Your Questions Answered: PPL Theory FAQs

March 19, 2025

Embarking on your pilot journey can bring up a lot of questions, especially when it comes to the theoretical side of things. At Nelson Aviation College, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about our Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Theory course for 2025

Q: What subjects are covered in the PPL Theory course?

A: Our comprehensive PPL Theory course is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge required to pass the Aspeq PPL examinations to meet the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAANZ) syllabus requirements.

The course is structured into six modules, grouped together as pairs of subjects:

Law & Meteorology (3 weeks): Covers Aviation Law, definitions, regulations, and the fundamentals of weather patterns and their impact on flight.

Human Factors & Flight Radiotelephony (2 weeks): Explores the psychological and physiological aspects of flight, as well as essential communication skills for pilots.

Navigation & General Aircraft Technical Knowledge (3 weeks): Focuses on navigation techniques, aircraft systems, and the principles of flight.

Q: How is the course structured?

A: The PPL Theory course is offered three times per year (February, May and August) and can be completed as an eight-week block course, or spread across the three intakes. Two subjects are completed at a time.

Q: What are the course dates for May 2025 intake?

Law and Meteorology: Tuesday, May 6th - Monday, May 26th (Exams: Monday, May 26th)

Flight Radio Telephone and Human Factors: Tuesday, May 27th - Wednesday, June 11th (Exams: Wednesday, June 11th)

Navigation and General Aircraft Technical Knowledge: Thursday, June 12th - Friday, 4th July (Exams: Friday, 4th July)

Q: What are the costs associated with the PPL Theory course?

A: The course fee is $5,740 NZD for both domestic and international students. This fee includes all tuition, course notes, and initial exam fees. Additional equipment such as navigation ruler, navigation computer, protractor, Visual Navigation Charts, and AIP Volumes amounts to $450.00. Student Loan funding is not available for this course. Learn more in our prospectus and on the PPL Theory page.

Q: Are there any scholarships available?

A: Yes! Nelson Aviation College offers a limited number of theory scholarships each year, each valued at $4,500, to cover the cost of the PPL Theory course. Scholarship information and requirements can be found on our website under the PPL Theory course description. If you need more information, please contact us via the form on our website with the description of your case, and we will clarify it for you. Learn more about scholarships for PPL course.

Q: What are the PPL examinations like?

A: The PPL Theory exams are conducted by Aspeq, onsite, using a provided laptop, to meet the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAANZ) syllabus. They consist of mostly multiple-choice questions covering the six PPL subjects. We provide thorough preparation to ensure you are well-equipped to succeed.

Q: How does the PPL Theory course prepare me for practical flight training?

A: The PPL Theory course provides the foundational knowledge you need to understand and apply flight techniques during practical training. It also helps you develop critical thinking and decision-making skills, which are essential for safe and proficient flying.

Q: How do I apply for the PPL Theory course?

A: You can apply online through our website's course page.

Q: Where can I get more information?

A: You can find detailed information on our website, including the course syllabus, fees, and application process. Feel free to contact us with any further questions.

Learn more about Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Theory course at Nelson Aviation College.

We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about our PPL Theory course. We are excited to help you achieve your aviation dreams.

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