scottymilne, actually it most certainly
is possible to include a Microlight Class Rating in a non-NPPL under the provisions of ORS4 No.865, (see AIC W080/2010 dated 7 Oct 2010):
2 Procedure for obtaining an SSEA, SLMG or microlight aeroplane class rating:
2.1 The holder of a UK National (non-NPPL(A)) or UK-issued JAR-FCL aeroplane licence, who has an NPPL(A) Medical Declaration, may obtain SSEA, SLMG or microlight aeroplane class ratings by the following routes:
a. A pilot with an SEP class rating that has not expired (and is included in a licence that has not expired) may exercise the privileges of an SSEA, SLMG or microlight class rating for the remaining validity of the SEP rating (or licence if the licence expires before the SEP rating) subject to having completed differences training as appropriate. When the SEP rating expires the licence holder may apply for an SSEA, SLMG or microlight class rating to be added to their licence, providing that the licence has not expired.
The holder of an SEP rating may apply for an SSEA, SLMG or microlight class rating before the current SEP rating expires, in which case the initial period of validity of the ratings will be equal to the remaining validity of the existing SEP.
b. Where the SEP class rating has expired by not more than 5 years, the licence holder may qualify to have an SSEA, SLMG or microlight class rating added to their (non-expired) licence by completing any training required and passing the NPPL(A) General Skill Test (GST) in an SSEA, SLMG or microlight aeroplane as applicable.
c. Where the SEP class rating has expired by more than 5 years, the licence holder shall pass the NPPL(A) GST and associated oral theoretical knowledge examination for the desired rating before it may be added to their (non-expired) licence. Ground and flight training to prepare for the GST may be undertaken with an appropriately qualified Flight Instructor or Class Rating Instructor for single pilot aeroplanes and/or in the case of SLMGs and microlight aeroplanes, an appropriately qualified SLMG or microlight aeroplane Flying Instructor or microlight aeroplane Assistant Flying Instructor.
You will
not need to hold a JAA Class 2 Medical Certificate as a Medical Declaration will suffice.
Despite forthcoming €urocracy, the CAA has indicated that you will be able to continue to fly Microlight Class aeroplanes on your UK PPL(A) with Microlight Class Rating.
Were you to go down the route of renewing your SEP Class Rating, you would also need a JAA Class 2 Medical Certificate and to complete relevant Microlight conversion training. Even then, hours flown in a Microlight would not count towards the next revalidation of your SEP Class Rating.
Although you could alternatively obtain an NPPL, in your
specific case, because you already hold a non-expiring, lifetime pilot licence, the better option appears to me to be for you to add a Microlight Class Rating to your existing UK PPL(A). Whatever you decide, do give the ever-helpful BMAA a ring and they will explain things further.