LAPL to PPL Conversion

Pa28-161 G-BOJZ at Teesside Airport EGNV

Upgrading a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) to a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is a common pathway for pilots who want to expand their flying privileges and possibly pursue a more advanced or professional aviation career. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade your LAPL to a PPL under UK CAA regulations:

1. Meet the Additional Flight Hour Requirements

The LAPL requires a minimum of 30 flight hours, while the PPL requires at least 45 flight hours. If you already hold a LAPL, you’ll need to complete additional training to meet the PPL's flight hour requirements.

You can count the hours already logged during your LAPL training, but you'll need to make up the difference between your LAPL flight hours and the PPL requirements.

You will need at least 15 hours of flight time on aeroplanes after the issue of the LAPL (A), of which at least 10 hours should be flight instruction. This flight instruction must include 4 hours of supervised solo flight, of which at least 2 hours must be solo cross country, with at least 1 cross country flight of 270km (150NM) or more, plus full stop landings at 2 aerodromes different from the departure aerodrome.

2. Additional Training Requirements

The PPL syllabus includes some areas that are not covered in LAPL training. You’ll need additional instruction in these areas, including:

Advanced Navigation: Learn more complex navigation techniques and procedures for cross-country flights.
Flight Planning and Performance: You’ll need to become proficient in planning longer and more complex flights, particularly for international or cross-country operations.
Emergency Procedures: A deeper focus on advanced emergency situations and recovery procedures.

3. Theoretical Knowledge Exams

The PPL & LAPL share the same theoretical exams and so no additional exams are required.

4. Pass the PPL Skills Test

After completing the additional flight training hours and passing the theory exams, you will need to complete a PPL Skills Test with one of our certified examiners. The test will assess your ability to:

Handle the aircraft safely and efficiently in various flight conditions.
Perform cross-country navigation.
Use radio communication effectively.
Manage normal and emergency situations.

This flight test is similar to the one for your LAPL, but with added emphasis on navigation and more advanced piloting skills.

5. Obtain a Class 2 Medical Certificate

While the LAPL only requires a LAPL medical certificate, for a PPL you'll need the minimum of a class 2 medical. If you already have a valid Class 2 medical, you're covered. However, if you’re flying with a different medical certificate, you’ll need to upgrade to a Class 2 medical, which is a requirement for PPL holders.

6. Submit an Application to the UK CAA

Once you have completed the necessary flight training, passed the theory exams, and successfully completed your skills test, you will need to submit an application to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to convert your LAPL into a PPL.

The application process includes:

Proof of completion of the required flight hours and training.
Your theoretical exam results.
A valid Class 2 Medical Certificate.
The results of your PPL Skills Test.

Why Upgrade to a PPL?

Upgrading your LAPL to a PPL gives you more flexibility, including the ability to:

Fly larger aircraft.
Fly internationally without restrictions.
Add more advanced ratings like Instrument Rating (IR), Night Rating, and Multi-Engine Rating.
Begin your journey toward a commercial pilot career.

At AeroSchool, we provide tailored upgrade courses to help you transition from LAPL to PPL seamlessly. Our expert instructors will work with you to cover any gaps in your training and prepare you for your PPL exams and skills test.