The current guidance from the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) is that around 45 hours at a minimum of flight training must be completed before you can obtain your PPL (Private Pilot's Licence). 25 hours of these need to be under dual instruction, and 10 hours of these must be supervised solo.

Additionally, 5 hours of the supervised solo training must be done cross-country and include a qualifying Cross Country flight of a minimum of 150 nautical miles landing at two other airfields. The remainder of your hours can be completed dual or solo, or you can go for a combination of the two.

However, most people who train to be pilots usually complete and obtain their PPL after around 60 hours of flight training, and in all likelihood, only those who are naturally gifted fliers completing their learning in an intense block of lessons with consistently good weather (the one variable all fliers are at the mercy of!) are likely to complete their training in less than 60 hours.

Below is a list of the ages from when you can start working towards the following flying milestones:

• From aged 14, you can start logging your flight training hours
• From aged 16, you can take your first solo flight
• From aged 17, you can apply for your Private Pilot's Licence

Of course, the expense of lessons is one of the big barriers for many people, but the good news is we do have certain Aeroplane Flying Lessons and Helicopter Flying Lessons available to buy in bundled packages of three 1 hour long sessions all under one price, which can help with reducing the costs even in a small way.

Furthermore, taking into account how long flight training takes to complete, the costs are - hopefully - spread out a bit more if you're doing it at your own pace.