NPPL to PPL Conversion

Pa28-161 G-BOJZ at Teesside Airport EGNV

The National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL[A]) is the perfect starting point for recreational flying in the UK. But many pilots later decide they want the additional privileges of a Private Pilot Licence (PPL[A]), whether to fly internationally, operate larger aircraft, or progress towards a professional career.

Here’s how to upgrade your NPPL(A) to a PPL(A) under current UK CAA regulations.

1. Meet the Additional Flight Hour Requirements

The NPPL(A) requires a minimum of 32 hours’ training, while the PPL(A) requires at least 40 hours.
If you hold an NPPL(A), you can count your existing hours towards the PPL(A). You’ll need to complete the difference between what you logged for your NPPL and the 40-hour minimum.
In practice, most NPPL holders complete around 10 additional hours of training to meet the PPL(A) requirements and cover areas not included in the NPPL syllabus.

2. Additional Training Requirements

The PPL(A) syllabus includes elements not fully covered in NPPL training, such as:

Extended Cross-Country Navigation: Longer flights, including a 150 NM (270 km) qualifying cross-country with full-stop landings at two other aerodromes.
Advanced Flight Planning & Performance: Weight and balance, fuel planning, and performance calculations for a wider range of aircraft.
Emergency Procedures: Broader coverage of abnormal and emergency scenarios.

Your AeroSchool instructor will review your NPPL training record and design a tailored upgrade programme to bridge these gaps.

3. Theoretical Knowledge Exams

The NPPL(A) requires only five exams, whereas the PPL(A) requires nine exams.
When upgrading, you’ll need to sit the four additional PPL exams:
- Communications (written)
- Flight Planning & Performance
- Operational Procedures
- Aircraft General Knowledge (if not already split during NPPL training)

Our ground school and online platform will prepare you for these additional subjects.

4. Pass the PPL Skills Test

Once you have completed the additional hours and theoretical exams, you must take the PPL(A) Skills Test with a CAA-approved examiner.

The test covers:

General aircraft handling.
Navigation, including the longer cross-country element.
Radio communication.
Abnormal and emergency procedures.

This test is more demanding than the NPPL General Skills Test, as it reflects the broader privileges of the PPL.

5. Obtain a Class 2 Medical Certificate

The NPPL(A) can be flown on a Pilot Medical Declaration (PMD), but a Class 2 medical is mandatory for the PPL(A).
If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to undergo a Class 2 medical with an AME before applying for licence issue.

6. Submit an Application to the UK CAA

Once training, exams, and the skills test are complete, you submit your application to the CAA, including:

Proof of additional flight training.
All exam results (NPPL + extra PPL subjects).
A valid Class 2 medical.
Your PPL Skills Test pass certificate.

Why Upgrade to a PPL?

A PPL(A) offers much more flexibility than an NPPL(A):

International Flying: ICAO-compliant, allowing flights worldwide.
More Aircraft Types: Fly heavier and more complex aircraft, beyond the NPPL’s limitations.
Advanced Ratings: Add Instrument Rating (IR or IR(R)), Night Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, or even instructor privileges.
Career Pathway: The first formal step towards a CPL or ATPL.

NPPL to PPL Upgrade Training at AeroSchool

At AeroSchool, we specialise in bridging courses tailored to your training history. Our instructors will:

Review your NPPL logbook.
Identify and fill knowledge and skill gaps.
Prepare you thoroughly for the extra exams.
Provide in-house testing where possible for a seamless upgrade process.