The Thailand Ultralight Pilot’s License (UPL)
Gaining your UPL is a fantastic achievement. Our training course consists of flying lessons and ground school with qualified instructors. To gain your UPL licence you will have to meet the following requirements:
- Complete 18 hours of Flight Training
- Complete 3 Hours solo flying
- Pass a written exam
- Take a practical test with the CAAT examiner
- Have a Class 4 Medical
- Complete a background check
How many hours are needed?
Your training will cover at least 18 hours in-the-air, plus ground school tuition for you to take the written exam at CAAT. The 18 hours flight training is the minimum requirement by which most students can achieve the standard, but some students may need more hours to reach that level. Generally speaking, younger students and those with some prior flying time will take less hours, while older students will need more hours.
How long will it take?
Completing the course depends on both the student and instructor being available for training. If a student is available most days, then it is possible that he or she can complete the course in 2 to 3 weeks. Our training is flexible, but we recommend you do 2 or 3 lessons per week to develop your skills and not lose the ‘feel’ for flying.
Getting the licence.
Once you have completed your flying training and ground school lessons, then you are ready for the written exam. After you pass the exam, we will make an appointment with the inspector from CAAT to come to Phuket to check your flying skills, after which you will be issued with the Ultralight Pilot’s Licence.
How much does it cost?
60 minutes (engine start to stop) costs 6,500 Baht, so the minimum training cost to complete your UPL will be 117,000 Baht. You should plan on spending a little more than this, as you may need additional hours. The CAAT exam fee, examiner fee and medical are not included in our fees.
