UK Instrument Rated Private Pilot and Instrument Flight Instructor
What qualifications are required to instruct a pilot in an N registered aircraft based in the UK? TLDR; Any UK flight instructor can instruct towards UK licences/ratings on an N-Reg aircraft in UK airspace. There is no longer any requirement to obtain a special permit because it is a “non-commercial” operation[1]. Training can count towards FAA licences/ratings but an FAA Flight Review or Instrument Proficiency Check can only be conducted
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Although there is uncertainty about how BREXIT will affect private pilots in the UK, we can be reasonably certain of some outcomes, make an educated guess about others and be hopeful regarding the rest. So read below partly as a bit of crystal ball gazing and my best guess as much as hard fact. Sources include the CAA Brexit website and webinars, AOPA and discussions on various pilot forums. Licences
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I’ve passed all the theory exams, completed the practical flying course and passed the skill test. You might think that the final step to obtain my CPL licence itself would be relatively straightforward. My experience of both UK and US bureaucracy hasn’t always been slick and efficient, and there were a few hiccups about my experience that I thought worth sharing. My intention is not to embarrass or denigrate any
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During the current crisis, there has been a stream of notices, advice and guidance from the CAA, EASA and pilot organisations. It can be difficult to filter out the specific issues that affect private pilots, i.e. those with PPL, LAPL etc. and also spot what’s missing. It’s very easy to mix these up with derogations for commercial pilots. The CAA provided some exemption guidance in a simpler and easier to
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Having undergone the trauma of the EASA CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) theory exams in order to become a Flight Instructor, it seemed to me to be a smaller step to complete the practical side of the course and attain a full CPL licence. While I am far too old to become an airline pilot, it could open other opportunities including CPL instruction and commercial aspects of General Aviation. To gain
Continue readingThis article was written when the UK was part of EASA and issued EASA licences. In January 2021, the UK left EASA and issued its own UK FCL licences which broadly remain in step with EASA regulations. I see no reason why the same process would not be valid for UK IR holder today. Most people do this the other way around – training and passing the FAA IR and
Continue readingRegulations are coming into force which require UK private aircraft to have improved radios, transponders and other equipment over the coming years. This is a summary of the key dates and capabilities for UK registered aircraft weighing less than 2 tonnes. Transponders Most (but not all) aircraft have a Mode C transponder that transmits a 4 digit squawk code and pressure altitude, allowing them to be seen and plotted by
Continue readingThe choice of NPPL and LAPL One of the potential upsides of the transition to EASA pilot licensing is the new LAPL or Light Aircraft Pilot Licence. A LAPL (Light Aircraft Pilot Licence) confers most of the privileges of a full PPL (Private Pilot Licence), but is less costly and slightly easier to obtain (30 vs 45 flight training hours required). The medical requirements are less restrictive, so that many
Continue readingThe rules and regulations concerning the UK private pilot for flying in clouds have several options, and this note is aimed at any UK private pilot with or seeking an IMC, IR(R) or IR rating. This is published only as a guide and with no warranty or guarantee of accuracy or completeness. You are strongly recommended to double check what is written below. UK IMC Rating continues indefinitely The IMC
Continue readingUK Private Pilot licensing changed on 8 April 2012 when EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) FCL (Flight Crew Licence) regulations came into force. The intention has been to standardise the rules across Europe, where previously there were many national variations. After a five year transition period, the majority of European private pilots now operate on EASA PPL licences issued by their own country authority. Qualifications/ratings, training courses, exams and skill
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