National Private Pilot Licence
A simpler UK pilot licence for basic aircraft.
The National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL) allows you to fly UK-registered aircraft, but only within the United Kingdom. It is a simpler and less demanding licence than the full Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and does not permit you to fly every type of aircraft. It is designed for basic aircraft, such as vintage or kit-built models. If you want to fly a common aircraft like the Cessna 172, you will need at least a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL). The NPPL can include three class ratings: Microlights, Self Launched Motor Gliders (SLMG), and Simple Single Engine Aeroplanes (SSEA). Each rating has its own training syllabus. Applications for the SLMG or SSEA ratings go through the Light Aircraft Association, while Microlight applications are handled by the British Microlight Aircraft Association. A 2021 change to UK Aircrew Regulations means that NPPL holders with a valid SSEA or SLMG rating can now also fly UK (G-registered) Part 21 aeroplanes or motor gliders. The NPPL remains popular, with over 4,500 active licences in 2021. **Legal basis** The NPPL is based on the Air Navigation Order 2016. The Civil Aviation Authority delegates the authority to issue these licences to the Light Aircraft Association and the British Microlight Aircraft Association. **Privileges and limitations** NPPL holders cannot fly non-UK registered aircraft, fly outside UK territorial waters (except the Channel Islands), or fly at night or under Instrument Flight Rules. Only UK-registered aircraft with up to four seats and a maximum indicated airspeed of 140 knots are allowed. With a valid medical declaration, the pilot can carry up to three passengers (four people total). Flying for payment is not permitted, though costs can be shared. Before taking passengers, the pilot must have completed three take-offs and full-stop landings in the same aircraft type within the previous 90 days. **Medical requirements** Medical requirements are much less strict than for a full PPL. Pilots must make a Medical Declaration that they are fit to the standard required to drive a car. After their 70th birthday, this declaration must be renewed every three years. In more complex cases, an LAPL medical certificate is needed. **Training and validity** Seven theory exams must be passed, with the same syllabus and level as the PPL.
- Active licences as of 2021
- over 4,500
Lore & Background
The NPPL was introduced in 2002. European standardisation of the private pilot licence (PPL) by the Joint Aviation Authorities (later EASA) had increased the length of the PPL course, and the minimum medical fitness standard. There was a need for a simpler licence with lower costs and medical requirements, which was fulfilled with the creation of the NPPL. When the United Kingdom was a member of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), it adopted EASA Part-FCL (Flight Crew Licensing) as the basis for issuing most licences. The light aircraft pilot licence (LAPL) was introduced in Part-FCL in 2012. Since then, it has not been possible to fly certain aircraft with an NPPL. It was possible to convert an NPPL to an LAPL until April 2015. After the UK left EASA in 2020, Part-FCL was retained in UK law as UK Part-FCL. The UK continues to issue both NPPLs and LAPLs. An NPPL for helicopters was discussed in CAP 804, however it is unclear whether any were issued. As of 2021, fewer than 6 were active.
Reader's Guide
The NPPL remains a popular licence, with over 4,500 active licences as of 2021. Its legal basis is the Air Navigation Order 2016, with authority to issue licences delegated by the Civil Aviation Authority to the Light Aircraft Association and the British Microlight Aircraft Association. The licence has three class ratings: Microlights, Self Launched Motor Gliders (SLMG), and Simple Single Engine Aeroplanes (SSEA). Following an amendment to the UK Aircrew Regulations in 2021, holders of an NPPL(A) with a valid SSEA or SLMG class rating can now also fly UK (G-registered) Part 21 aeroplanes or motor gliders. The NPPL has less stringent medical requirements than a full PPL, requiring only a Medical Declaration that the pilot is fit to drive a car, with renewal every 3 years from age 70. Seven theory exams must be passed, and two practical tests: a Navigation Skills Test (100 nm) and a General Skills Test. The licence does not require an English language test but does require a Flight Radio Telephony Operators Licence (FRTOL) to operate radio equipment. Class ratings must be re-validated every 2 years, and pilots must meet currency requirements including 12 hours flying in 24 months and 1 hour of dual-instruction. An NPPL for SSEAs or SLMGs issued on or before 7 April 2018 can be converted to an LAPL.
Did You Know?
- The NPPL was introduced in 2002 as a simpler, lower-cost alternative to the PPL.
- An NPPL pilot with the appropriate medical declaration may take up to three passengers, but not for remuneration.
More in Drone Regulation, Part 3 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced