1. Start Flight Training at a UK Flight School
Begin practical flying with a qualified instructor at a UK CAA-approved flight school. Many students combine flying with theory study from the outset.
UK PPL Ground School & Online PPL Theory Course
UK CAA Approved Online Ground School for Private Pilots
What is the UK Private Pilot License (PPL)?
The UK Private Pilot Licence (PPL) allows you to fly light aircraft as Pilot in Command for non-commercial purposes. It is the first major licence for recreational pilots and also forms the foundation for those progressing toward professional aviation training.
To obtain a UK CAA PPL(A), you must pass nine theory examinations alongside practical flight training at an approved flight school. SkyLearner provides a UK CAA-approved distance learning ground school, giving you everything you need to prepare confidently for the PPL theory exams.
What’s Included in the PPL Theory Course?
All 9 UK CAA PPL(A) theory subjects included — no add-ons, no extras.
Airlaw
Understand the legal framework of aviation, including licensing, rules of the air, and UK airspace requirements.
Learn how regulations affect real-world flight operations and pilot responsibilities.
Meteorology
Understand how weather forms, how it affects aircraft, and how to interpret aviation forecasts.
Learn to make safe, informed decisions based on weather conditions before and during flight.
Human Performance
Explore how the human body and mind affect flying performance.
Learn to recognise limitations, manage workload, and make safe decisions as a pilot.
Aircraft General Knowledge
Learn how light aircraft systems operate, including engines, electrics, and instruments.
Understand how your aircraft works and how to recognise normal and abnormal indications.
Principles of Flight
Understand how lift, drag, thrust, and weight affect aircraft performance.
Learn how aerodynamic principles influence handling, stability, and control.
Flight Performance & Planning
Learn how aircraft performance changes with weight, balance, altitude, and weather.
Develop the skills to calculate take-off, climb, cruise, and landing performance safely.
Operational Procedures
Understand standard operating procedures, emergency actions, and safe operating practices.
Learn how to manage normal, abnormal, and emergency situations effectively.
Navigation
Learn how to plan and conduct a safe VFR flight using charts, navigation techniques, and flight calculations.
Develop the skills needed to navigate accurately and confidently in real flying conditions.
Communications
Learn standard aviation phraseology and radio procedures.
Develop confidence communicating clearly with air traffic services and other pilots.
How You’ll Learn with SkyLearner
A complete online ground school — not just videos and PDFs.
Interactive Online Learning
Over 250 hours of interactive web-based learning with videos interactions, questions and activities. No Powerpoints here!
PPL Question Bank (2,000+ Questions)
Access a comprehensive solution bank with over 2,000 exam-style questions and answers, aligned with UK CAA standards.
Progress & Knowledge Retention
Built-in progress tests and cumulative assessments to reinforce learning and identify weak areas early
Instructor-Led Online Pre-Exam Knowledge Checks
Live pre-exam knowledge checks with an instructor via Microsoft Teams, for each subject, allowing you to ask final questions before each exam.
A Look Inside the SkyLearner PPL Course
A structured, calm learning environment, designed for real student pilots.
How to Become a UK Private Pilot
Becoming a Private Pilot in the UK is a structured and achievable process. While every student’s journey is slightly different, most follow the same core stages. You can learn more from the CAA here.
3. Complete the PPL Theoretical Knowledge
You must pass nine UK CAA PPL theory exams, covering subjects such as Air Law, Meteorology, Navigation, and Principles of Flight. Structured study at this stage makes practical training far more effective.
2. Obtain a UK CAA Class 2 Medical
A Class 2 medical certificate is required before you can fly solo and complete your licence.
4. Build Practical Flying Experience
You’ll complete a minimum number of flight hours, including solo flying, navigation exercises, and cross-country flights.
5. Pass the PPL Skills Test
A practical flight test with a UK CAA examiner to demonstrate safe and competent flying.
6. Apply for Your Licence
Once both theory and practical requirements are complete, you can apply for your UK Private Pilot Licence.
How Students Sit the UK CAA PPL Theory Exams
The UK CAA PPL theory exams assess your understanding across all 9 required subjects. They are taken on a computer at a UK CAA-approved exam centre—often through your flight school or a testing centre near you.
What the exams involve:
- 9 subjects, each with their own multiple choice exam, completed on the CAA computer system.
- Each exam requires a 75% pass mark
- You have a maximum of four attempts per exam
- You must pass all nine exams within 18 months of your first attempt
How SkyLearner Supports You
- Prepare with structured, interactive theory
- Practice with realistic questions and progress tests
- Build confidence before sitting exams with the 1hr live pre exam knowledge check
- Easy to access instructor support and guidance
UK CAA PPL Exam Structure
| Subject | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Meteorology | 16 | 50 mins |
| Human Performance | 12 | 25 mins |
| Principles of Flight | 12 | 35 mins |
| Aircraft General Knowledge | 16 | 35 mins |
| Air Law | 16 | 35 mins |
| Operational Procedures | 12 | 30 mins |
| Navigation | 12 | 45 mins |
| Flight Performance & Planning | 12 | 45 mins |
| Communications | 12 | 20 mins |
Flexible Pricing to Suit Your Training Pace
All options include full access to the complete UK CAA PPL(A) theory course and all features listed below.
Monthly Subscription
£29
Per month
Flexible access to the complete PPL theory course, ideal if you want to study month-by-month.
Includes:
- 9 Subjects (UK CAA PPL(A))
- Interactive Online Learning
- Full PPL Question Bank
- Progress Tests
- Instructor-Led Live 1hr Brushup Sessions
- Student Community Forum
Renews monthly – Cancel anytime
Most Popular
6- Month Access
£179
(One Time Payment)
A fixed study period with no recurring payments – our most popular choice.
Includes:
- 9 Subjects (UK CAA PPL(A))
- Interactive Online Learning
- Full PPL Question Bank
- Progress Tests
- Instructor-Led Live 1hr Brushup Sessions
- Student Community Forum
Access ends after 6 months – No recurring payments.
18- Month Access
£279
(One Time Payment)
Best value for long-term study or pilots training around work and weather.
Includes:
- 9 Subjects (UK CAA PPL(A))
- Interactive Online Learning
- Full PPL Question Bank
- Progress Tests
- Instructor-Led Live 1hr Brushup Sessions
- Student Community Forum
Access ends after 18 months – No recurring payments.
What Our Students Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before enrolling
What exactly is included in the PPL course?
The SkyLearner PPL Theory Course includes full access to all 9 UK CAA PPL(A) theoretical knowledge subjects, structured interactive learning content, the complete PPL question bank, progress tests, and exam preparation tools.
You’ll also have access to our student community, instructor support, and live instructor-led subject brush-up sessions designed to help you consolidate knowledge before exams.
All plans include the same learning content and features — the only difference is how long you have access to the system.
How do the live brush-up sessions work?
Each PPL subject includes a 1 hr live, instructor-led group knowledge check / brush-up session, delivered online.
These sessions are designed to:
- Reinforce key concepts
- Address common problem areas
- Help you feel confident and exam-ready
Sessions are supportive, structured, and focused on understanding rather than rote learning. They are included as part of your course access — there is no extra charge.
Is this course approved for UK CAA PPL exams?
Yes. The SkyLearner PPL Theory Course is approved by the UK CAA and is designed to meet the requirements for UK CAA PPL(A) theoretical knowledge training.
On completion, and once you meet the required standard, you will be issued with the appropriate exam recommendation needed to sit your PPL theory exams at a UK CAA-approved exam centre.
How long does the PPL theory usually take?
Most PPL students complete their theory studies in 3 to 9 months, depending on availability, flying progress, and personal commitments.
That’s why we offer flexible access options:
- Monthly access if you prefer flexibility
- 6-month access for focused study
- 18-month access for maximum breathing room
You can choose the option that best matches your training pace.
What’s the difference between the pricing options?
All pricing options include exactly the same course content and features.
The only difference is how long you have access:
- Monthly: flexible, pay as you go
- 6-Month: fixed access, no recurring payments
- 18-Month: extended access for long-term or stop-start training
There are no hidden upgrades or locked features.
Do I get instructor support, or is this self-study only?
SkyLearner is not just a self-study platform.
You’ll have access to instructor support, live subject brush-ups, and a student community where questions and discussion are encouraged.
Our approach is designed to support real-world PPL students — not leave you on your own with a question bank.
Can I study alongside my flight training?
If you reach the end of your access period and need additional time, options are available to extend access.
Our goal is to support successful completion, not to rush students or penalise realistic training timelines.
Is this suitable if I’m completely new to aviation?
Absolutely.
The course is structured to take you from the fundamentals through to exam readiness, with clear explanations and instructor support throughout.
No prior aviation knowledge is required.
How do I enrol?
Simply choose the access option that suits your training pace, once your purchase is complete you will have enrolled.
Once enrolled, you’ll have immediate access to the course materials and can begin studying straight away.
Need More Help?
Contact us below, and one of our team will be happy to help.
