want your licence within 1 year. This accounts for off days, days when you are sick, or days when you can’t continue training because of work.
We recommend that you tackle ground training first. Ground school can take place during the evening, and you can easily fit this part of the training while working. Ground school training will prepare you for the written aviation tests. These tests are a mandatory part of training, and you won't be able to obtain your licence if you do not score a minimum of 75% marks on your tests.
Start with your usual 9 to 5 and join ground school training around 7:30. You can easily fit 2 to 3 hours of ground school training throughout the week and get ahead of the theoretical section of pilot training.
For practical or flight training, your best bet would be to aim for the weekends. Leaving two days of the week is a good start. Please note that you can’t continue with practical training at night because you will need to train under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), which highlight the ideal conditions required for flying. These include clear skies, high visibility, and no probability of any type of weather event that could hinder the flight, like fog, heavy rain, or more.
So, if the weather is cooperative, you can fit in practical training during the week as well! If you consistently stick to this schedule, then you may be able to get your licence within the year.
However, if you don’t want to overburden yourself and don’t mind waiting a bit longer for your licence, then you can also take lessons every other day. Using this schedule, you will be able to get your licence within 24 months.
Listen to Your Instructors
Time is of the essence when you want to fit training around your normal work schedule. Instructors are well-versed in the needs of every student in their class. Take advantage of this and listen to their recommendations as well.
Your instructors will be able to build a more suitable and personalised training plan for you. Furthermore, we highly recommend that you seek out advice from instructors when struggling with concepts.
They are there to teach, and you are paying them for training! So, never be shy of asking questions and seeking help.
Strike a Balance
Work-life balance is extremely important when adjusting flight training into your routine. It is already common for people to deal with burnout during their regular schedule, and adding flight training can prove to be quite challenging!
However, we recommend that you take this as a challenge to build character and find ways to make this new routine fun and engaging. Needless to say, if you are enthusiastic about flight training and are passionate about flying, then you will not need additional motivation.
However, if you do face burnout, never be afraid to take the day off. Just like any other endeavour, you must focus on consistency rather than kicking yourself for missing one day of training over the week. The goal is to have a consistent average.
We also recommend that you engage in social activities and make new friends. Aviation is best experienced with like-minded people. Your flight school will likely be full of likeminded enthusiastic, and even competitive students who will passively give you motivation to continue.
Always make it a point to attend seminars, workshops, and special guest-speaker sessions if it fits your schedule. These sessions offer a great way to learn more about aviation, network, and to take a break from your daily training routine.
Allocating Study Time
Study time is just as important as the training itself. You need to make sure that you are giving yourself enough study time for homework or to brush up on challenging theoretical topics.
Many students pick lunchtime to catch up on their studies, especially during exams. Use your free time at work or over the weekend to review study materials, learn aviation theory, and take mock exams.
For the best experience, we recommend fitting theoretical training during the weekends. Since you will be flying under VFR, you should aim to catch up on your study time after dark.
However, you should also try to strike a balance and leave the late evening hours to meet up with family and friends. This can not only help you prevent burnout but can also refresh your mind and give you enough mental fuel to remain consistent in your training.
Why Choose Sherburn Aero Club?
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
Sherburn also offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running on the first Sunday of every month.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us on 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on how long it takes to get a UK PPL if you train around work.
