ACS First Flight to First Solo Training Pathway

A structured introductory programme for complete beginners, providing a guided route from the first flying lesson towards a supervised first solo circuit. Progression is competency-based: a solo flight is subject to instructor authorisation, medical eligibility, weather and operational conditions, and is not guaranteed within the included hours.

What’s included

• 15 hours of instructor-led flight training from zero experience towards pre-solo standard.
• Aircraft handling, effects of controls, basic manoeuvres, circuit training and emergency awareness.
• Ground instruction and UK CAA examinations for Air Law and Operational Procedures; examination re-sits are not included.
• Pooleys study materials for Air Law and Operational Procedures.
• An aircraft checklist, student training records and logbook endorsements.
• Progress reviews, pre-solo assessment and a supervised first solo flight if the required standard and eligibility conditions are met.

Eligibility before solo

• Minimum age for solo flight: 16 years. Dual training may begin earlier at ACS’s discretion.
• Before solo flight, the student must meet the UK CAA medical requirement for the licence route being followed. For a UK Part-FCL PPL, the minimum is a valid UK Part-Med Class 2 Medical Certificate. Medical examinations and costs are not included.
• Valid photographic identification is required before solo flight.
• Sufficient English-language proficiency is required for safe flight training and radio communication.

See an ACS flying lesson

After purchase and training booking

ACS will contact the purchaser or student to complete enrolment, identity and eligibility checks and agree the training plan. Once the student account is active, lesson requests are made through Flight Schedule Pro and remain subject to instructor, aircraft, weather and operational availability.

Important course terms

• This is introductory training towards first supervised solo; it does not issue a licence or qualification.
• The included training must be completed within six months of the course start date.
• The pathway may be completed in as little as 14 days only where progress, availability and operating conditions permit.
• Additional training may be required at additional cost before solo authorisation.
• Once commenced, the course is non-refundable and unused training has no cash value.