The minimum flight time for a private pilot licence is 40 to 50 hours in most countries: 40 hours for the FAA and the UK CAA, 45 for EASA and Canada, and 50 in New Zealand. The table compares the minimums and what they must include.
| Where | Licence | Minimum | What it must include |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States FAA | Private Pilot certificate | 40 h | At least 20 h with an instructor and 10 h solo, with set cross-country, night and instrument training. |
| United Kingdom UK CAA | PPL(A) | 40 h | Including 10 h of supervised solo and a solo cross-country flight. In force from 1 October 2025. |
| United Kingdom UK CAA | NPPL(A) | 32 h | Including at least 10 h of supervised solo. UK-only privileges. |
| EU and EASA states EASA | PPL(A) | 45 h | Up to 5 h in a simulator; 25 h dual and 10 h supervised solo, including 5 h solo cross-country with one flight of at least 270 km (150 NM). |
| EU and EASA states EASA | LAPL(A) | 30 h | 15 h dual and 6 h supervised solo, including 3 h solo cross-country with one flight of at least 150 km (80 NM). |
| Canada Transport Canada | PPL (aeroplane) | 45 h | Including 17 h dual and 12 h solo. |
| Australia CASA | PPL (aeroplane) | 40 h | 35 h in an integrated course; including 10 h solo and 5 h solo cross-country with a flight of at least 150 NM. |
| New Zealand CAA New Zealand | PPL (aeroplane) | 50 h | A mix of solo, dual, instrument and cross-country time; 40 h if you won’t fly cross-country. |
| Elsewhere ICAO baseline | PPL | 40 h | 35 h in an approved course. National rules may add more. |
These are regulatory minimums for aeroplanes. Each also needs theory exams, a medical and a skill test, and most students fly more than the minimum.
Why the minimums differ
Each authority builds on the same ICAO baseline of 40 hours, then sets its own split between dual instruction, solo and cross-country flying. EASA counts flight instruction, while the FAA counts total flight time with set training inside it, so the headline numbers aren’t exact equivalents.
What matters more than the minimum
How often you fly. Students who fly several times a week usually finish closer to the minimum, because less is forgotten between lessons. Preparing each lesson at home and passing theory exams early help too.
Questions
How many hours do you need for a PPL?
Most authorities set a minimum of 40 to 45 hours: 40 for the FAA and UK CAA PPL(A), 45 for EASA and Canada, and 50 in New Zealand. Students usually need more than the minimum.
How many hours is a UK PPL from October 2025?
The UK CAA PPL(A) minimum is 40 hours as pilot of aeroplanes from 1 October 2025, including 10 hours of supervised solo and a solo cross-country flight.
How many hours is an EASA PPL?
The EASA PPL(A) needs at least 45 hours of flight instruction under FCL.210.A, including 25 hours dual and 10 hours supervised solo.
Can I convert my licence to another country?
Often, yes, but each authority has its own conversion or validation process, usually with exams and a skill test. Check with the authority where you want to fly.
Track it as you train
Boplo Flight counts your hours against these requirements, preps each lesson and keeps your logbook. Free to start.
Related guides
Sources
- 14 CFR 61.109(a) (FAA)
- UK CAA licensing and training simplification (UK CAA)
- UK CAA changes from 1 October 2025 (FLYER summary) (UK CAA)
- Part-FCL, FCL.210.A (EASA)
- Part-FCL, FCL.110.A (EASA)
- CARs Standard 421 (Transport Canada)
- CASR Part 61, regulations 61.525 and 61.545 (CASA)
- Civil Aviation Rules Part 61, rule 61.153 (CAA New Zealand)
- ICAO Annex 1, as referenced by the UK CAA (ICAO baseline)
Checked 29 October 2026. Rules change, so confirm with your instructor, your school and your authority before you rely on any figure.