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Light Aircraft Pilot’s Licence (LAPL)

This new licence was introduced in September of 2012 when the new EASA regulations came into force.  Both the CAA and EASA continue to support this licence.  It is not clear at this time if a CAA issued LAPL is valid in Europe.

It is the least demanding in terms of medical requirements.  No ECG is needed and no fee is payable to the CAA so I charge a single fee of £150.

If you satisfy the DVLA class 2 (HGV) medical standards then it is likely that there will be no problems issuing one of these to you.  If you are only able to meet the DVLA medical requirements to drive a car then it may be possible to issue a restricted LAPL licence.  This is a slight over simplification as there are some additional requirements set out in the EASA implementing rules and in the CAA guidance to AMEs.

You may ask why have a class 2 licence then?  If you fancy flying outside Europe, flying larger more complex types (over 2000 kg), carrying more than three passengers and flying on instruments with an instrument rating then you will not be able to do this with an LAPL.  This article gives a good in depth explanation of the restrictions LAPL and NPPL.

If you have just failed the requirements of a class 2 then you may be interested in this medical.  There is a reasonable chance that I may be able to issue a LAPL, but it is not a guarantee.  I will not be able to ignore the medical condition that caused problems for a class 2 (you cannot unknow what you know) even though if you were presenting for an initial issue of an LAPL you might feel you meet the requirements.  This sequence of events is likely to require additional case work which will draw additional charges.

This licence is valid for 5 years if you are under the age of 40 and for 2 years thereafter.  It does not require any additional tests, in particular an ECG will never be needed.  Medical Certificate Validty Table

I recommend that you have a discussion with your instructor regarding the class of medical most suited to the type of flying that you intend.