CAAB-CL-PEL 9.80 Issue 2 - Checklist of requirements for Private Pilot Licence - Rev. Original March 2013

Sep 25, 2026

Checklist of requirements issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana for obtaining a Private Pilot Licence (PPL). Covers eligibility such as age and completion of specified knowledge tests across subjects including meteorology, air law, navigation, operational procedures and radio telephony. Includes medical certificate and examiner checks, English language proficiency, technical examinations, radiotelephony course completion, ATO recommendation, CAAB approval for skill testing, and passing a skill test with a Botswana DPE. Details experience hour requirements for aeroplanes, helicopters, airships, balloons and gliders, plus photographs, fees, and validity checks, ending with administrative sign-off and record handling.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Checklist of Requirements for Private Pilot Licence

Eligibility and Knowledge Tests

Medical, Language, Technical Exams and Training

Skill Test and Validity Checks

Aeronautical Experience Requirements by Aircraft Category

Administrative Steps and Approvals

| | | --- | | | CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY OF BOTSWANA P. O. Box 250 GABORONE Tel: +267 3688200/3913236 Fax: +267 3913121 CAAB-CL-PEL 9.80 Issue 2 Rev.: Original March 2013 CHECKLIST OF REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE ISSUE | Date | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | | | | | | Licence Number | | | | | | | | N/A | YES | NO | | At least 17 years of age
(16 years for balloon/glider) | | | | | | Passed all knowledge tests-
1. Meteorology
2. Flight Performance, planning and loading
3. Airlaw
4. Aircraft General knowledge
5. Human Performance
6. Operational Procedures
7. Principles of Flight
8. Navigation
9. Radio Telephony | | | | | | Holds valid and certified copy of Botswana Class 2 Medical Certificate | | | | | | Check Aviation Medical Examiner: Name, signature, no. and stamp | | | | | | Satisfies the English Language proficiency test | | | | | | Passed all Type Technical Examinations applied for | | | | | | Passed Radiotelephony Course
(procedures and phraseology as applied to VFR operations) | | | | | | ATO Recommendation to issue PPL | | | | | | Obtain CAAB approval to undertake skill test | | | | | | Passed a skill test with a Botswana DPE | | | | | | Check validity of DE at time of testing:-
DE Exp: Licence Exp: Medical Exp: Rating Exp: | | | | | | Form CAAB-FORM-PEL 9.81 completed | | | | | | Certified summary of the logbook and certified by CFI/ATO | | | | | | Meets Aeronautical Experience requirements for Aeroplane (In an ATO)
[1. 40 Hrs. total](1. 40 Hrs. total) flight time
2. 20 Hrs. of dual instruction
(i) [5 Hrs. in](5 Hrs. in) simulation training device
(ii) 5 Hrs. solo cross country (totaling not less than 270km (150nm) of which 2 full stop landings at 2 different aerodromes shall be made)
3. 10Hrs. under supervision of an authorised flight instructor | | | | | | Meets Aeronautical Experience requirements for Helicopters (In an ATO)
[1. 40 Hrs. total](1. 40 Hrs. total) flight time
2. 20Hrs. under supervision of an authorised flight instructor
3. 5Hrs. solo cross country (totaling not less than 180km of which 2 full stop landings at 2 different aerodromes shall be made) | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Meets Aeronautical Experience requirements for Airships (In an ATO)
[1. 25 Hrs. total](1. 25 Hrs. total) flight time
2. 20 Hrs. of dual instruction form an authorised flight instructor
3. 3 Hrs. solo cross country (totaling not less than 270km of which 2 full stop landings at 2 different aerodromes shall be made)
[4. 3 Hrs. as](4. 3 Hrs. as) pilot of airships under PIC supervision | | | | | | | Meets Aeronautical Experience requirements for Balloons (In an ATO)
[1. 16 Hrs. total](1. 16 Hrs. total) flight time including at least two hours of performing solo launches and landings. | | | | | | | Meets Aeronautical Experience requirements for Gliders (In an ATO)
[1. 6 Hrs. total](1. 6 Hrs. total) flight time including at least eight hours launches and landings, one which shall be solo | | | | | | | Obtain 2 colored size photographs | | | | | | | Paid Fee | | | | | | | Meet all the requirements if no – inform applicant | | | | | | | If yes – Issue PPL valid for 5 years | | | | | | | Memo Prepared | | | | | | | | Name | Signature | | Date | | | Prepared by IPEL | | | | | | | Checked and Recommended by IPEL | | | | | | | Approved by MASPEL/DFSO | | | | | | | | | | | YES | NO | | All pages of the licence signed, stamped and copies made | | | | | | | Save Soft Copy of Personal Folder | | | | | | | File returned to Records Room by | Name | Signature | | Date | | | | | | | | |

FAQs

What age requirement is stated for applicants for a Private Pilot Licence?

Applicants must be at least 17 years old, with an exception noted as 16 years for balloon/glider operations.

Which knowledge test subjects must be passed for the PPL?

The checklist requires passing knowledge tests in meteorology, flight performance/planning/loading, air law, aircraft general knowledge, human performance, operational procedures, principles of flight, navigation, and radio telephony.

What aeronautical experience hours are required for aeroplanes in an ATO?

For aeroplanes, the checklist specifies 40 hours total flight time, 20 hours of dual instruction, including 5 hours in a simulation training device, 5 hours solo cross country totaling not less than 270 km (150 nm) with specific landing requirements, and 10 hours under supervision of an authorised flight instructor.

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Well Done