NPPL and EASA - can anyone advise on what's going on?

Iain Ogilvie · Post by **Iain Ogilvie** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 12:57 pm

Hi all,

First post here - so please be gentle!

I qualified NPPL(SSEA) last April - a dream come true as I'd always been barred from the JAR route because I have one very weak eye and couldn't get through the medical. So huge thank you to all those that made the NPPL happen as it's enabled me to achieve a dream I was previously barred from.

Now I read snippets of info about forthcoming EASA licencing/regulation that is filling me with dread and I would really appreciate clarification/thoughts on what's happening.

I qualled on the C152 and since converted onto the PA28 Warrior and the Aquila A210. Shortly hope to do tailwheel conversion onto the Citabria and the AOPA Aeros course as that's a direction I'd really like to head in.

Now - when I started my NPPL training I was led to believe that future was bright and that although UK only would likely become a European licence with the same medical requirements/privileges.

However - I now pick up snippets from the interweb that imply that as of 2013 I will no longer be able to fly the Cessnas and Warriors of this world - is this true? If so - is there a reason why I'm perfectly safe/competent to operate these aeroplanes at present and won't be after some arbitrary point in the future?

Also - I hear there will be an Aerobatics rating - as NPPLs don't currently have ratings - does that mean we won't be able to do aeros? Will an AOPA certificate give any grandfather rights??

Medical wise I'm lucky in that my GP is also a pilot and AME - so assume that I'll still get through medical if parameters are the same?

As an example of what worries me is the announcement from LAA last year re. flying to France - great I thought - until I read that I needed a valid JAR Class 2 medical - about as useful as a chocolate fireguard to some of us!

I realise things are still in a state of flux - but can anyone give an update on where things are heading and whether I need to start worrying? Or start campaigning?

I think the NPPL was a wonderful invention - but at present I'm inferring from everything I read that my wings may become severely clipped.

If it were a choice of keeping the NPPL and staying UK only - with all the current privileges, or being able to fly in Europe - but with new limitations - I'd go for the former any day!

Are there other NPPLs out there sharing similar concerns?

All help/advice/therapy appreciated (I really hate bureaucracy).

Iain Ogilvie

Donald Walker · Post by **Donald Walker** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 6:28 pm

Depending on how much you want a JAR PPL, there may be an alternative route to obtaining it.

Some of those who do not meet the initial JAA class 2 vision requirements, do meet the renewal requirements.

For example, the JAA limit is an astigmatism of 3.0 dioptres, but the revalidation standard does not have a limit.

If you apply for a JAR class 2 with an ICAO PPL, you will be assessed at the revalidation standard. Since NPPL dual training, solo and x-country hours count towards an FAA PPL, it offers one way of opening the door to a JAR PPL.

http://flightphysical.com/part67/Class3 ... _67303.htm

Dave Hall · Post by **Dave Hall** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 6:58 pm

That is refreshing - the FAA see NPPL flying hours as valid for its own licences (tickets). In EASA-land, it seems to depend on which piece of paper you are holding and/or what aircraft you are flying.

Iain Ogilvie · Post by **Iain Ogilvie** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 7:19 pm

Many thanks Donald - I hadn't thought of that route - I'll pick up the conversation with my GP/AME on that.

But back to the NPPL - does anyone know what's likely to happen?

Iain

Donald Walker · Post by **Donald Walker** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 7:52 pm

Dave Hall wrote:That is refreshing - the FAA see NPPL flying hours as valid for its own licences (tickets). In EASA-land, it seems to depend on which piece of paper you are holding and/or what aircraft you are flying.

Yes, because the NPPL requires dual time with ICAO compliant instructors and SEL (Single Engine Land) 'airplane' includes 3-axis microlights, so time in them is also valid.

Donald Walker · Post by **Donald Walker** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 10:04 am

Iain,

I don't know what is going to happen to the NPPL, but I do know that you don't need a JAR class medical to fly to France on it, you need an ICAO class 2, which has different vision standards.

You can get it in France or the UK. In the UK it will be based on the pre-JAR class 2 standards. The CAA Medical Centre will tell you what they are.

AFAIK, these are the standards required in France:

http://tinyurl.com/677x9ov

I hope one of them works for you.

Post by **John Dean** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 11:08 am

This seems to be the latest from the CAA.

Iain Ogilvie · Post by **Iain Ogilvie** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 5:18 pm

Hmmm - in a strange turn of serendipity this has appeared:

The Expected Effects on the Licensing of Pilots in the UK March 2011 v2

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/620/srg_l&ts_ ... 011_v2.pdf

Looks like - providing the medical requirements of the LAPL are broadly the same as/similar to the existing NPPL declaration then I'll be able to move over to the new licence - which would make me very happy!

<crosses fingers and toes>

Thanks for all your help so far folks...

Iain