After you earn your Private Pilot Licence (PPL), you enter an exciting phase of your flying journey called Life After PPL. It's a time when you start flying more often and gain real experience in the sky. This helps you stay confident safe and ready for the next big step in your pilot career like moving toward a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
Once you have your PPL, the best way to build hours is to fly regularly. Plan cross-country flights to nearby towns or airfields. These longer trips help you learn navigation, fuel planning, and how to deal with different airspaces. Flying different routes gives you real practice and more valid hours logged in your pilot logbook.
Many pilots choose to join a flying club after their PPL. Flying clubs offer lower-cost aircraft rentals and a community of pilot friends and mentors. You can join group fly-outs, attend safety workshops, and practice skills with others who are passionate about aviation. This makes flying more affordable and fun while you build hours.
You can also build hours by practicing specific skills. For example, flying in varied weather (within safe conditions), practicing radio communication with air traffic control, and planning flights on your own all add valuable experience. Some schools even allow you to log night flying if permitted, which gives you extra hours and sharpens your skills.
Even things like aerial photography flights or travel flying to scenic places help you log flying time. While you can't earn money with just your PPL, these experiences are rewarding and count toward your hours.