BIG CHANGE FOR PPL TRAINING

19 Feb 2010

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 FLIGHT training for a Private Pilot's Licence for aeroplanes, helicopters and gyroplanes is to be allowed at unlicensed airfields from April.

The change is being introduced by the CAA which said, "The Air Navigation Order (ANO) currently requires flight training to be conducted at one of the 144 licensed aerodromes.

"The change to the ANO will allow flight training on aeroplanes with a Maximum Take-Off Mass (MTOM) of 2,730kg and helicopters and gyroplanes with a MTOM of 3,175kg, to be conducted from unlicensed aerodromes.

"This proposal will increase the available geographic choice of aerodromes conducting flight training whilst allowing training organisations greater flexibility.

"The amendment to the Air Navigation Order has been prepared and submitted to the Department for Transport for their action. It is intended that the amendment will be made in April 2010. CAP 428 (Safety Standards at Unlicensed Aerodromes) will be amended to provide guidance on the use of unlicensed aerodromes for flight training."

Training on microlight aircraft is already allowed at unlicensed airfields, and across Europe, the UK is the only country to require PPL training at licensed airfields.

The CAA has changed its mind on PPL training following consultation with industry and after analysing the safety record of licensed aerodromes. The CAA "has agreed that there is no justifiable safety case to require flight training in aeroplanes and helicopters under a specified weight to be undertaken at licensed aerodromes."

However, it will still be the responsibility of the flight training organisation and airfield operator to make sure the airfield is suitable for flight training. The CAA is producing guidance material.

Click here to more info, including FAQ and an impact assessment.

 

 

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