PPL limited to VFR?
A number of comments have incorrectly stated that the holder of a PPL is restricted to VFR flight only. This is not strictly correct. The UK PPL(A) and JAA FCL PPLs allow flight in IMC in class G airspace as long as the pilot can still see the ground and maintains the specified flight visibility. (I,e the vertical and horizontal distances from cloud do not apply.) The NPPL does require the pilot to remain VFR at all times.
Where is this info? The Air Navigation Order - part of which is appended.
ANO Jan 2008 (CAP
PPL (A) & JAA FCL PPL
c) unless his licence includes an instrument rating (aeroplane) or an instrument
meteorological conditions rating (aeroplanes), fly as pilot in command of such an
aeroplane:
(i) on a flight outside controlled airspace when the flight visibility is less than
3 km;
(ii) on a special VFR flight in a control zone in a flight visibility of less than 10
km except on a route or in an aerodrome traffic zone notified for the
purpose of this sub-paragraph; or
(iii) out of sight of the surface;
(e) unless his licence includes an instrument rating (aeroplane), fly as pilot in
command or co-pilot of such an aeroplane flying in Class A, B or C airspace in
circumstances which require compliance with the Instrument Flight Rules;
(f) unless his licence includes an instrument rating (aeroplane) or an instrument
meteorological conditions rating (aeroplanes), fly as pilot in command or co-pilot
of such an aeroplane flying in Class D or E airspace in circumstances which
require compliance with the Instrument Flight Rules; or
NPPL
(5) He shall not fly:
(a) as pilot in command of such a SSEA on a flight outside controlled airspace when
the flight visibility is less than 5 km;
(b) as pilot in command of such a SLMG or microlight aeroplane on a flight outside
controlled airspace when the flight visibility is less than 3 km.
(c) as pilot in command of any such aeroplane:
(i) on a special VFR flight in a control zone in a flight visibility of less than 10
km;
(ii) out of sight of the surface; or
(iii) at night; or
(d) as pilot in command of any such an aeroplane in circumstances which require
compliance with the Instrument Flight Rules.