Getting an EASA PPL(A)

Learn what you need for an EASA private pilot licence for aeroplanes, including medical requirements, exams, flight training and the licence application.

The PPL(A) is a private pilot licence for aeroplanes. Under the EASA system, a national aviation authority issues the licence.

This guide is for beginners training in single-engine piston aeroplanes. Before enrolling, ask the school which authority will handle your exams and application. A course in Europe may lead to an EASA licence or a UK licence; check which one you need.

What the licence allows

A PPL(A) lets you fly without being paid in non-commercial operations. The class or type ratings on your licence specify which aircraft you may fly. This guide covers the single-engine piston (land) class rating, usually shortened to SEP land.

There are specific exceptions for paid flight instruction and examining, but you need the relevant instructor or examiner qualifications. See FCL.205 and FCL.205.A in the EASA Aircrew rules.

The LAPL(A), other aircraft categories and foreign-licence conversions have different requirements and are outside this guide.

Check the age and medical requirements

You must be at least 16 to fly solo and 17 to obtain the licence. Before you fly solo, your instructor must be satisfied that you can fly safely, authorise the flight and supervise it. You can start lessons with an instructor before meeting the solo requirements. See FCL.020 and FCL.200.

You need at least a Class 2 medical certificate before flying solo and when applying for the licence. If you have concerns about meeting the medical requirements, speak to an aeromedical examiner before committing to a course. See MED.A.030.

A LAPL medical does not meet the requirement for full PPL privileges. Some existing PPL holders can fly with limited LAPL privileges; that is a separate case covered by GM1 FCL.205.A(a).

Choose a school and study the theory

Complete the course at an approved training organisation (ATO) or declared training organisation (DTO). Confirm that it offers the licence and class rating you want. If you change schools, arrange to transfer your training records. See FCL.210.

The course combines ground study and flying. There are nine theory subjects: air law, human performance, meteorology, communications, navigation, principles of flight, operational procedures, flight performance and planning, and aircraft general knowledge. Your school recommends you for the exams after the relevant instruction. Take all the exams through the same national aviation authority. See FCL.215 and FCL.025.

Under FCL.025:

• You need 75% to pass each paper.
• You must pass all papers within 18 months, counted from the end of the month of your first attempt.
• If you fail to pass a paper within four attempts, or all papers within the overall time limit, you must repeat the complete set after further training.
• You must obtain the licence within 24 months of passing the final paper.

Plan the exam dates with your school so you have time to finish training, take the skill test and obtain the licence.

Complete the flight training

If you have no previous training, FCL.210.A(a) sets these minimums:

Up to five of the 45 hours may be completed in a flight simulation training device (FSTD), subject to the course requirements.

The five solo cross-country hours count towards the ten solo hours. You still need 45 hours overall: 25 dual plus ten solo is only 35. Your instructor may require more training before you are ready for the test.

Pass the skill test and apply for the licence

The skill test checks whether you can fly as pilot in command to the required standard. You must have received instruction on the class or type of aircraft used for the test. Your school can help confirm that your training is complete, your theory results are valid and the examiner arrangements are in place. See FCL.235 and the aeroplane test material in AMC1 FCL.125; FCL.235.

After passing, apply to the national aviation authority. Check its requirements for identification, medical records, course completion, theory results, your logbook and the skill-test report. Each authority has its own application process.

Keep your qualifications current

Your medical certificate and SEP rating must remain valid. SEP ratings normally last two years. You can revalidate the rating through a proficiency check or by meeting the flight-experience and refresher-training requirements in FCL.740.A(b). The experience requirements must be met within the final 12 months before the rating expires. Check the rules and arrange any training before that date. See FCL.740 and FCL.740.A.

Carrying passengers also requires recent flying experience under FCL.060. Check this separately from your rating’s expiry date.

To fly under visual flight rules (VFR) at night, you need a night rating under FCL.810. The instrument exercises in PPL training do not give you an instrument rating.

Official references

Sources reviewed 31 October 2026: EASA Easy Access Rules for Aircrew, October 2026, published 16 October 2026. Key sections: FCL.020/.025 pp. 93–94; FCL.200/.210 p. 158; FCL.215 pp. 187–188; FCL.235 p. 243; FCL.205.A/.210.A pp. 258–259; FCL.740/.740.A pp. 928–929 and 957–958; FCL.810 pp. 988–989; MED.A.030 pp. 1567–1568. The edition page lists updates. This guide uses the provisions applicable on the review date.