The Private Pilot's Licence - JAR-PPL

At White Waltham we train people for the Private Pilot's Licence and for additional ratings such as the tailwheel aircraft rating and the IMC rating (for use in poor weather).

The Private Pilot's Licence - PPL

The European Joint Aviation Regulations PPL requires 45 hours training which includes at least 25 hours dual and 10 hours solo flying. General handling exercises are followed by circuit flying and navigation, which include your solo qualifying cross country flight. When all the training and examinations are complete a skills test flown with an examiner is your final step towards the licence. We pride ourselves in offering high quality instruction in a friendly environment.

White Waltham has three long grass runways so getting to solo standard should be easy. We always have a runway into wind!

Your Private Pilot's Licence is your passport to a brand new exciting world. The best place to start is generally with an introductory lesson; to make a booking call Operations on 01628 823272 and they'll be delighted to help.

Medical Requirement

Before you fly your first solo a Medical is required from a CAA approved doctor. This is straightforward, and is broadly similar to that required for a life insurance policy. Anyone of average health should have nothing to fear from this medical.

The National Private Pilot's Licence - NPPL

The NPPL requires a minimum of 32 flying hours; 22 hours of dual training with your instrutor, including one hour instrument appreciation, and 10 hours of solo flight. The NPPL allows you to fly within UK airspace in visual conditions only. No additional ratings can be added.

Medical Requirement

The medical requirements to validate a NPPL are based on the DVLA driving standards. The applicant signs a declaration of fitness which has to be countersigned by a GP.

Ground School

Ground school courses are held most weekends, and on weekdays by arrangement. These optional courses cost between £50 and £150 dependent on the subject and time required. We have a dedicated ground school instructor and most people obtain first time passes. Examination fees are £25.00 per written paper.

R/T Practical Test

White Waltham is now an approved test centre for the issue of the Flight Radio Telephony Operators Licence (FRTOL). All tests will be conducted on a computer based system and should be completed in about two hours. To book your test please contact Operations.

Written Examinations

During the course, student pilots will be required to pass seven multi-choice written examinations. These are as follows:

Air Law and Operational Procedures
Human Performance and Limitations
Flight Performance and Planning
Aircraft General and Principles of Flight
Navigation and Radio Aids
Meteorology
Radiotelephony

There is also an oral exam on your particular type of aircraft. Although these examinations may sound somewhat daunting it is fair to say that none of the material is particularly difficult and students normally find it interesting and relevant. Some students prefer to prepare for these examinations through self-study, however, many prefer to attend our ground school lectures, which prepare students thoroughly for each paper.

White Waltham Airfield, the home of West London London Aero Club (WLAC), is one of the oldest and best known airfields in the country.
At West London Aero Club we offer top quality, competively priced instruction on the whole range of JAR courses, including PPL, IMC, Night Flying, Safety Pilots Courses, Flying Instructor Courses, Multi-engine rating, tail wheel and the AOPA Basic Aerobatic course. These are all backed up with a comprehensive range of ground school tuition. We also offer Gift Vouchers and Introductory Lessons and Flight Experiences that allow potential pilots to take to the air and experience handling the controls of a light aircraft for the first time. Whlite Waltham has an in house EASA part 145 and CAA Subpart G Aircraft Maintenance facility for a wide range of aircraft. Other exotic and Russian aircraft including Yak, Sukhoi and Nang Chang are also maintained in our Russian Aircraft Maintenance hanger.