Why does your colleague not simply include a SEP Class Rating in his PPL?
Until the end of the NPPL transition period, SSEA Ratings may be maintained under the previous 'rolling validity' principle until the licence holder changes to the new system. However, when the holder of a NPPL with valid SSEA and Microlight Class Ratings wishes to transfer to the new system, both Class Ratings must be valid at the time of transfer.
If he hasn't flown the 1 hour training flight in a SSEA Class aeroplane (under the old scheme), then his SSEA Class Rating will not be valid and he will need to fly a GST before transferring to the new scheme.
The NPPL P&SC specifically insisted that the training flight must be relevant, or it would serve no valid purpose. Hence it shall be flown on aircraft of the Class for which revalidation is sought. So, unlike under JAR-FCL, a LPC on something completely different is not acceptable for a SSEA, Microlight or SLMG Class Rating revalidation.
Once your colleague is on the 'new' system, he will be able to maintain his NPPL SSEA and Microlight Ratings by a combination of hours flown on both - and the 1 hr training flight has been replaced by a minimum of a total of 1 hour's training flying accumulated on any aircraft for which a Class Rating is included in the NPPL.
Last edited by BEagle; 28th July 2008 at 09:15.