The Light Aircraft Pilot Licence was introduced largely based on the successful UK NPPL licence. Its intention is to reduce the requirements and cost of gaining a pilot’s licence suitable for non-commercial flight. Medical requirements have also been relaxed, with some PPLs downgrading to LAPLs for that reason.
This isn’t a microlight licence and allows full use of quite sophisticated aircraft up to 2,000kg, with up to 3 passengers, so it is quite suitable for all our club aircraft. It can be upgraded to a full PPL licence later with a short course and skills test.
You can also convert from a microlight licence to the LAPL with just a few hours of flight training. Those who already have UK NPPL(A) licences can do this as a paperwork exercise.
If gained in the UK, an LAPL is valid only in UK airspace. You can add additional ratings (see the next section below) but you cannot add any instrument qualifications to an LAPL.
You need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic. If you can drive a car, you can almost certainly fly a plane.
Training can be logged from age 14. The first solo flight is permitted at age 16 and licences can be issued at age 17. There is no upper age limit although you must have a current medical certificate.
If you wear spectacles, you may need to have two pairs with you when flying. If colour blind, then you may not be allowed to fly at night. If disabled, we may be able to accommodate you with our specially adapted aircraft.
For training in our aircraft, we require a minimum height 4′ 6″ (to ensure you can see out the windscreen with your feet on the pedals) and max height 6′ 4″. Weight limits of 115kg (PA28) and 95kg (PS28) apply.
30 hours of flight instruction
9 theory exams (identical to the full PPL course)
Radio Telephony practical exam
Navigational Skill Test
General Handling Skill Test
After passing the final skills test, you can apply for you LAPL licence. Your first 10 licenced hours must be flown solo. Once you have reached that milestone, you can take passengers.
Whilst your LAPL licence is valid for life, you must have flown fairly recently and with an instructor for it to be valid for solo flight. Unlike the PPL, there is no fixed two yearly cycle during which your licence is signed. Instead, you are responsible for ensuring that the criteria are met prior to any flight. Within the previous 24 months, you must have:
Your medical certificate must also be current and valid.
If flying with passengers, you must have made three take-offs and landings within the previous 90 days. If at night, then one of each of those take-offs and landings at night.
At the Bristol Aero Club, we also have some currency rules which are detailed in our operations manual.
You may find the LAPL meets all your needs, so go out and enjoy using it. For those wanting a further challenge, you could consider: