I share a Thruster TST with a chum but we seem to have stumbled over a licencing issue and could do with some clarification.

We have both been flying this machine for some time, my licence is an ATPL with a current SEP rating. My chum flies using an NPPL issued in October 2009, with an SSEA Rating.

Am I correct in reading that to fly the Thruster he should have a Microlight Rating on his NPPL, and that the SSEA Rating does not cover Microlights, unlike my SEP? I'm afraid I find the NPPL and LASORS guidance a little unclear, perhaps not surprising given the licencing upheavel of late.

Lucky man, I enjoy the TST.

This is from the NPPL website FAQ section:

Q What do I need to do to fly microlights on my light aircraft licence?
A You may fly microlights without any further training or testing within the privileges of your CAA or JAA issued PPL (A) if you have a current SEP rating. You are advised to take conversion training with an instructor. You cannot use microlight flying hours towards the maintenance of the SEP rating. If your SEP rating lapses and you wish to continue to fly microlights you should apply for a NPPL with a microlight rating attached. The requirements are given in the cross credit document on this site.

The SSEA and SLMG Class Ratings do not entitle the holder to fly microlights. If you only hold a NPPL with a SSEA or SLMG Class Rating you must add a Microlight Class Rating if you want to fly microlights. Hours flown in any Class can be used towards maintaining other NPPL Class Ratings.

So you're okay, but your NPPL holding chum needs to fly with a microlight examiner and do some paperwork to get an NPPL(M) class rating.

No shortage of microlight schools in Wiltshire with examiners, and a few in Hampshire. If you'd like a recommendation however, I'd try Fiona Luckhurst at the Shadow Flight Centre, at Old Sarum.

G

Thank you Genghis, it seems I had read the regulation correctly. We'll get the boy wonder a Microlight Rating forthwith!