Ready to take to the skies?

Ayrshire Airsports can help you achieve your aviation goals. We train according to the syllabus developed by the British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA). The usual route to gaining a Microlight Licence is by gaining a National Private Pilots Licence (NPPL) with a Microlight Rating.

We understand that every student is unique, which is why we provide facilitated instruction tailored to your individual needs. Our instructors will work with you one-on-one to ensure that you receive the attention, guidance and support you need to succeed; we call it the Trainee's Charter.

FLIGHT TRAINING

The minimum Flight training requirements:

Minimum flight time total 25 hours

Minimum solo time 10 hours

Minimum navigation time 5 hours

Minimum solo navigation time 3 hours

It is also possible to obtain a restricted rating with a minimum flight time of 15 hours, although we would not generally recommend this option.

GROUND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

There are 5 written examinations to be completed in the following subjects:

Aviation Law - Aircraft Technical - Meteorology - Navigation - Human Factors

There is no minimum requirement for training by an instructor to achieve this knowledge but the applicant must have demonstrated a knowledge of the subject matter by passing examinations.

We can assist with self-study advice, and provide one-to-one Groundschool if required.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

The medical requirements are similar to those required to drive a car.

There is generally no need for a Medical Examination as most people can make a Medical Declaration through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA ) website: https://www.caa.co.uk/aeromedical-examiners/medical-standards/medical/

We would recommend that you complete this declaration BEFORE starting training and certainly it will be required before any solo flight.

GENERAL SKILLS TEST

In order to qualify for the NPPL you must complete a General Skills Test with a Flight Examiner. This will be conducted in the aircraft you have trained in, from our base in Ayrshire. An oral test also takes place as part of this process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach out to us at ayrshireairsports@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What are the requirements to become a private pilot?

To become a private pilot, you must be at least 17 years old, however you can begin training at 14 years of age. You must be able to read, speak, and understand English, and complete a medical declaration. You must also complete a minimum of 25 hours of flight time, including 10 hours of solo flight.

What are the costs?

The bulk of the cost is the flight training. At Ayrshire Airsports we offer possibly the lowest cost to licence issue. Our lessons costs £120 per hour, so theoretically for the minimum hours requirement of 25, the cost would be £3000. On top of this there are 5 written exams to pass, which cost £50 each to sit.
On the whole, most students take on average 40hrs to gain the skills necessary to pass the flight test. However some do it in less, some do with more as every individual learns at their own pace.

How often should I have lessons?

We recommend taking a lesson at least once a month. Any less frequently can lead to degradation of skills already learned, requiring consolidation in the next lesson meaning the course takes longer. If you can fly twice a month, we believe this is the optimum, however intensive courses are something we can tailor.

What happens after I gain my licence?

The sky is the limit! There are many ways to fly recreationally. You could purchase an aircraft, which vary in price from a few thousand, to one hundred thousand upwards. A popular route to ownership is through a syndicate, sharing costs with co owners of the aircraft. We can also hire you our school aircraft on an hourly basis.

The west coast of Scotland offers some of the best flying in the UK. Vast areas of uncontrolled airspace, a huge number of airstrips to visit, the islands, the beaches, camping under the aircraft wing, not to mention the amazing views.

Ready to take to the skies?

Frequently Asked Questions

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