General Aviation Pilot Licensing Review Phase 2 - Detailed Proposals Aeroplanes - Consultation Executive Summary

Sep 25, 2026

Executive Summary of CAP 2974C, a Civil Aviation Authority consultation on detailed proposals to simplify General Aviation (GA) flight crew licensing and training for aeroplanes. The paper outlines key changes across Phase 2, including proposals for ICAO PPL(A), class ratings, sub-ICAO licences, maintenance of privileges, theoretical knowledge common elements, and instrument ratings review. It also sets out how to respond, explains answer options, and states the consultation closing date and submission route.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Summary

How to respond to this consultation

Specific proposals

Consultation questions

General Aviation Pilot Licensing Review Phase 2: Detailed Proposals Aeroplanes Consultation – Executive Summary CAP 2974C Published by the Civil Aviation Authority, 2024 Civil Aviation Authority Aviation House Beehive Ring Road Crawley West Sussex RH6 0YR You can copy and use this text but please ensure you always use the most up to date version and use it in context so as not to be misleading, and credit the CAA. First published March 2024 Please reply to this consultation via our website: [https://consultations.caa.co.uk](https://consultations.caa.co.uk) by 22nd May 2024 . Please direct enquiries regarding the content of this publication to: [ga.consultations@caa.co.uk](ga.consultations@caa.co.uk) The latest version of this document is available in [electronic format at:](electronic format at: www.caa.co.uk)[ ](electronic format at: www.caa.co.uk)[www.caa.co.uk](electronic format at: www.caa.co.uk) Summary 1. The CAA is now continuing with the project to simplify General Aviation (GA) flight crew licensing and training, and this paper consults on detailed proposals for Aeroplanes. Similar consultations are being undertaken for aeroplanes, sailplanes, and helicopters and gyroplanes. This consultation closes on 22 May 2024. 2. This document summarises the contents of CAP2974A Aeroplane Licensing Phase 2 Consultation and presents just a high-level summary of our key proposals, a note on the background and next steps, and the consultation questions themselves. How to respond to this consultation 3. Readers wishing to see further detail and explanation of these proposals should refer to the main document. To assist with this, we have grouped the proposals below and the consultation questions by the chapters where they can be found in that document. 4. Most questions in this consultation provide a list of possible answers, and many (but not all) will also provide space to comment. Regarding the possible answers, the format often used is ‘yes’,‘no’,‘undecided’ and ‘no view/don’t know’. In relation to the latter two options, the ‘undecided’ option is for respondents who are familiar with the subject matter but have not firmly settled in support or otherwise. Whereas respondents unfamiliar with the subject or have no view would select the ‘no view/don’t know’ choice. 5. The consultation closes on 22nd May 2024. Please submit responses via our website: [https://consultations.caa.co.uk](https://consultations.caa.co.uk) Specific proposals Chapter 2: ICAO PPL(A) ▪ Discontinue issuing the UK PPL under the Air Navigation Order (ANO) as a standalone licence. Where required , we would issue a combined Part-FCLand UK PPL licence document, allowing non-Part 21 type ratings to be added alongside Part-FCL class and type ratings. ▪ Reduce the qualifying experience required for the issue of a PPL from 45 hours flight instruction to 40 hours flight time, in line with ICAO Annex 1 : Personnel Licensing. It is not proposed to remove any content from the existing practical syllabus. ▪ Maintain the content and number of questions for the theoretical knowledge exams, but consider combining topics , to reduce the number of individual papers. Chapter 3: Class ratings ▪ Revise the class rating structure to allow for emerging electric and hybrid propulsion systems. ▪ Possible wider simplification of the class rating system and allow more use of differences training when qualifying on different aircraft. Chapter 4: Sub-ICAO licences ▪ Consolidate the current NPPL(A) and LAPL(A) , reducing the number of licences that provide similar privileges. ▪ More proportionate training and knowledge requirements when moving between aircraft variants and classes. ▪ An improved pathway from the sub-ICAO licence to the Part-FCL PPL(A) . Chapter 5: Maintenance of privileges ▪ Remove the requirement for flight experience when revalidating the singleengine piston (SEP) and touring motor glider (TMG) ratings. ▪ P

FAQs

What is the purpose of this consultation document?

It presents detailed proposals to simplify General Aviation flight crew licensing and training for aeroplanes, with a high-level summary of key proposals and the consultation questions.

How can respondents submit their answers to the consultation questions?

Responses must be submitted via the consultation website.

Which topics are covered in the specific proposals by chapter?

Chapters cover ICAO PPL(A), class ratings, sub-ICAO licences, maintenance of privileges, theoretical knowledge common elements, instrument ratings review, and other issues such as instructor requirements and ratings for aerobatics and towing.

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Emma Wilson