The internationally recognised private pilot license
PPL Airplane License
The PPL (Private Pilot Licence) is the internationally recognised private pilot license. It authorises you to fly VFR (visual flight rules) worldwide, with passengers, on single-engine piston aircraft. It is the benchmark license for leisure aviation and the gateway to professional licenses (CPL, ATPL).
The essentials
The PPL is the international EASA private pilot licence, authorising piloting all single-engine aircraft worldwide in VFR, with passengers, not for hire. Minimum 45h flight (35h instructor + 10h solo) plus 9 EASA theory subjects. 2026 cost between EUR 8,000 and EUR 12,000. Class 2 EASA medical mandatory. The licence opens access to ratings (IFR, multi-engine, instructor) and the airline pilot career.
Pricing and rates for PPL Airplane License
The price of PPL airplane training ranges from €8,000 to €15,000 depending on the aero club and the actual hours needed. The EASA regulatory minimum is 45 flight hours, but expect rather 50 to 60 hours in reality. Flight hours: €200 to €300/h in aero clubs, €300 to €400/h in professional schools. The fee includes theory training (14 EASA subjects), the 9 DGAC theory exams, the long solo cross-country flight, the Skill Test, and the Class 2 EASA medical with an AME doctor (€100 to €200). Club membership: €200 to €500/year. Possible aids: France Travail for retraining, CPF via Mon Compte Formation for the theory part (limited).
How it works
01
PPL theory
14 subjects including flight mechanics, navigation, weather, aircraft systems, EASA regulations.
02
Flight training
Minimum 45 hours with an instructor. Milestones: first solo flight, long-distance solo navigation.
03
EASA theory exams
9 written exams organised by the DGAC. Valid for 7 years to access a higher license.
04
Skill test
Check flight with an examiner. On success, the PPL is issued by the DGAC.
What's included
- PPL theory training (14 subjects)
- Minimum 45 flight hours including 10 solo
- Mandatory long solo cross-country flight
- EASA theory exam and skill test
Prerequisites
- Be at least 17 years old
- Class 2 medical fitness (DGAC/EASA)
Frequently asked questions
Is the PPL recognised in the United States?
The European PPL (EASA) can be converted to a US FAA license through a simplified procedure. A few administrative checks and a check flight are required.
Can I be paid for flying with a PPL?
No. The PPL is a private license. To work as a professional paid pilot, a CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) or ATPL is required.
How many flight hours must I keep a PPL current?
To maintain PPL privileges, you must fly at least 12 hours per year, including 1 hour with an FI instructor, and make 6 solo take-offs and landings. A competency check (BFR) is required every 2 years.
Can I train in France and sit the exam abroad?
Yes, within the EASA framework, training and exams can be shared between member states under certain conditions. However, it is generally simpler to complete everything in the same country to avoid administrative complications.
How much does PPL airplane training cost?
PPL airplane training costs between €8,000 and €15,000 depending on the flying club and actual hours needed. The EASA regulatory minimum is 45 flight hours, but expect 50 to 60 in practice. Flight hours typically cost €200-300/h, plus DGAC exams, learning materials and the Class 2 medical examination.
What medical certificate is required for the PPL?
The PPL requires an EASA Class 2 medical fitness certificate, issued by an approved aero-medical examiner (AME) on the DGAC list. Validity: 5 years before age 40, 2 years after, 1 year after age 50. Cost: around €100 to €200 depending on the centre. To be renewed before each exam period. More thorough than a standard car-license medical (cardiology, vision, hearing).
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