The LAPL is going to be a European wide NPPL. So those that have an NPPL actually gain. It is also aimed at the permit type flyer who is really only interested in the local bimble or day vfr only travel. So for the permit tourer a licence that is cheap and easy to maintain like the NPPL but allows them to go into Europe is a benefit and keeps in with the low cost theme of their aviation.
That begs a few questions:
- Will the EASA version of an ICAO PPL be any more difficult than it is at present? We would not want to see it made more difficult on the basis that it is only gained by people as a stage on the commercial route
- If the LAPL is Europe wide, will we also see a pan Europen Permit system removing the need there currently is for Permit aircraft to get permission from some countries and not others?