Light Aircraft Pilot Licence Course (LAPL)
Taking to the skies is a dream cherished by many since childhood, isn’t it? Well, here at Azure Flight Training Centre, we’re all about turning those lofty aspirations into reality, complete with a healthy dose of pilot humor to keep things soaring!
Getting your Light Aircraft Pilot License is a journey that’s as thrilling as it is rewarding. Sure, it takes some coin for the training, but it also demands grit, determination, and a level of commitment that’s no joke. We’re talking about conquering nine theory exams and acing not one, but two practical tests. It’s like the ultimate high-flying challenge!
But fear not, fellow aviators-in-training! We’ve got your back every step of the way. Our instructors are top-notch, ensuring you get the support and guidance you need to navigate the skies like a pro. Plus, with training available at both Cranfield and Elstree airports in the UK, you’ll have the perfect playground to spread your wings.
Now, let’s talk licenses. The LAPL (that’s Light Aircraft Pilot License for the uninitiated) is your ticket to UK skies, perfect for those who want to fly for fun and adventure. It might have a few more rules than your standard PPL, but hey, the journey to earning it is just as exhilarating. So, buckle up, folks! The skies await, and with Azure Flight Training Centre, you’ll be soaring in no time!
The Light Aircraft Pilots Licence requires you to log a minimum of 30 hours of flight training. Here’s the breakdown: at least 15 hours of dual instruction, a minimum of 6 hours flying solo under supervision, and 3 hours of solo cross-country flying. Oh, and one of those cross-country jaunts must cover at least 80 nm and include a full stop landing at an airport that’s not where you took off from. Ready for takeoff?
LAPL Study Books
LAPL Exams
You’ve got nine theory computer-based exams standing between you and pilot glory, along with two practical tests to seal the deal. Here’s the rundown:
- Air Law
- Human Performance
- Meteorology
- Communications
- Principles of Flight
- Flight Performance and Planning
- Operational Procedures
- Aircraft General
- Navigation
- Radio Telephony Licence (Practical Test)
- Flight Skills Test (Practical Test)
Examination Assessment
Before you can dazzle the skies with your pilot prowess in the skills test, there’s some ground work to cover. You’ve got to tackle those ground examinations with as much gusto as a plane on takeoff, and don’t forget about the practical RT (Radio Telephony) exam—it’s your ticket to smooth communication in the air.
But here’s the catch: you’ll need to score a minimum of 75% on each exam to soar through with a pass. Think of it as navigating through some turbulent skies before reaching the clear blue yonder of pilot glory!
Aviation Law
This exam consists of 16 multiple choice questions to be answered in 35 minutes.
Aircraft General
This exam consists of 16 multiple choice questions to be answered in 35 minutes.
Human Performance
This exam consists of 12 multiple choice questions to be answered in 25 minutes.
Navigation
This exam consists of 12 multiple choice questions to be answered in 45 minutes.
Communications
This exam consists of 12 multiple choice questions to be answered in 20 minutes.
Flight Performance
This exam consists of 12 multiple choice questions to be answered in 45 minutes.
Principles of Flight
This exam consists of 12 multiple choice questions to be answered in 35 minutes.
Operational Procedures
This exam consists of 12 multiple choice questions to be answered in 30 minutes.
Meteorology
This exam consists of 16 multiple choice questions to be answered in 50 minutes.
Course Entry Requirements
The following requirements must be met at commencement of training
- Valid CAA Class 1 or 2 medical
- Be at least 14 years old
- Be at least 16 years old for solo flights
- Be 17 years old for licence issue
Pre-Test Requirements
The following requirements must be met before being put forward for skills test
- Completed at least 30 hours flight instruction
- Completed Solo Cross Country 80 NMs
- Be 17 years old
- Passed all Theory Exams
- Passed R/T Practical Test
LAPL Skills Test
General Information
A LAPL (Light aircraft Pilots Licence) does not expire unless it has been provisionally suspended, revoked, or surrendered by the holder to the CAA. The LAPL course is similar a PPL but comes with a range of restrictions to a Private Pilot Licence.
- The LAPL is not recognised outside the UK
- You can carry no more than 3 passengers
- Your limited to fly aircraft under 2000kgs only.
- Does not fully comply with ICAO Standards
- Does not contain aircraft types or class ratings
- Does not have SEP Land rating expiry dates
Course Requirements (Minimum's)
You will need to fly at least 30 hours of intructional flights on our aircraft, which must include the following:
- Minimum 15 hours duel flight instruction
- Minimum 6 hours of supervised solo flight time
- Minimum 3 hours solo cross county
- 1 solo cross country flight of at least 80 NM with one full stop landing at an aerodrome different to the departure.
Medical Permit
You must obtain an appropriate medical certificate at least before your first solo, but we strongly recommend getting a medical before commencement of your training.
You must study the following theoretical subjets and pass a test with at least 75%:
- Air Law
- Human Performance
- Meteorology
- Communications
- Operational Procedures
- Principles of Flight
- Flight Performance and Planning
- Aircraft General Knowledge
- Navigation
Before Skills Test
Before being put forward for your skills test by the Head of Training, you will need to have completed the following:
- You must have achieved at least 75% of the marks allocated to each of the required examination papers and importantly passed them all within 18 months from end of the calendar month of your first exam.
- Completed all flight training
- Completed RT Test
- Have a valid medical
LAPL(A) Skill Test (FCL.125 LAPL)
Before you take the skill test, you must have passed the required theoretical knowledge examinations.
The theoretical knowledge instruction shall always have been completed before the skill tests are taken.
We will then recommend you for the skills test by our Head of Training once the training is completed. At which point your training records will be made available to the examiner. The LAPL(A) skill test schedule is given below
Note: Use of checklist, airmanship, control of aeroplane by external visual reference, anti/de-icing procedures, etc. apply in all section tabs
Pre-Flight Operations and Departure
- Pre-flight documentation, NOTAM and weather briefing
- Mass and balance and performance calculation
- Aeroplane or TMG inspection and servicing
- Engine starting and after starting procedures
- Taxiing and aerodrome procedures, pre-take-off procedures
- Take-off and after take-off checks
- Aerodrome departure procedures
- ATC compliance and R/T procedures
General Airwork
- ATC liaison: compliance
- Straight and level flight, with speed changes
- Climbing:
- (i) best rate of climb
- (ii) climbing turns
- (iii) levelling off
- Medium (30° bank) turns, lookout procedures and collision avoidance
- Steep (45° bank) turns
- Flight at critically low air speed with and without flaps
- Stalling:
- (i) clean stall and recover with power
- (ii) approach to stall descending turn with bank angle 20°, approach configuration
- (iii) approach to stall in landing configuration
- Descending:
- (i) with and without power
- (ii) descending turns (steep gliding turns)
- (iii) levelling off
En-Route Procedures
- Flight plan, dead reckoning and map reading
- Maintenance of altitude, heading and speed
- Orientation, airspace structure, timing and revision of ETAs and log keeping
- Diversion to alternate aerodrome (planning and implementation)
- Flight management (checks, fuel systems and carburettor icing, etc)
- ATC liaison: compliance
Approach and Landing Procedures
- Aerodrome arrival procedures
- Collision avoidance (lookout procedures)
- Precision landing (short field landing), crosswind, if suitable conditions available
- Flapless landing (if applicable)
- Approach to landing with idle power
- Touch and go
- Go-around from low height
- ATC liaison: compliance
- Actions after flight
Abnormal and Emergency Procedures
This section may be combined with sections 1 through 4. These items (*) may be combined at the discretion of the FE
- Simulated engine failure after take-off
- Simulated forced landing
- Simulated precautionary landing
- Simulated emergencies
- Oral questions
Our Aircraft to Teach LAPL
G-ATHR Piper PA28 Cherokee 180
Piper PA28 Cherokee 180
G-BTNT Piper PA28 Warrior 160
Piper PA28 Warrior 160
G-CLLR Piper PA28 Warrior 140
Piper PA28 Warrior 140
G-GZDO Cessna 172N Skyhawk
Cessna 172N Skyhawk
G-ENTW REIMS CESSNA F152 C152
Cessna F152 C152
G-AWFJ Piper PA28R 180 Arrow
Piper PA28R 180 Arrow
No, the light aircraft pilots licence is only valid in the UK FIR’s
Yes, it is very easy to upgrade to a full Private Pilots Licence, take a look at our LAPL to PPL course.
It is up to you what order you take the exams, but you will need to pass the Air Law exam before going solo and Navigation exam before going solo Nav.
You will take your exams either at Cranfield or Elstree at one of our Training Centres.
