The National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL) is available for aeroplanes, motor gliders, microlights, and helicopters. The NPPL can only be used on UK-registered aircraft inside UK airspace, unless you have an agreement with the aviation authorities in another country which will allow you to fly in that country's airspace.
Following an amendment to the UK Aircrew Regulations in 2021, the holder of a licence issued in accordance with the Air Navigation Order 2016 (as amended) (PPL(A) or NPPL(A)) with a valid SSEA or SLMG class rating(s) can now also fly a UK (G) registered Part 21 aeroplane or motor glider.
The pilot must ensure that their class ratings are valid. All flight experience amassed when flying the Part 21 aeroplane or motor glider can count towards meeting the revalidation requirements for the class ratings.
Holders of the NPPL need to ensure that they meet all the requirements for revalidation of two or more class ratings, especially the need for a flight as Pilot in Command (PIC) or Pilot Under Training (PUT) within each of the classes to be revalidated.
You can add class ratings to the NPPL to allow you to fly microlights, self-launching motor gliders (SLMGs) and simple single-engine aeroplanes (SSEAs).
- You can apply for class ratings for SLMGs and SSEAs through the Light Aircraft Association (LAA).
- Applications for microlight class ratings can be made through the British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA).
Your NPPL does not require a language proficiency test, however to operate radio telephony equipment you must hold a Flight Radio Telephony Operators Licence with a current language proficiency level.
Full details of requirements for the NPPL are available.
For SLMG and SSEA’s please refer to the NPPL Application Progress.
For microlights please refer to The British Microlight Aircraft Association, new page 3786.
Minimum age to hold an NPPL
The minimum age to get an NPPL is 17 and you can complete your flight training including supervised solo flights having made a Pilot Medical Declaration (PMD).
How do I apply?
- Applications for a NPPL(A) with SLMG and SSEAs.
- Applications for a NPPL(A) with microlights, The British Microlight Aircraft Association, new page 3786.
How much does it cost?
There are full details available in the Scheme of Charges (Personnel Licensing) for our licensing fees and costs.
An additional fee applies if you would like your documents returned by secure courier.
What else do I need to know?
The Light Aircraft Association (LAA) or the British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA) will assess your application. If your application is accepted, they will send a recommendation to us for the issue of a licence.
Where the application is for a National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL)(A) with Microlight Class Rating only, the BMAA will issue the licence.
How long will it take for my application to be processed?
Our service levels are 10 working days for the assessment all application types. Where an application is pended, the working days to process the application will be counted from the date of receipt of the requested additional information.
For a small number of applications, a licensing officer may require additional guidance which requires a referral to be made to a technical officer. The technical officer will review the case within five working days, however if further advice is needed this will be reviewed at a bi-weekly complex case review session. In such cases therefore, the application will take longer to process than our standard turnaround times.
Our complaints process offers further guidance if you are dissatisfied by the service provided to you by us and you wish to raise a complaint.
What happens next?
Your application will undergo a desk-based assessment from a Flight Crew Licensing Officer. Following an acceptable assessment your licence will be processed, signed, and despatched.
We will contact you in writing if we have any queries regarding your application and may keep your application pending while the additional requirements are met.
Please note that applications will only be pended for 30 days before cancellation, where no response is received.
An assessment and fee may be charged if we reject your application for not meeting all requirements. This will also be applied if you choose to cancel your application. This is to cover the work undertaken by us to assess or handle your application. All underpaid postage fees are recovered before your new licence can be issued.
How long is it valid for?
The licence does not expire, the privileges within the licence are maintained by meeting the revalidation requirements, having the Certificate of Revalidation within the licence signed and maintaining medical fitness.
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