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Compton Flight Training - Student Pilot - Female Student Pilot - Cockpit - Learn to Fly 14-18

Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Training

Learn to Fly in Dorset

Your aviation journey starts here.

At Compton Flight Training, we help people earn their Private Pilot Licence (PPL) with clear steps, supportive instructors, and training that fits around real life.

Whether you are working towards commercial training or flying for pleasure, the first milestone is the same: your first lesson, and the confidence that follows.

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3 Ways to Learn

Pay As You Fly: The most flexible and affordable way to fly

Flexi Fly PPL

Self-paced flight training. Plan lessons around your work, family and finances.

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Fast Fly PPL

Full-time flight training. Earn your PPL in as little as 6 weeks with intensive lessons.

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Learn 14-18

Start flying young. Fit your PPL training around school and family life.

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How to Gain your Wings

The Training Journey

Take a trial flying lesson

1

Most students begin here. Gain a feel of our club & team, the aircraft and the airfield.

Compton Flight Training - Flying Club Office with Chair, Laptop, Signage

Start your PPL training

2

Structured lessons with your instructors to learn the basics. Your training plan includes a minimum of 40 hours of hands-on flight time.

Your first solo flight

3

Your first solo flight is a major milestone. Included in your 40 hours of hands-on flight time are at least 10 hours of supervised solo flying.

Compton Flight Training - Flight Navigation - Learn to Fly - Hour Building - Self Fly Club

Navigation flying

4

Build up to solo land-aways and your solo Qualifying Cross Country (QXC) flight of 150 nautical miles, with landings at two different airfields.

Skills test

5

Final flight test. When you are ready, with all ground exams completed, you will take a flying skill test with an experienced examiner.

Compton Flight Training - Piper Warrior II - Flying lessons - Learn to Fly - Hour Building - Flight Experiences - Self Fly Club

Earn your wings

6

Licence issued. YOU have gained your wings.
Start Your Journey

Whether you are working towards commercial aviation, or simply want to fly with friends and family, the PPL is where you start.

A PPL is the flying licence for leisure. It’s the licence that lets you fly as Pilot in Command on non-commercial flights. It covers most light, single-engine aircraft you will train in.

A PPL also opens the door to flying club membership, self-fly aircraft hire, aircraft ownership, and further ratings.

Start your PPL Training

Holders of a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) can Pilot in Command a non commercial single piston engine aircraft under 5700kg.

Requirements to start training for your PPL

  • No previous flying experience is required.
  • You can start logging flight time from age 14.
  • You can fly solo from age 16.
  • You can gain your licence at age 17.
  • You will need a Class 2 medical certificate before your first solo.
  • If you are unsure about any requirement, speak to the team and we will talk it through during a bespoke consultation – free of charge.
Learn to fly 14-18

This depends largely on the continuity of your lessons.

Want to hit the minimum 40 hours as quickly as possible? We suggest more regular lessons to help achieve this.

Fast-Fly PPL can be completed within 6 weeks.

Young Fliers 14-18 programme allows young flyers to spread their learning over several years, and fits around school.

Flexi-Fly PPL – Flexible, self-paced programmes to fit around work, family and financial commitments. Most students complete within 2 years – but the choice is yours.

The best way to get started is to get in touch to book a trial lesson.

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As well as training in the air, we will support you through nine essential exams, with clear guidance as part of our Ground School.

  1. Air law
  2. Operational procedures
  3. Human performance
  4. Aircraft general knowledge
  5. Communications
  6. Meteorology
  7. Navigation
  8. Flight performance and planning
  9. Principles of flight

You will also complete a practical radiotelephony exam. Online resources are strong for self study, instructors are available for any ground tuition you’d like.

Learn with us

The best hire costs around; no home landing charges, no hidden fees and all based on engine running time only.

Compton Flight Training - Looking After Our Aircraft - Our Fleet - Learn to Fly - Hour Building - Self Fly Club - Flying Lessons
Cotswold Flight Training and Compton Flight Training - Learn To Fly - Trial Lessons - Family and Instructor

Why Compton Flight Training?

  • Experienced flight instructors
  • Well maintained aircraft fleet
  • Compton Abbas Airfield is a calm, practical training environment
  • Airborne in 5 minutes. More time in the air.
  • Flexible, Pay As You Fly training plans
  • Incredible views flying over Dorset and the Jurassic Coast
  • Plan exciting trips. From the Scottish Highlands to France.
  • 5* reviews from our students

Membership Benefits

As a student you’ll enroll as a member of Compton Flight Training and enjoy the following benefits:

  • £0 home landing fees on both hard and grass runways.
    (A huge saving for lessons with multiple landings).
  • Headset hire. included in your membership fee.
  • In the air in 5 minutes at Compton. Less time (and money) on the ground.
  • Use the fleet & facilities at Cotswold Flight Training, our Oxfordshire club in the Cotswolds.
  • Club facilities and refreshments in both Compton Abbas and Cotswolds.
  • Member only flyouts.

What our students say

Ella

Great flying school with a friendly and helpful atmosphere. Great aircraft, couldn’t have chosen a better place! Would recommend to anyone looking for flexible and fun hour building!

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Gary

Great land away today to Sandown, from the prettiest airfield in the UK; Compton Abbas. Thank you to Nigel and Tom at Compton Flight Training and Janice who got me competent and legal again after a 15 years absence from private flying.

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Jonny

The instructing team are brilliant, with a vast array of backgrounds and experience, and it’s a really supportive learning environment. Would absolutely recommend signing up for a trial lesson, or better still, go all in and start the PPL course!

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Daniel

I purchased a training flight lesson for my partner as a surprise at compton abbas airfield. The experience for both of us was incredible! Thomas, nigel, John and all the staff where super kind and so friendly aswell as so helpful in all the organising. My partner is now a member and working towards getting her licence, we are both thrilled and so grateful! Would recommend to absolutely everyone to enjoy the experience and beautiful countryside. Thank you so much!

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Training Aircraft

Which plane will I learn in?

Our fleet of Piper aircraft tick all the boxes. A little roomier with four seats, fantastic trainers but also great for longer adventures. One of the most popular light aircraft ever produced.

Compton Flight Training - Piper Warrior II - Flying lessons - Learn to Fly - Hour Building - Flight Experiences - Self Fly Club

PIPER WARRIOR II

G-BFDK

Compton Flight Training - Trial Lessons - Learn To Fly - Flying Lessons

Piper Warrior II

G-LFSW

Compton Flight Training - Piper Warrior Light Aircraft 4 Seater Plane - Flight Experiences - Child in Cockpit - Family Flight Experiences

Piper Warrior II

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Explore Our Fleet

How much does it cost?

Pay as you fly in Dorset

Pay as you Fly, keeps flying flexible and financially risk-free for our students still with the best rates.

Zero to qualified pilot
Typical costs for a pupil with zero experience training with us to become a fully-qualified pilot. Individual experiences may vary.

from

£12,500

  • Dual Aircraft Hire

    40 hours @ £269 per hour Piper Warrior II

    Dual Aircraft Hire includes both the cost of hiring the aircraft and your instructor time. No additional instructor fees.

    from
    £10,760

  • Ground Exams

    9 exams @ £65 per exam attempt

    from
    £585

  • Membership Fee

    £40 per month, minimum 12 month term (shorter term options may be available)

    £40
    per month

  • Skills Test

    Allow 1.5 hours aircraft hire in your chosen aircraft, plus £200 paid directly to examiners for conducting your test.

    from
    £468

  • CAA License

    £263

  • Equipment

    A logbook and checklist for £22.50 will get you started. Allow a further £80 for navigation equipment. There are many options for theory materials, whether that is the physical Pooleys books or an online course. We’ll guide you through this.

    from
    £100+

  • Class 2 Medical

    Prices depending on AME.

    £240

  • Radio Telephony Practical Exam

    £180
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FAQs

Can anyone learn to fly?
Most people can learn to fly. You do not need previous aviation experience. As long as you meet the medical requirements and are willing to learn, flight training is accessible to many people.
How old do you need to be to learn to fly?
You can start flying lessons from 14 with Compton Flight Training. In the UK you must be 16 years old to fly solo and 17 years old to obtain a Private Pilot Licence.
Do I need a medical certificate to learn to fly?
Yes. Student pilots must hold a valid aviation medical certificate. Most PPL students complete a Class 2 medical with an approved aviation medical examiner.
How many hours are required for a PPL in the UK?
The legal minimum is 40 hours of flight training, including 10 hours of solo flight.
How long does it take to get a Private Pilot Licence?
Most students complete their PPL within 12 to 18 months when training regularly. This is a flexible, self-paced schedule that fits around work, family and financial commitments. Training can be faster with intensive lessons or slower if flying occasionally.
How much does it cost to learn to fly in the UK?
The total cost varies depending on the number of hours required. Most students spend between £10,000 and £15,000 to complete their Private Pilot Licence training. All of our training is on a Pay As You Fly basis, to keep flying lessons flexible and affordable.
Can I take passengers once I have a PPL?
Yes. Once licensed you can take friends and family flying as passengers, provided you follow UK aviation regulations.
Can I fly abroad with a PPL?
Yes. A UK Private Pilot Licence allows flying in many countries across Europe, subject to local aviation rules.
Compton Flight Training - Piper Warrior II - Learning Aircraft - Learn to Fly - Flying Lessons - Hour Building - Self Fly Club

Ready to fly?

Get in touch to speak with a member of our team to start your flying journey.

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