Private Pilot License

A private pilot license, or PPL, is regarded as a “recreational license”. It is a certification that enables the holder to fly as a pilot-in-command (PIC) on an aircraft in non-commercial operations. A private pilot license allows you to fly on SEL or single engine land aircraft under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in visual meteorological conditions (VMC).

In essence, the PPL is the first step toward becoming any pilot.

The training course is designed for applicants who want to obtain the PPL(Airplane) without previous flight experience. It consists of both theoretical and practical training, which are done concurrently. The course is concluded with an oral examination, a practical examination (Check Ride) and a written examination.

WOA Flying Club conducts PPL training based on the syllabus from the below authorities:

1) Singapore Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)

2) United States of America Federal Aviation Authority (FAA)

WOA focuses on building good essential habits and a strong foundation. Hence, we provide courses combining classrooms, simulators, and practical flight training. Flight lessons within the PPL course include mastering basic manoeuvres and procedures required for students to fly the aircraft independently. After that, students will proceed with navigation training and graduate from a general handling practical flight test to obtain their PPL. All Private Pilot training flights are conducted in some of the world’s safest and most advanced training aircraft. Our fleet consists of Diamond DA40, Piper PA28 and Cirrus SR22.

WOA’s PPL training syllabus is part-time and customised to everyone’s needs. Ground school is usually a combination of self-study and one-to-one theory lessons with a flight instructor. Though the exam structure varies slightly between a USA FAA PPL and Singapore CAAS PPL, the fundamentals and knowledge requirements are similar.

All training will start from Seletar Airport Singapore, an approved training location by the authorities. However, USA FAA PPL student pilots will complete their PPL training and final flight examinations in selected flight schools of their choice in the USA, curated by WOA.

The typical course duration for a student to achieve readiness for their flight exam from the initial lesson is between 4 to 6 months. However, this is highly dependent on the schedule of the student and the amount of individual commitment and priority placed on the training.

To apply for the PPL flight test, you must acquire minimum theoretical knowledge and practical experience defined by the authorities. Additionally, you would have to pass the knowledge examinations and practical flight test of CAAS/FAA and meet all regulatory licensing requirements.

• Be at least 17 years old.

• Be able to write, communicate and read in English at a functional level (i.e. Operational Level 4 of the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale).

• Obtain at least a CAAS Class 2 medical certificate.

• Be at least 16 years old to fly solo.

• Be at least 17 years old to receive your private pilot certificate.

• Write, read, understand and speak English.

• Obtain at least a third-class FAA medical certificate.

• Total flying time of 40 hours minimum, which consists of at least:

o Dual: Flight training on the Private Pilot areas of operation (minimum of 20 hours) with an instructor in a single engine airplane, including:

o Night flight training of 3 hours includes at least: (a) 1 flight of over 100 nm in total distance cross-country; and (b) 10 landings to a full stop and take-offs with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern at an airport.

o Cross country flight training of 3 hours

o Instrument flight training of 3 hours

o Three hours of flight training within the 60 days before the practical test.

o Solo: Solo flying (minimum of 10 hours) on the Private Pilot areas of operation in a single engine airplane, including:

o Solo flying cross-country for 5 hours.

o One solo flight of at least 150nm total distance cross-country with three full stop landings and one segment of a minimum of 50nm between landing and take-off

o Three landings to a full stop and take-offs with an operating control tower at an airport.

• Pass the FAA PPL(Airplane) Written Examination.

Reference : Singapore Air Safety Publication Part 1

• Total minimum flying time of 40 hours, which consists of at least:

o Dual: 20 hours under the supervision of a Flight Instructor, including:

o Instrument flying for at least 4 hours

o Pilot navigation for at least 4 hours

o Stall awareness and avoidance training for at least 2 hours

o Solo: 10 hours of solo flight, including:

o 4 hours under Actual or Simulated Instrument Flying Conditions

• Passed all Ground Theory papers consisting of the following:

o Human Performance and Limitation

o Radiotelephony – Written

o Radiotelephony – Practical

o Navigation

o Air Law

o Aircraft Rating

o Meteorology

You may refer to this link for more information on the VISA requirements:

https://www.aopa.org/advocacy/pilots/alien-flight-training-program/visa-information