JAR-FCL NPPL (Aeroplane)

The National Private Pilots Licence was introduced in 2002. This new licence has been specifically designed to meet the requirements of the recreational flyer and is therefore less complex, and thus somewhat easier to attain, than the up till now only UK option, the JAR (European) PPL.
A structured course of flying instruction over a minimum 32 hours, plus Navigational Flight Test, a Flying Skill Test and a series of Ground Examinations, will result in a less expensive route to a Pilot's Licence than has been available for some years.

Medical Requirements

Perhaps the most significant advantage of the NPPL over JAR is the less onerous medical requirement. Based on the DVLA 2 (professional driver) and DVLA 1 (private driver) schedules, applicants will simply sign a declaration of fitness to fly and have their doctor sign it to confirm they have no reason to believe that he/she does not reach the DVLA 2 standard. If a medical condition does not prevent the applicant from reaching this standard but he/she meets DVLA 1 then he can fly solo with another qualified pilot only. A series of GP guidance notes are available on diseases such as diabetes, heart problems, epilepsy etc. But the good news is that many of the aliments that with JAR are a definite medical failure need not necessarily rule you out from flying with a NPPL.

We recommend that you obtain the medical certificate soon after starting your training to ensure that you do not spend too much money only to find out that you will not be able to complete your training to license standard.

Another major advantage with the NPPL is that pilots of different categories of aircraft will receive credit for their existing experience should they wish to learn to fly something different. For instance a glider or microlight pilot wishing to take up light aircraft flying will not have to complete the full 32 hour course, thus making it a financially viable option.The licence does have a few operational limitations over the JAR licence.

  • 1. The NPPL is a recreational licence for flying VFR (visual flight rules or where the pilot has sight of the ground) flying in cloud or on instruments is not permitted
  • 2. It is currently confined to UK airspace. However in time it is hoped that other EU states will recognise the NPPL, just as they do our car licences, and foreign flight will be permitted.
  • 3. A maximum of four people, including the pilot, may be flown.

    To what extent these limitations impact on your individual requirements is a personal issue but it is a fact that the vast majority of current PPL holders only fly VFR in aircraft with 4 or less seats and, surprisingly, few fly abroad

    Some details of National Private Pilots License
    • Course hours DUAL 22
    • Course hours SOLO 10
    • Flying hours total 32
    • A Navigation Skills Test 1 ~ 1.5 hours
    • A General Skills Test 1 ~ 1.5 hours
    • A Minimum Total 34 ~ 35 hours
    The Solo flight time must include 4 hours of X/C which may include the solo qualifying X/C flight of at least 100nm's with two landings away

    The Exams
    • A Practical Radio Telephony Test is Required
    • Air Law and Operational Procedures
    • Navigation and Radio Aids
    • Meteorology
    • Aircraft General and Principles of Flight
    • Human Performance and Limitations
    • Flight Performance and Planning
    • Radiotelephony
    Each theory exam is valid for 18 months but after passing all 7 they remain valid as a package for a further 24 months prior to issue of the license. The Navigation Skills Test must be passed prior to the qualifying X/C and all examinations are to be passed prior to the General Skills Test.

    The Medical certificate of fitness will be issued by your own GP who has access to your medical records. The NPPL License is for Life. To maintain certification you require either in the previous 12 months, a minimum 6 hours (minimum 4 hours PI required) and 1 hour with an instructor in the last 24 months or within 3 months preceding expiry have undertaken a GST. In addition to carry passengers you will require to have performed 3 take-offs and 3 landings in the preceding 90 days (Maximum number of persons allowed on board including the pilot is 4)

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