PPL(A): exam subjects and flight training hours
Planning a PPL(A) course requires two perspectives: the knowledge a student must demonstrate and the practical training to complete. This guide considers EASA Part-FCL for aeroplanes; examination procedures depend on the competent authority. Schools can use these distinctions to organise study and assessments without confusing recorded hours, practice-test scores and completion of the training pathway.
Organise study around nine subjects
FCL.215 covers air law, human performance, meteorology, communications, navigation, principles of flight, operational procedures, flight performance and planning, and aircraft general knowledge. Turn that list into a schedule showing links between subjects. A planning exercise can involve weather, navigation and performance: connected cases help students understand concepts as well as recognise answers in a question bank.
Lessons and trainingAssess each subject separately
The Part-FCL theory pass mark is at least 75% of the available marks in each paper, not the overall subject average. Review results and gaps subject by subject when preparing a student discussion. In Italy, ENAC instructions involve the ATO or DTO in presenting candidates. Keep the school’s internal assessment separate from booking and taking the official examination.
Practice examsHow many hours are needed for PPL(A)?
For the ordinary pathway, FCL.210.A requires at least 45 hours of flight instruction, including at least 25 hours of dual instruction and 10 hours of supervised solo flight. These are training minima, not a promise of completion in 45 hours. Schools must assess credits, previous experience and the applicable pathway. Scheduling should also allow for briefings, debriefings and student, instructor and aircraft availability.
Scheduling and fleetSeparate hours, skills and theory readiness
Three measures answer different questions: how much training has been recorded, which skills have been assessed, and how theory preparation is progressing. A useful summary shows them together without treating one as a replacement for another. At periodic reviews, compare recent flights with weaker theory topics. You can then assign relevant revision rather than asking every student indiscriminately to take more practice exams.
Lessons and trainingPrepare a meaningful final review
Before the theory session, alternate full practice exams with targeted revision of recurring errors. Look at several recent attempts, not only the best, and check that settings match the course and language. In AvioDesk instructors can review progress by subject and students can revisit answers. Use the demo to try that conversation and establish which information is useful in your school.
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