June 01, 2015

UK PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE AND NATIONAL PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

The UK CAA has published a consultation document (CAP 1284) on the simplification of medical licensing for recreational pilots. The BGA was represented on the CAA working group and the proposals essentially reflect what the BGA introduced some fifty years ago. It is important that those who agree with the CAA proposal respond positively to the consultation.

Currently pilots with an NPPL licence are required to comply with DVLA group 1 or 2 standards and have their self-declaration of fitness countersigned by their GP. Holders of a UK PPL currently need an EU class 2 medical (or the NPPL medical requirements if they only use the privileges of an NPPL licence).

The consultation proposes that the minimum medical requirement for UK private pilot licence and national private pilot licence holders is to hold a current DVLA Group 1 Ordinary Driving Licence (ODL). Existing medical options (for example a UK declaration with GP counter signature) will remain available. The proposal will bring cost and time savings for pilots and, in most cases, remove the need for General Practitioner (GP) or Authorised Medical Examiner involvement.

The proposal is based on a study of the risks associated with GA flying and comparing these to other recreational activities like horse riding or canoeing. The consultation also reviews the causes of light aircraft accidents and the likelihood of these being triggered by a pilot being medically incapacitated. The risk to third parties is considered and the regulatory approach taken by the Federal Aviation Administration in the USA, which mirrors the UK proposal, is also reviewed.

A variety of options are proposed and views are sought through the consultation which closes on 10th July 2015. The information received will be used to determine how to take this proposal forward.

You can read the consultation at http://www.caa.co.uk/cap1284

There is a Survey Monkey response tool at
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GAmed
or you can submit a response to the CAA by email. Details are in the consultation document.

You will note that this change once adopted in the UK could be proposed to EASA as an acceptable European model. The BGA is working towards that outcome.

Could you please engage with this process; you are encouraged to submit an individual responses by 10th July 2015.

Thanks very much for your assistance.

Werner