FLIGHT TRAINING
Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
Learn to fly with confidence
Flying is fun, challenging, and deeply rewarding. Whether you’re pursuing aviation as a personal goal or as the first step towards a career, a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) opens up a world of possibilities. It’s also a fast, safe, and cost-effective way to travel New Zealand and beyond.
PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE (PPL)
Why train for your PPL with Learn To Fly NZ?
At Learn To Fly NZ, you’ll experience flight training like no other. Based in Wānaka, at the heart of the Southern Alps, our location offers a unique advantage – within just 30 minutes of take-off, you can experience both coastal flying towards the West Coast and true mountain flying in the surrounding alpine terrain.
You’ll quickly become confident flying in the mountains, developing terrain awareness skills that set you apart. Unlike busier major centres, our students enjoy minimal delays from controlled airspace, maximising your flying time and learning efficiency. You’ll also gain valuable experience flying in controlled environments, with major international airports such as Queenstown, Dunedin, and Christchurch nearby.
Who can start PPL training?
In New Zealand, there are no minimum educational requirements to begin aviation training. An understanding of mathematics and physics is helpful, but as long as you are motivated and committed to learning, you can begin your flying journey.
In New Zealand, there are no minimum educational requirements to begin aviation training. An understanding of mathematics and physics is helpful, but as long as you are motivated and committed to learning, you can begin your flying journey.
What’s involved in gaining your PPL?
Medical requirements
You’ll need a minimum of an NZ CAA Class 2 medical certificate or DL9 medical with P endorsement. As long as you’re in good overall health, this is straightforward. Medical exams can be done locally in Wānaka, Cromwell, or Queenstown. We recommend completing your medical early to avoid disappointment later in your training.
Flight training structure
Your early lessons will cover the basics of flying, such as Straight and Level flight, Climbing, and Descending. Most students take their first solo flight after 10–15 hours of training.
Lessons are typically around 50 minutes in the air, with pre-flight inspections and briefings making each session 1.5 to 2 hours. You can schedule lessons as often as you like, progressing at your own pace.
PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE
Minimum flight hour requirements
To gain your PPL, you’ll need at least 50 hours total flight time, including:
-
15 hours Solo Flight Time
Practice flights on your own, including cross-country flights as Pilot in Command. -
15 hours Dual Flight Time
Training flights with your instructor to build core skills. -
10 hours Cross-Country Flight Time
Navigational flights to destinations such as Dunedin, Alexandra, and Pukaki, both dual and solo, learning to calculate heading, time to destination, ground speed, and fuel use. -
5 hours Instrument Flight Time
Simulated instrument flying under a hood with instructor guidance. -
5 hours Terrain Awareness (Mountain Flying)
Developing essential skills for safe flying in alpine environments.
PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE
Theory Subjects
You will need to pass six theory subjects to gain your PPL. We offer these comprehensive ground courses here at Learn To Fly NZ, led by our experienced team of instructors.
- Human Factors
- Meteorology
- Air Technical Knowledge & Principles of Flight
- Navigation
- Flight Radio
- Air Law
Exams are mainly multi-choice with a pass mark of 70%. After completing your exams, you’ll produce a Knowledge Deficiency Report (KDR) to address any incorrect answers. An English proficiency test is also required before your PPL can be issued. You can sign up or find out more information about our Ground Courses here.
PERSONALISED FLIGHT TRAINING
Where to next?
Once you have earned your Private Pilot Licence, you can take the next step towards a professional aviation career with our Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training, or continue to build your skills with mountain flying courses, type ratings, or flight instructor ratings.
Start your flying journey today
Train with our dedicated team of expert instructors in one of the world’s most spectacular flying environments. Enquire now with our team for a training option dedicated to you.