PPL Theory

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We have courses for the following licences: PPL(A), PPL(H), LAPL(A), LAPL(H), NPPL(A), NPPL(H), NPPL(M), CPL(A), FRTOL, NPPL(PP), PPL(G); all the subjects required for UK and EASA Private Pilots. (NOTE: We have further information available via: https://soaringabove.groundschool.online )

But we don't stop there. We provide courses for extra official ratings, plus our own bespoke courses for the licensed pilot to keep up to date with regulations, procedures and best practice. The material is unique - more pictures than words. The resources you will have at your disposal are second-to-none, with progress checking throughout each course, plus exams that truly resemble official exam layouts where applicable. Help at any time is included via "Ask an Instructor", and, if you're still having difficulty, we'll give you a call and chat about it over the 'phone. You won't find any organisation better dedicated to ensuring that you become the pilot you've always dreamed of.

Below are the nine PPL exams outlined;

1. Communications

Talking on an aircraft radio can be quite intimidating, at least at first. However, in aviation it's crucial that you communicate clearly and concisely. That's why, with our communications course, you will learn what to say and when to say it, improving your radio communication so you can better focus on flying the aircraft.

On your Flight Radiotelephony Operator's Licence (FRTOL) Course you will also learn the more technical aspects of radio communication (such as transmission distances) such that by the end of the module you will be able to pass the CAA Communications PPL Theory Exam with flying colours. This exam consists of twelve questions, all to be answered within twenty minutes.

NOTE: Soaring Above can also direct you towards local radio telephony examiners if you need to take the Practical RT (Radio Telephony) exam.

2. Flight Performance and Planning

Flight Performance and Planning (FPL) is a very practical PPL exam. This is where you learn how to load your aircraft, answering all the followng questions, and more besides; for example, where should people sit? At what point would my aircraft be overweight? How long does the runway need to be? What does that symbol on the chart mean? These are practicalities of preparing to fly an aircraft which you must fully understand in order to be a safe, proficient private pilot. In some ways this is the most 'real-world' exam you will take.

You will use your Flight Performance and Planning (FPL) training every time you fly - whether it be your first navigation flight or your first trip abroad. At the end of the module you will undertake the CAA FPL PPL Theory Exam, which consists of twelve questions, to be answered within forty-five minutes.

3. Principles of Flight

In Principles of Flight (PoF) you will learn how your aircraft flies. These and many other question will be answered in detail; how do we create lift? How do the forces at work affect us? What could prevent my aircraft from flying properly?

This is more a science-based subject, but don't let this daunt you. Our experienced PPL theory lecturers will guide you through the subject with ease, turning complex formulas into easily understood concepts. At the end of the module you will undertake the CAA POF PPL Theory Exam, which consists of twelve questions, to be answered within thirty-five minutes.

4. Aircraft General Knowledge

Within the Aircraft General Knowledge (AGK) PPL theory you will learn how your aircraft works. This includes fuel, oil, electrical and mechanical systems. We will also explain how all of your instruments work so, if any instrument should fail during your flight, you will quickly identify the failure and will be aware of the incorrect information it could display. Don't worry if you are not mechanically minded, our PPL ground school lectures will de-mystify the entire syllabus to make sure you know the different systems that keep you flying safely. At the end of the module you will undertake the CAA AGK PPL Theory Exam, which consists of sixteen questions, to be answered within thirty-five minutes.

5. Meteorology

Weather can be your best friend, or your worst enemy! You need to be able to read the weather, both on paper and whilst flying. This includes air pressure, fronts, wind direction and speed. You need to understand how these elements can change. A vital skill for any pilot is to be able to observe worsening weather and make appropriate decisions. We will include practical applications of the PPL theory to help make you a smarter, safer pilot. At the end of the module you will undertake the CAA Meterology PPL Theory Exam, which consists of sixteen questions, to be answered within fifty minutes.

6. Navigation

Navigation is one of the larger subjects for you to learn as a private pilot, After all, flying is about going places! Once you have your PPL you will want to travel all over the UK and even into Europe. You will need to know how to navigate in a three dimensional environment. Within this subject you will learn the theory of navigation, how to read charts, and how to use your flight computer to solve navigation calculations. At the end of the module you will undertake the CAA Navigation PPL Theory Exam, which consists of twelve questions, to be answered within forty-five minutes.

7. Air Law

Air Law is a bit like the highway code for pilots. It covers all the laws you need to adhere to. If two aircraft are approaching head on, which way do they turn? Who has right of way at different points in the sky? You will also learn to recognise the signs and signals you may see, the runway lighting as well as the legal requirements applicable to the aircraft and to yourself. Many flying schools and clubs ask you to complete this exam first. At first it seems a very dry & boring subject, but our experienced PPL ground school theory instructors will make it as interesting and informative as possible to get you that all important pass. At the end of the module you will undertake the CAA Air Law PPL Theory Exam, which consists of sixteen questions, to be answered within thirty-five minutes.

8. Operational Procedures

Operational Procedures (Ops) uses a lot of things you will learn in Air Law, but applies them to a practical flying experience. It is based heavily around safety and operating rules of flying. The subject also draws on a large amount of the information explained in the other PPL theory subjects. The Operational Procedures (Ops) exam is usually taken last and helps cement your understanding and knowledge gained during your previous training. At the end of the module you will undertake the CAA Ops PPL Theory Exam, which consists of twelve questions, to be answered within thirty minutes.

9. Human Performance

Human Performance & Limitations (HPL) will teach you to understand your own human limitations. How high can you fly without oxygen? What about when you're not having a good day, will that affect your flying? Why do we make mistakes and how can we reduce them? You will learn a lot about yourself and how you make decisions, how to play to your strengths and recognise your weaknesses so that, whilst you are flying, you make the right decisions. At the end of the module you will undertake the CAA HPL PPL Theory Exam, which consists of twelve questions, to be answered within twenty-five minutes.

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