Page Summary
The aim of the National PPL is to devolve the regulation of some recreational flying to ‘Air Sports’ organisations. The licence itself is easier to obtain and easier to maintain than the standard JAR PPL.
Main Content
Medical Fitness for UK National Private Pilot Licences
National PPL, PPL (Balloon and Airship) and PPL (Gyroplane)
The aim of the National PPL is to devolve the regulation of some recreational flying to ‘Air Sports’ organisations. The licence itself is easier to obtain and easier to maintain than the standard JAR PPL. Medically, this devolution means changing from an aviation medical examination system, using a network of specially qualified doctors, to a declaration of medical fitness by the pilot. To validate this declaration, and to prevent concealment of disease, it has to be endorsed by a doctor with access to your medical records, your General Practitioner (GP). Holders of UK PPLs for balloon, airship and gyroplane flying also use these requirements.
The rationale for this change is because the CAA Medical Department believes that an accurate knowledge of a pilot’s medical history could be as effective as a medical examination in predicting the risk of a future in-flight medical incapacitation. Thus if the system is to work, the countersigning GP must have seen your medical records. If you have no GP, your only recourse is to register with one and await the transfer of your medical records, or to obtain a JAR Class 2 medical certificate. You should also be aware that your GP is under no NHS contractual obligation to provide this service. Again, the alternative is to obtain a JAR Class 2 certificate (click here to find a CAA Authorised Medical Examiner). If you already hold a valid JAA Class 1 or 2 medical certificate, or a UK CAA Class1, 2 or 3 medical certificate, this will also allow you to exercise the privileges of a National PPL.
The National PPL medical declaration form is the document that needs signing. There are notes for you, the pilot, and also for your GP, who is asked to countersign your fitness declaration. There is also a separate document with additional information which you should show to your GP. If you have a past history of significant medical illness, it will be necessary for you to obtain an information sheet which will give advice to your GP on the appropriate medical standard for you. There are two standards depending on your level of fitness. If there is nothing in your medical history which would stop you reaching the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) Group 2 standard for professional driving, you can obtain an unrestricted National PPL which will allow you to carry up to three passengers within the privileges of the licence. Your GP will know these driving medical standards and the most up to date version can be found on the DVLA website. If you do not meet the DVLA Group 2 standard for professional driving, but do meet the Group 1 standard for private driving, you will be able to fly either solo or with another pilot qualified on your aircraft type. This pilot will act as your ‘safety pilot’ and should be so briefed. Your GP is not required to do a physical examination, though he/she may wish to check routine health functions. His or her endorsing signature is to confirm the lack of any medical history which would preclude you meeting the appropriate DVLA standard. Your GP is entitled to charge you for this service.
Further information about flying with certain specific illnesses is given in a series of information sheets which are obtainable on this website or from your flying association. If you have, or have had, any of these illnesses, you should obtain an information sheet and take it along to your GP. It may be that your GP will require further aviation medical advice, and this is obtainable via one of the National PPL Medical Advisers. Each recreational flying organisation has appointed a Medical Adviser who can provide this specialist advice. The contact details for these Advisers are available from the National PPL administrations (see below) or from the flying organisations (see the NPPL website). Further limitations may be imposed on individual pilots for particular reasons.
Once the medical declaration has been countersigned by your GP, this becomes your student pilot licence and allows you to fly solo whilst training. The minimum age for the countersignature is one month before your 16th birthday, to allow solo flying at 16 – for those lucky enough to be that young. A copy of the declaration (NPPL student pilots only) must be sent to the appropriate organisation for your type of flying (see below). When you have obtained the National PPL, and you also reach the Group 2 professional driving standards, you will be able to carry passengers.
There is a requirement to renew this declaration at appropriate intervals as stated on the declaration form, but it is your responsibility to assess your fitness during the intervening period. If you have any doubt about your fitness to fly, you should ground yourself and discuss the situation with your general practitioner, with any doctor who may be treating you, or with a National PPL Medical Adviser. You should advise any doctor you consult that you are a pilot, and remind him/her of this each time your medical condition changes, additional investigations are required, or if any treatment is started or changed. Your doctor’s knowledge that you are a pilot may influence your treatment options, and will serve as a reminder that your future fitness to fly will need to be considered.
Medical enquiries should be directed to the most appropriate organisation for your particular flying and not to the CAA or the DVLA. Contact details are as follows:
Single engine piston aircraft, Self-Launching Motor Gliders and some Gyroplanes
Light Aircraft Association Ltd
Turweston Aerodrome
Nr Brackley
Northamptonshire NN13 5YD
Telephone: 01280 846 786
Microlight Aircraft
British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA)
The Bullring
Deddington
Banbury
Oxfordshire OX15 0TT
Telephone: 01869 338888
NPPL website:
Balloons and Airships
British Balloon and Airship Club
c/o Cameron Balloons Ltd
St John Street
BEDMINSTER
Bristol BS3 4NH
Telephone: 0117 953 1231
Email: info@bbac.org
Website: http://www.bbac.org
Gyroplanes
British Rotocraft Association
Email: gyro@flex.co.uk
Website: http://www.gyroplanes.org
