Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Training
Learn to Fly in the Cotswolds
Your aviation journey starts here.
At Cotswold Flight Training, we help people earn their Private Pilot Licence (PPL) with clear steps, supportive instructors, and training that fits around real life.
Whether you are working towards commercial training or flying for pleasure, the first milestone is the same: your first lesson, and the confidence that follows.
3 Ways to Learn
Pay As You Fly: The most flexible and affordable way to fly
Flexi Fly PPL
Self-paced flight training. Plan lessons around your work, family and finances.
Fast Fly PPL
Full-time flight training. Earn your PPL in as little as 6 weeks with intensive lessons.
How to Gain your Wings
The Training Journey
Take a trial flying lesson
1Most students begin here. Gain a feel of our club & team, the aircraft and the airfield.
Start your PPL training
2Structured lessons with your instructors to learn the basics. Your training plan includes a minimum of 40 hours of hands-on flight time.
Your first solo flight
3Your first solo flight is a major milestone. Included in your 40 hours of hands-on flight time are at least 10 hours of supervised solo flying.
Navigation flying
4Build up to solo land-aways and your solo Qualifying Cross Country (QXC) flight of 150 nautical miles, with landings at two different airfields.
Skills test
5Final flight test. When you are ready, with all ground exams completed, you will take a flying skill test with an experienced examiner.
Earn your wings
6Licence issued. YOU have gained your wings.
Whether you are working towards commercial aviation, or simply want to fly with friends and family, the PPL is where you start.
A PPL is the flying licence for leisure. It’s the licence that lets you fly as Pilot in Command on non-commercial flights. It covers most light, single-engine aircraft you will train in.
A PPL also opens the door to flying club membership, self-fly aircraft hire, aircraft ownership, and further ratings.
Holders of a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) can Pilot in Command a non commercial single piston engine aircraft under 5700kg.
Requirements to start training for your PPL
- No previous flying experience is required.
- You can start logging flight time from age 14.
- You can fly solo from age 16.
- You can gain your licence at age 17.
- You will need a Class 2 medical certificate before your first solo.
- If you are unsure about any requirement, speak to the team and we will talk it through during a bespoke consultation – free of charge.
This depends largely on the continuity of your lessons.
Want to hit the minimum 40 hours as quickly as possible? We suggest more regular lessons to help achieve this.
Fast-Fly PPL can be completed within 6 weeks.
Young Fliers 14-18 programme allows young flyers to spread their learning over several years, and fits around school.
Flexi-Fly PPL – Flexible, self-paced programmes to fit around work, family and financial commitments. Most students complete within 2 years – but the choice is yours.
The best way to get started is to get in touch to book a trial lesson.
As well as training in the air, we will support you through nine essential exams, with clear guidance as part of our Ground School.
- Air law
- Operational procedures
- Human performance
- Aircraft general knowledge
- Communications
- Meteorology
- Navigation
- Flight performance and planning
- Principles of flight
You will also complete a practical radiotelephony exam. Online resources are strong for self study, instructors are available for any ground tuition you’d like.
Learn with us
The best hire costs around; no home landing charges, no hidden fees and all based on engine running time only.
Why Cotswold Flight Training?
- Experienced flight instructors
- Well maintained aircraft fleet
- Enstone Airfield is a calm, practical training environment
- Airborne in 5 minutes. More time in the air.
- Flexible, Pay As You Fly training plans
- Incredible views flying over the Cotswolds
- Plan exciting trips. From the Scottish Highlands to France.
- 5* reviews from our students
Membership Benefits
As a student you’ll enroll as a member of Cotswold Flight Training and enjoy the following benefits:
- £0 home landing fees on both hard and grass runways.
(A huge saving for lessons with multiple landings) - Headset hire. included in your membership fee
- In the air in 5 minutes at Enstone. Less time (and money) on the ground.
- Use the fleet & facilities at Compton Flight Training, our Dorset club
- Club facilities and refreshments in both Dorset and Cotswolds
- Member only flyouts
What our students say
Training Aircraft
Which plane will I learn in?
CESSNA 152
G-OWOWThe perfect trainer. American built by the Cessna Aircraft Company, proven continuously over the last 50 years. The most affordable way to learn to fly.
PIPER WARRIOR II
G-CLGA & G-BSLKA roomier four seater. Ticking all the boxes, a fantastic trainer but also an adventure machine. One of the most popular light aircraft ever produced.
FAQs
Can anyone learn to fly?
How old do you need to be to learn to fly?
Do I need a medical certificate to learn to fly?
How many hours are required for a PPL in the UK?
How long does it take to get a Private Pilot Licence?
Can I take passengers once I have a PPL?
Can I fly abroad with a PPL?
Ready to fly?
Get in touch to speak with a member of our team to start your flying journey.
How Much Does it Cost
Pay as you fly in the Cotswolds
Pay as you Fly, keeps flying flexible and financially risk-free for our students still with the best rates.
Zero to qualified pilot
Typical costs for a pupil with zero experience training with us to become a fully-qualified pilot. Individual experiences may vary.
£11,000
-
Aircraft Hire
40 hours @ £179 per hour in the Cessna 152 or
40 hours @ £199 per hour in the Piper Warrior IIfrom
£7,160 -
Instructor Time
40 hours @ £40 per hour per flight hour, paid directly to your instructor
£1,600 -
Ground Exams
9 exams @ £40 per exam attempt
from
£360 -
Membership Fee
£40 per month, minimum 12 month term (shorter term options may be available)
£40
per month -
Skills Test
Allow 1.5 hours aircraft hire in your chosen aircraft, plus £200 paid directly to examiners for conducting your test.
from
£468 -
CAA License
£263 -
Equipment
A logbook and checklist for £22.50 will get you started. Allow a further £80 for navigation equipment. There are many options for theory materials, whether that is the physical Pooleys books or an online course. We’ll guide you through this.
from
£100+ -
Class 2 Medical
Prices depending on AME.
£240 -
Radio Telephony Practical Exam
£180