Private Pilot License

The Private Pilot License (PPL) course at ATC CEDCAERSA, Guayaquil, Ecuador, is structured to provide comprehensive training in both theoretical and practical aspects of aviation.

The ground school component includes a total of 154 hours of classroom instruction, covering twelve essential aviation subjects. These subjects are: Aerodynamics, Pilot Operating Handbook (POH), Aircraft Performance, Theory of Flight, Air Regulations, Communications, Meteorology, Aircraft Engines and Mechanics, Human Physiology for Pilots, Crew Resource Management (CRM), Safety Management Systems (SMS), and Air Navigation. Each subject is allocated specific instructional hours to ensure in-depth understanding. For example, Aerodynamics, POH, Performance, and Theory of Flight are each allotted 16 hours, while subjects like Meteorology, Communications, and Air Regulations are covered in 15 hours. Specialized topics such as CRM and SMS are taught in 3 and 8 hours respectively, while Air Navigation is given 20 hours of focused training.
 

The practical training component consists of 45 total flight hours using Cessna 152 and Cessna 172 aircraft. The flight training is divided into eight distinct phases designed to progressively build the student’s flying competency. These phases include Initial Training (8 hours), Pre-Solo (7 hours), Solo Flights (7 hours), VFR Navigation (10 hours), Night Flying (5 hours), Basic Instrument Training (3 hours), DGAC Pre-Check Ride (3 hours), and the DGAC Final Check Ride (2 hours). Each phase is carefully planned to ensure the student gains hands-on proficiency in handling different flight scenarios, including emergency procedures and solo navigation.
 

The entire program is designed to be completed in approximately five to six months, with the theoretical portion taking around three months and the flight training requiring another two to three months. This structure allows students to achieve a well-rounded education that complies with the regulations of the Ecuadorian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC). Upon successful completion, students are eligible to obtain their Private Pilot License, enabling them to fly single-engine aircraft under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).