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FAQs

Questions About Training At Skyborn?

We have answered the questions we hear most from aspiring pilots and their families. If you do not find what you are looking for, our team is one call away.


For our PPL programme, applicants must be at least 17 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, demonstrate good English proficiency, and obtain a valid CAAP Class 2 Medical Certificate from a CAAP-accredited Aviation Medical Examiner before commencing flight training. For the CPL, the minimum age is 18 and a CAAP Class 1 Medical Certificate is required. International students should confirm visa requirements with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration prior to enrolment.

No prior flight experience is required to enrol in our PPL programme — we train students from zero hours. You will begin with ground school and progress to dual instruction flights with your assigned CAAP-certified instructor before flying solo. All you need is the minimum age, a valid medical certificate, and the commitment to see it through.

It depends on which licence you are working toward and how frequently you fly. Our PPL programme typically takes 3 to 5 months for full-time students. The CPL pathway from zero hours runs 12 to 18 months. Adding an Instrument Rating extends this by 2 to 4 months. Plaridel's year-round flying weather means fewer weather-related delays compared to many other training locations.

Our fleet includes the Cessna 152 for ab initio and early PPL training, the Cessna 172 Skyhawk for PPL, cross-country, night, and IFR training, and the Piper PA-28 Cherokee for advanced CPL pathway training. Instrument hours can also be logged on our CAAP-approved Redbird FMX FNPT II simulator before transitioning to actual instrument conditions in the aircraft.

Yes. Skyborn offers structured instalment payment plans for all programmes — contact our admissions team to discuss options suited to your timeline and budget. We also advise students on available aviation scholarship programmes and cadet sponsorships offered by Philippine airlines. Early enrolment deposits secure your programme start date and instructor assignment.

The CAAP Class 2 Medical Certificate is the medical standard required for PPL training under PCAR Part 67. It is issued by a CAAP-accredited Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) following a physical examination that includes vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and general health assessments. Our admissions team can refer you to an accredited AME before your enrolment date.

Yes. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate working students and those in full-time education. Flight training slots are available on weekdays and weekends, and ground school sessions can be arranged around your availability. Part-time training will extend your overall programme duration but does not affect the quality or structure of your CAAP-approved training.

A failed exam or checkride is not the end — it is part of the process for some students. If you do not pass your CAAP Airmen Knowledge Test, you may retake it after the required waiting period set by CAAP. If you do not pass your practical checkride, your instructor will conduct additional training to address the areas identified before scheduling a retest with the CAAP-authorised examiner. We do not move students to their checkride until we are confident they are ready.

Skyborn is a CAAP-approved Flight Training Organisation operating under PCAR Part 141, which means our graduates hold CAAP-issued licences that meet the entry requirements of Philippine and regional carriers. Airline cadet selection is conducted independently by each airline — however, our CPL and Instrument Rating graduates are fully qualified to apply. Our team also provides airline interview preparation guidance as part of our elite programme pathway.

We are based at Plaridel Airport (ICAO: RPMH) in Plaridel, Bulacan — approximately 45 kilometres north of Metro Manila and easily accessible via the NLEX and MacArthur Highway. Plaridel is one of the most active general aviation airports in the Philippines, giving our students access to uncongested training airspace and consistent daily flying. Accommodation options near the airport are available — contact our admissions team for referrals.

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