PPL(A)
The PPL (Private Pilots Licence) is an internationally recognised qualification issued in the UK by the CAA.
The minimum training time (including solo’s) is 45 hours, but the UK average hours trained is close to 60 hours. Of the 45 hours, there must be at least 10 hours supervised solo time of which at least 5 hrs is cross-country experience. This includes the solo QXC (Qualifying Cross Country), flown over at least 150 nm with 2 intermediate landings. The syllabus follows a structured series of lessons. It also requires a Class 2 Medical (issued by a CAA approved AME), passing 9 multiple choice theory exams, an RT practical test and of course the Skills Test itself.
SYllabusThis CAA web-page has a lot of helpful information.
The PPL entitles the holder to fly single-engine aircraft up to 5700 kg with up to 5 passengers. The PPL can be used for non-commercial (i.e. unpaid) flying only, with the exception of flight instruction (for which an additional instructor rating is required). One can add an IR, IR(R), MEP, Night and other ratings to the PPL.
The licence is valid for life, but the rating (usually an SEP, Single Engine Piston) Rating has to be renewed or revalidated every 2 years. The commonest way to do this is to achieve 12 hours (of which at least 6 PiC) in the last 12 months of the rating, including at least 1 hour of refresher training.
LAPL(A)
Several years ago, EASA introduced the LAPL (Light Aircraft Pilot Licence). This is akin to the US Recreational or Sports Pilot Licence. The LAPL remains available in the UK, but post-Brexit, a UK LAPL is not recognised in EU states.
The minimum training hours, medical standard and privileges are all less than the PPL(A). It requires a minimum of 30 hours training including 6 hours of supervised solo flight time, of which at least 3 hours of solo cross country flight time. The QXC is 80 NM with one intermediate landing.
The training syllabus and test standards are very similar to those for the PPL and the theory syllabus and exams are identical. It would therefore be mis-leading to think that a LAPL can be achieved in the minimum 30 hours, except perhaps for the most gifted flying student. For most people, the PPL is the recommended route to follow. Those who cannot meet the Class 2 Medical standard may wish to consider the LAPL, which requires you to meet DVLA standards. A LAPL medical can be issued by a GP who has registered with the scheme, or by an AME (you must go to an AME for certain previous conditions / medical history).
The LAPL privileges are limited to SEP (single-engine piston aeroplane (land) or touring motor glider (TMG) ratings, with a maximum take-off mass of 2000 kg or less, and maximum of 3 passengers. Passengers can only be carried after completing 10 hours of flight time as PiC after the skills test. The only rating which can be added to a LAPL is the Night Rating.
The licence is valid for life, and holders need to maintain a currency of 12 hours PiC plus 1 hour refresher training in a period of 24 months.