LAPL vs PPL

[Flyingcope]

Im 20 and torn between doing a LAPL or a full PPL here in the UK. I know that the LAPL is cheaper which is why I'm more looking to do that. There are a few questions though.

1)Does the LAPL mean I can only fly the aircraft I train on i.e. Grob tutor or does it mean I can fly the class as in sports cruiser etc?

2)Does the LAPL allow me to fly in Europe? - I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this is yes but I'm just checking.

3)Is there anywhere I can find the exact things that are and arn't allowed on each license?

4)Is there any common aircraft that people fly on general aviation such as mooney etc that I may want to move onto if I have a LAPL but can't. Im aware there is a 2000KG limit was just wondering if there is any aircraft this would exclude me from flying.

Thanks in advance. A lot has changed since I was gliding 3 years ago.

[patowalker]

Does this answer your questions? https://www.caa.co.uk/General-aviati...-requirements/

Here is the soporific version: https://www.easa.europa.eu/system/fi...u/Part-FCL.pdf

Article 11 of Regulation (EC) 216/2008 reads:

Recognition of certificates
1. Member States shall, without further technical requirements or evaluation, recognise certificates issued in accordance with this Regulation. ...

[Flyingcope]

Thank you that has answered all my questions. for some reason my google searching didn't bring up that pdf which is very handy. once again thank you for that.

[tobster911]

@FlyingCope. The LAPL has a reduced hours requirement, although the course content is, as far as I'm aware, the same. This means that, realistically, it would be very difficult to do the whole course in the 30 hours minimum requirement, and it's more likely going to be 40 or so. If this is the case, you'd be mad to not spend a further £600 ish on doing the further 5 hours and getting a full PPL, which you can add ratings to etc etc. Just my two pennies worth though.

[Forfoxake]

Patowalker wrote "Does this answer your questions? https://www.caa.co.uk/General-aviati...-requirements/"


Yes, thanks, apart from one:


Can I fly 3-axes microlights in the UK on my LAPL(A)?


I have lots of experience on 3-axes microlights but no P1 hours recently!

[fireflybob]

@FlyingCope. The LAPL has a reduced hours requirement, although the course content is, as far as I'm aware, the same. This means that, realistically, it would be very difficult to do the whole course in the 30 hours minimum requirement, and it's more likely going to be 40 or so. If this is the case, you'd be mad to not spend a further £600 ish on doing the further 5 hours and getting a full PPL, which you can add ratings to etc etc. Just my two pennies worth though.

Working from memory here but I believe the qualifying cross country requirement is different - just one away landing for LAPL beyond a certain distance.

Also after LAPL issue you have to do another 10 hours P1 before you can carry passengers.

[tobster911]

Ah OK, I stand corrected, but for the most part, the difference in cost is quite small in the grand scheme of things. Would be different if you were guaranteed to pass in 30 hours as opposed to 45 for the PPL, but from what I understand from other people, when it actually comes down to it, you'll only have saved a few hours by going for the LAPL. Also, with the reduced privileges that you get, the only big reason to get an LAPL would be if you don't meet the medical requirements for a PPL?

[ch.ess]

There is adifference in the X-country AND the navigation. NAvigation aid is pretty basic for LAPL.

Once you are through the LAPL exam, you can fly on your own and get really familiar with flying. Yes, 10hrs alone before you take pax - very sensible ! Should be compulsory anyway.
IF you feel you want to continue (for NFQ, I/R, etc), you can just do the 10hrs of additional navigation training - navigation and x-country and take the exam.

I went that route, would do again any time. My navigation training was focussing on the intercepts & orientation, nt keeping the da.... plane straight&level.
Took 35 +/- hours for the LAPL and would definitely have needed more than 10 hrs to get through PPL - nav training in one go at that time.
Also, not bad to have a re-training after a year or two as side effect of the LAPL->PPL move. In between I had done 35 hrs on my own / with friends.

just my 2 cts

[patowalker]

Can I fly 3-axes microlights in the UK on my LAPL(A)?

Yes. "You will need to complete differences or familiarisation training, which will then be entered into your log book and signed by the instructor."

[Flyingcope]

I went that route, would do again any time. My navigation training was focussing on the intercepts & orientation, nt keeping the da.... plane straight&level.
Took 35 +/- hours for the LAPL and would definitely have needed more than 10 hrs to get through PPL - nav training in one go at that time.
Also, not bad to have a re-training after a year or two as side effect of the LAPL->PPL move. In between I had done 35 hrs on my own / with friends.

just my 2 cts

Thank you nice to hear from somebody that did it that way. Gives a good insight into the way I want to go. I do have 20+ hours counting dual and solo on gliders all be it from 2 years ago so I'm hoping that will keep the time low. Even though I know its probably not going to be the minimum time required.

I believe the qualifying cross country requirement is different

I believe 80 NM as opposed to around 160 for full PPL

[kestrel539]

FC, do you have a Bronze C and X/C endorsement from your gliding days?

If so,the cheapest, and possibly the best way to the LAPL would be
a NPPL SLMG or SSEA from the GPL, ( 10 hrs min ) then xfer to LAPL ( paperwork only)

[Flyingcope]

Unfortunately I don't. I had to stop due to money commitments as I was 16 and still in school. Shame I never did get to complete the bronze. While I do have about 5 solo hours the flights are no longer than 15 mins solo.