A plain-English comparison of the two main UK private pilot licences, including training requirements, theory exams, medical standards and what each lets you do.
Both licences let you fly privately in the UK. The right choice depends on how far and where you want to fly, and whether you see yourself progressing further in aviation.
The internationally recognised route. More training hours and 10 theory subjects, but far greater privileges — including flying abroad, adding ratings, and a clear path to commercial licences.
A simpler, more accessible route for recreational flying. Fewer hours, only 5 theory exams, and a straightforward GP-based medical — ideal if you want to fly light aircraft around the UK.
| PPL(A) | NPPL(A) | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum flight hours | 40 hours total Including 10hrs supervised solo, 5hrs solo cross-country. Up to 5hrs may be in an approved simulator |
32 hours total Including 10hrs supervised solo. Lower minimum makes it faster and cheaper |
| Theory exams | 10 subjects Air Law, Navigation, Meteorology, Human Performance, Operational Procedures, Principles of Flight, Flight Performance & Planning, Aircraft General Knowledge, Communications, Radio Telephony (FRTOL) |
6 subjects Meteorology, Navigation, Aviation Law, Human Factors, Aircraft Technical, Radio Telephony (FRTOL). Plus an oral exam with a flight examiner |
| Exam pass mark | 75% per subject | 75% per subject |
| Theory exam validity | 24 months from date of final pass You must complete flight training and pass the skills test within 24 months of your last theory pass |
24 months prior to applying for licence All written exams must be passed within 24 months before licence application |
| Medical standard | CAA Class 2 Medical Examination by a CAA-approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) |
Pilot Medical Declaration (PMD) GP signs off a self-declaration — valid 5 years under 40, 2 years aged 40+. No specialist aviation medical needed |
| Minimum age | 17 to hold licence Solo flights from age 16 |
17 to hold licence Solo flights from age 16 |
| Flying in the UK | Full VFR privileges | Full VFR privileges within UK airspace |
| Flying abroad | ICAO-recognised — valid in most countries | UK airspace only Sub-ICAO licence — not automatically valid outside the UK |
| Night flying | Night Rating available | Not available |
| Instrument Rating | IR and IMC Rating available | Not available |
| Aircraft you can fly | SEP/TMG rated aircraft up to MTOW limits Broader range of types and ratings available |
SEP and TMG rated aircraft up to 2,000kg MTOW Also covers microlights. SEP rating replaced old SSEA rating from October 2025 |
| Path to CPL/ATPL | Direct pathway to commercial licences | Not a pathway to commercial flying |
| Revalidation | 12 hours per 2-year period including 6hrs as PIC and a proficiency check Or a Proficiency Check with an examiner |
12 hours per 2-year period including 6hrs as PIC Simplified revalidation across all NPPL ratings from October 2025 |
| Issuing authority | UK CAA | UK CAA (aeroplane/SEP) BMAA for microlight-only NPPL |
| Typical total cost | £8,000–£15,000+ Varies significantly by aircraft type, location and pace of training |
£6,000–£10,000 Fewer hours and simpler medical reduces overall cost |
Both licences require written theory exams passed at 75% or above. The NPPL covers 5 of the same core subjects as the PPL, plus Radio Telephony (FRTOL) — and an oral exam with a flight examiner.
Note: NPPL candidates may alternatively take the full set of Part-FCL PPL exams instead of the 6 NPPL exams — useful if an upgrade to PPL is planned later.
If you hold an NPPL and later want to upgrade to a full PPL, it's possible — but you'll need to meet the additional training and exam requirements.
Tip: if you think you might want to upgrade later, consider taking the full Part-FCL exam set during NPPL training — this avoids the 5 bridging exams later.
Whether you're going for the PPL or NPPL, our practice exam platform covers the right subjects for your pathway — with randomised questions and instant feedback every time.
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