The National Private Pilots Licence (NPPL)
Key Info
The NPPL will allow you to fly within the UK. There are some restrictions with the NPPL, and the privileges of this licence allow you to fly privately (not for remuneration or for any commercial purpose), as with the PPL. The main restrictions and limitations of the NPPL are as follows:
(a) The privileges of the holder of an NPPL for aeroplanes are to act as PIC on single-engine piston aeroplanes-land or TMG with a maximum certificated take-off mass of 2000 kg or less, carrying a maximum of 3 passengers, such that there are never more than 4 persons on board the aircraft.
(b) Holders of an NPPL(A) shall only carry passengers once they have completed 10hours of flight time as PIC on aeroplanes or TMG after the issuance of the licence
32 hours of Flight Training, which includes the following:
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15 hours dual instruction
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6 hours supervised solo time
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A solo cross-country flight of at least 80 nautical miles, landing at a different airfield from the departure airfield and then returning to the airport of departure
And as with the PPL, in addition to the flight time, there are nine ground exams which you will need to pass. All are multiple-choice answers in subjects that hopefully you will enjoy learning. The exams are an integral part of becoming a safe, competent and experienced pilot, and the minimum pass mark is 75%
These are:
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Air Law
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Aeroplane General
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Principles of Flight
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Flight Performance and Planning
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Navigation
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Meteorology
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Human Performance and Limitations
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Operational Procedures
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Communications
We will discuss with you in more detail which licence is right for you to ensure you complete the training that is right for your needs now and in the future.
Your new licence, be it PPL or NPPL will allow you to fly single-engine piston aircraft in daylight hours under VFR (Visual Flight Rules), Just imagine piloting yourself and your family or friends to France for the day!
Medical Requirements
Whether you choose to train for the PPL or the NPPL during your course and before your first solo flight, you will be required to undertake a medical examination and to be issued with a Pilot Medical Certificate. For the PPL, this is known as a ‘Class 2’ Pilot Medical or for the NPPL course, simply an NPPL Medical. These are issued by Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs), Doctors who are authorised by the CAA to carry out Pilot Medicals and issue the appropriate certificates. Some GPs who participate in the scheme can also issue NPPL Medicals only; however, this is subject to a number of provisos. We can advise you on where to find an AME.