As far as i understand there is the re-val by experience way (i.e. the one being mentioned) and the pro-efficiency check - which is the same as a mini ppl if you dont have the 12 take off and landings etc etc . If you fall outside the validity you are liable to take al 7 PPL subjects again
No.
1. You may revalidate either by experience, or by licensing proficiency check (LPC). If the LPC is flown in the last 3 months of the validity period, your next validity date will be 2 years from the expiry of the old one (minus one day, it seems...
).
2. The proficiency check takes roughly an hour and is simpler than the PPL Skill Test.
3. If you don't revalidate before the expiry date of your rating, you will need to renew by flying a renewal licensing skill test (LST). The content of which is identical to the LPC, but the conduct is more formal.
4. An examiner completes form SRG1119 which you should provide when revalidating, he/she will also need to see your personal flying logbook. He/she will make the appropriate entry in your licence 'Certificate of Revalidation'. Due to a CAA error, the licence has to be signed within the last 3 months of the validity period (no matter when you gained the appropriate revalidation experience) in order that your next validity date remains 2 years (minus a day) from the old expiry date - if signed earlier the next validity date will be 2 years (minus a day) from the date of signature....
5. If you approach the Examiner with everything correctly prepared and ready for signature, he/she would be greedy in the extreme to expect payment. But if you turn up with a logbook which hasn't been maintained correctly, a licence which you forgot to sign and without having downloaded and filled out your SRG1119, it is entirely plausible that the Examiner will charge for the time needed to wade through your scruffy paperwork. There is
no fee to pay to the CAA if revalidating or renewing
unless the renewal is 5 years or more after the rating exiry date.
6. Download the SRG1119 at
http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/SRG1119.pdf . It is
your responsibility, not the Examiner's, to send the completed form to the CAA.
7. Once you've passed your PPL, you
never need to take the PPL written exams ever again, no matter how 'expired' your licence or rating might become.
8. If it's 5 years or more since you last held a valid class rating, you will be required to answer oral questions from the Examiner when flying the renewal LST. Your SRG1119, licence and logbook will have to be sent to the CAA and there will be a fee to pay.