CAA announces change to pilot medical requirements

[Dave Holl]

Has anyone else seen the press report from the CAA re a change of medical requirements for pilot licences other than NPPL when flying SSEA,SLMG and microlights? It is written by Mr B Alcott and the ref is Official record series 4 No 689 dated 27 June 08. The basic jist of the note is as follows:-Following changes to the ANO the CAA has expanded an exemption to allow the holder of a UK issued PPL to continue to fly microlights,self launching motor gliders and simple single engine aircraft(does that mean a jodel 1050?) if they hold a medical declaration from their GP, the previous requirement called for a full JAA medical from a specialist aviation medical doctor. He goes on to say if a pilot chooses this route then their existing pilots licence will remain valid until it expires. as soon as a pilot moves from a full international medical to a medical declaration from their GP their pilots licence will assume the freedoms and restrictions of the NPPL. I note that the letter is valid until 30 june 2009?! I will try and get more info to clarify the situation unless anyone out ther has further info. rgds dave

[Dave Hall]

Yes, that's correct.

Just appreciate it doesn't allow flight outside the UK FIR (so Eire, NI, Channel Islands and the rest of the World are out), limits you to self plus max of 3 passengers, aircraft less than 2000kg.

Otherwise carry on flying as normal. It won't cost you the charge to issue a NPPL, though some GPs charge the rate for an HGV medical. Check first!

[vortexracer]

I am quite confused, I used to hold a ppl then I lost my class 2 but I could qualify for a nppl which my doctor signed (type 1). So from what I read now I can fly on my ppl again? Can I use the nppl medical declaration or do I need a new one? And its limited to simple only but under the nppl you can fly a c/s prop, does anyone know the rationale of why the craft you could fly would not be harmonised with the nppl?

[Brian Hope]

Vortex, all that has happened is that the CAA has changed the rules so that a PPL holder does not now need to get an NPPL if he is unable to get a Class 2 medical, he can get the NPPL type medical declaration signed by his GP, and continue flying with his PPL. However, he will be restricted to NPPL priviledges - daytime VFR in UK airspace. An SSEA can have a CS prop and retractable gear, so if you have the ratings for CSP and retracts on your PPL you can still fly aircaft with those features under the change, just as you can with an NPPL. If you already have an NPPL then this change is of no real benefit, other than if your PPL is a lifetime UK one you would not have to pay for a new NPPL after five years.