Age
You must be 16 to fly solo, and 17 to get a PPL

Medical
To fly solo or hold a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), you must have either a current Class 2 aviation medical certificate, or a DL9 driver‑licence medical certificate that has been completed by your GP. A DL9 is a more accessible and lower‑cost option, but it does come with some limitations on certain advanced PPL privileges. Most people in good health will meet the requirements for either medical type.

Flight time
You must complete at least 50 hours total flight time of which:

• 15 hours must be dual instruction

• 15 hours must be solo flight time

• 5 hours must be instrument flight time

• 10 hours cross-country navigation training

• 5 hours dual instruction in Terrain and Weather Awareness

Once you are ready you must pass a flight test which will include all normal and emergency flight manoeuvres. This will also include a test on your ability to comply with Air Traffic Services practices and procedures.

Exams

You must pass six exams before you can obtain a PPL (in any order!):

• Radio – learning phrases pilots use to make clear communication calls

• Human Factors – health, stress, judgement and decision-making

• Meteorology – cloud formations, NZ's weather patterns, different weather conditions affecting aircraft performance, interpreting aviation weather reports

• Aircraft Technical Knowledge – aerodynamics, engines, electrical systems, your flight instruments and aircraft weight & balance

• Navigation – using aeronautical maps, compass, calculating flight time and fuel

• Law – Civil Aviation Rules and Regulations

These exams are multi-choice and require a 70% score to pass. An English language proficiency test is also required. The exams and proficiency test are booked through Aspeq and can be sat in Aspeq premises in Lower Hutt.