Licences and Ratings
Now that the UK has left the European Union the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) acts as a standalone National Aviation Authority with the power to issue licences and ratings.
Here is a brief explanation of what is available:
PPL(A) - Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplanes)
The privileges of the holder of a PPL(A) are to act without remuneration as PIC (Pilot in Command) in non-commercial operations on aeroplanes.
Requirements:
- Hold at least an Class 2 aviation medical.
- Flying hours: 40, of which 25 must be dual instruction and 10 must be supervised solo flying. Of the solo flying 5 must be cross country with at least 1 cross-country flight of at least 150 nm, during which full stop landings are made at 2 intermediate airfields.
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Achieve passes in the following theoretical knowledge examinations:
Aviation Law, Operational Procedures, Communications, Human Performance and Limitations, Navigation, Meteorology, Flight Performance and Planning, Principles of Flight and Aircraft General Knowledge. - Achieve a pass in Radio Telephony practical examination.
- Achieve a pass in the PPL (Aeroplane) Skill Test.
NPPL(A) - UK National Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplanes)
The privileges of the holder of a NPPL(A) are to act without remuneration as PIC in non-commercial operations on aeroplanes which have a maximum take-off mass of 2000 kg or less and no more than 4 seats. This licence may only be used in UK airspace.
Requirements:
- Hold at least an NPPL Medical declaration. An LAPL or Class 2 aviation medical are also acceptable.
- Flying hours: 32, of which 22 must be dual instruction and 10 must be supervised solo flying. Of the solo flying 4 must be cross country with at least 1 cross-country flight of at least 100 nm, during which full stop landings are made at 2 intermediate airfields.
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Achieve passes in the following theoretical knowledge examinations:
Aviation Law, Operational Procedures, Communications, Human Performance and Limitations, Navigation, Meteorology, Flight Performance and Planning, Principles of Flight and Aircraft General Knowledge. - Achieve a pass in Radio Telephony practical examination.
- Achieve a pass in the NPPL Navigation Skill Test (prior to completing the Qualifying Cross Country).
- Achieve a pass in the NPPL General Skill Test.
Additional Ratings and Qualifications
Night Qualification
To extend the privileges of the PPL(A) or LAPL(A) an additional training course covering night flying may be undertaken.
Course consists of:
- A minimum of 5 hours night flying.
- A minimum of 3 hours must be dual instruction and 1 hour must be night navigation.
- 5 full stop landings whilst acting as Pilot in Command are also required.
There is no theoretical knowledge examination for this rating but there will be ground briefings alongside the flying lessons.
Instrument Meteorological Conditions Rating IMCR or IR(R)
To extend the privileges of a PPL(A) to allow flight in cloud or out of sight of the surface whilst operating in Class D, E, F or G airspace in the UK.
Requirements:
- A minimum of 15 hours of dual flying covering aircraft handling, navigation and instrument approaches
- Achieve a pass in the IMC Skill Test.
- Achieve a pass in the IMC Theoretical Knowledge written examination.
Aerobatic Rating
To extend the privileges of the PPL(A) or LAPL(A) to allow aerobatic manoeuvres to be flown.
Requirements:
- A minimum of 5 hours or 20 flights of aerobatic instruction.
There is no theoretical knowledge examination for this rating but there will be ground briefings alongside the flying lessons.
Competence Based Instrument Rating
Linking with Rate One Aviation we may be able to help should you be interested in this rating.
Training and testing for pilot licences and ratings required to operate aircraft overseen by EASA must be completed at an EASA approved school. Currently there are few schools in the UK with joint accreditation.
