Frequently Asked Questions

Q What is the NPPL?
A The NPPL is a UK National, sub-ICAO licence, with ratings for SEP (Single Engine Piston, the old "Group A"), SLMG and Microlight aircraft. The licence, unlike the JAR licence, is issued for life. It is only valid for UK airspace, except for the SLMG Rating, which will be ICAO compliant with additional training and a JAR Class II medical Certificate. There are no plans to add instrument or night ratings to the NPPL.

Q What is happening to the UK SLMG PPL?
A The NPPL SLMG has replaced the UK SLMG PPL.

Q So do I have to replace my old UK SLMG PPL with an NPPL SLMG?
A No, a UK SLMG PPL remains valid providing the JAR medical and flying requirements are maintained.

Q What does the NPPL allow me to fly?
A The licence has three ratings:

SEP - all single engine piston aeroplanes to a maximum weight of 2000 Kg, and up to four seats. Difference training is required for tailwheel undercarriages, variable pitch or constant speed propellors, retractable undercarriages and pressurisation.

SLMG - all SLMG types. This includes both "TMGs" and true Self Launching Sailplanes. Differences training as for SEP (this should hardly be a problem for most glider and SLMG pilots)

Microlight - all aircraft classed as "Microlight types"

Q What licence do I need to fly a motor-glider?
A An NPPL with SLMG rating, or a JAR TMG licence, or the old UK SLMG PPL.

Q What are the NPPL training requirements?
A For SEP and SLMG 32 hours are the minimum requirement from ab-initio. For Microlight 25 hours are required. SEP Training for a licence must be carrieed out at a Registered Facility at a licensed airfield, as per JAR requirements. SLMG training may take place at specified BGA sites, and Microlight training from the same sites as at present. There are two flight tests in addition to the 32 hours training, one for navigation, called the Navigation Skills Test (NST) and one for handling, called the General Skills Test (GST). The current JAR theoretical knowledge exams must be taken (and passed!).

Q Where can I train for the NPPL SLMG within the BGA?
A There are a number of BGA sites approved for SLMG training. If your own club cannot help you, contact a CAA SLMG PPL instructor - a list of instructors can be obtained from the BGA office 0116 2531051.

Q What are the RT Requirements?
A It may be impossible in some circumstances to carry out the navigational element of the training without an RT licence. It is recommended that applicants for the NPPL obtain an RT licence - a list of RT examiners can be obtained from the BGA office 0116 2531051.

Q How do I keep my NPPL SLMG rating valid?
A Until 30th Jun 2009, the revalidation for the NPPL SLMG is that licence holders must present their logbook evidence of completing a minimum of 5 hrs (3 as PIC) in the last 13 months within the existing validity period. The examiner will sign a Certification of Revalidation for a 24 month validity period from the date of signature. Revalidation after June 2009 requires a new process (revised April 08) and 24 month revalidation including;

12 hours flown in 24 months (8 hrs as PIC)

12 takeoff and landings

1 hour of flight with a CAA instructor

6 hours flown in the 12 months prior to the validity expiry date

Fill details (for example regarding additional class ratings on an NPPL) can be seen in LASORs and in AIC 30/2008 (white 146)

Q What allowances do I get for gliding?
A There is only one conversion criteria - the BGA Glider Pilots Licence. Holders of this licence will only be required to carry out a minimum of 10 hours prior to taking the two tests and the exams to gain an SEP or SLMG NPPL.

BGA Glider Pilots Licence application form
BGA Glider Pilots Licence notes

Q How do I convert from SLMG to SEP and from SEP to SLMG
A Undertake differences training with an appropriate instructor. No tests!

Q Can I fly tugs?
A Yes, on an SEP rating. (but not for money!)

Q Can I instruct on a NPPL?
A Not at present. Existing CAA SLMG instructors or JAR TMG instructors can teach the NPPL SLMG syllabus.

Q I have a current PPL SLMG. How can I convert to an NPPL SLMG?
A Apply on the basis of your current licence, with a NPPL medical certificate.

Q I am a lapsed PPL holder. How do I get an NPPL?
A If you have lapsed due to medical requirements, you will need to meet the NPPL medical requirements. If in doubt, lapsed SLMG PPL or lapsed NPPL SLMG holders should obtain an assessment of training/testing required by a CAA rated SLMG flying instructor to ensure that the renewal requirements for the issue of an NPPL SLMG are met. Contact the BGA office 0116 2531051 for a list of instructors.

Q What are the medical requirements?
A They are very similar to those currently in force for gliding. The basic medical standard is DVLA Group II, equivalent to HGV driver. The medical is a pilot declaration, countersigned by your General Practitioner. There is provision for those who cannot attain this standard to fly on the basis of DVLA Group I, although only solo flight or flight with another qualified pilot will be allowed.

CAA website - NPPL medical pdfs www.caa.co.uk/srg/med/whatsnew.asp

Q How will the licensing process work?
A The BGA, Popular Flying Association and AOPA have formed a company to process NPPL applications. The actual processing work will take place at the PFA offices at Shoreham. The CAA has devolved the NPPL administration to the associations, with the aim of reducing costs.

Q How much will it cost?
A Initial licence issue will be £ 131. Additional ratings will be £ 101 per rating.

Q How do I record differences training such as for tailwheel or variable pitch propeller?
A The instructor carrying out the training puts his number & signature in your logbook to certify that the differences training has been carried out.

Q Where do I get an application form?
A From the NPPL website

Q How do I find out more?
A The NPPL website can be found at www.nppl.uk.com. Otherwise, the BGA website or office@gliding.co.uk should be able to deal with most SLMG specific enquiries.

Q How do I apply for an additional rating to my NPPL?
A Meet the requirement for that rating and apply using the appropriate rating application form.

Q Can I fly a UK registered SLMG outside the UK with an NPPL SLMG rating?
A Yes, providing that your NPPL SLMG rating is ICAO compliant.  Holders of the NPPL SLMG rating who wish to fly UK registered SLMG's outside the UK can now apply to have their licence endorsed as ICAO compliant providing they have a JAR Class 2 or JAR Class 1 medical certificate and can demonstrate the ICAO required 40 hours of training. Please apply directly to Flight Crew Licencing at the Safety Regulation Group, Gatwick,  not to the NPLG Ltd or to the BGA, and include the relevent fee required to add a rating to a licence (£34 in 2007)

You may submit the necessary forms to:   Personnel Licensing Department
Safety Regulation Group
Civil Aviation Authority
Aviation House
Gatwick Airport South
West Sussex
RH6 0YR
United Kingdom   The CAA does not have an application form for this service, but you might use this:   http://www.nppl.uk.com/documents/NPPLSLMGJARFormVersion13_000.pdf   Please ensure you enclose a copy of your Class 2 Medical Certificate with your application, and a covering letter explaining your requirements.