Don't mean to go off-topic hear.
But what does this actually all do to the cost of flying, as far as I can see the only benifit is the reduced minimum hours.
average for a PPL is about 60 - 70 hours, way above minimums.
A NPPL will have little use as a "step-stone" to a CPL surely its more for those who want to go flying as a hobbie for fun?
details are hazy but I'm sure the Aircraft will require all the paperwork the CAA can possibly muster, approching that for a commercially opperated Light A/C, if not the same, as it will be run for profit. I suspect as Training establishments who will offer this will be currently offering JAA PPL's, continure to do so, and as such the Aircraft will be maintained and operated to the standards (and induced costs) required for that kind of work.
As far as I can figure is the hourly rate of the Aircraft will be much the same as the rate of that used for JAA PPL, (minus the 50p for the instructor!)
Everyones raving on at how the reduced hours will reduce to cost of training. but wait, Pilots don't just want a Licence in a minimum time then sit on the ground, they want to go fly, as cheaply as possible. appart from the possibility of getting a NPPL quicker, I cant see Flying getting any cheaper.
[This message has been edited by little red train (edited 09 March 2001).]