Thanks for the replies guys, great advice!
I went to talk to my flying instructor that I had when doing my PPL and he suggested that as I want to continue flying SEP(L)
and microlight in the future I might be best renewing my SEP rating in my PPL and then get difference training to allow me to fly microlights.
Would it be a good idea to renew the SEP rating prior to AESA regulations coming in to force? i.e. would/could it cause me problems in the future if EASA comes in to force when I don't have a valid rating in my license?
Once again apologies if the above makes no sense, things have changed so much since 'my days' but I'm trying hard to get back up to speed.
Edit: from CAA site...
I have a UK PPL (pre-JAA), how will the changes affect me?
Subject to compliance with the revalidation/renewal requirements your licence and ratings will remain valid for non-EASA aircraft only into the future. If you intend to fly EASA aircraft after the EU rules are fully implemented you must obtain an EASA licence. The European regulations will allow a transition period for this. A UK PPL may be used to fly EASA aircraft that are within the scope of the licence and ratings until 7th April 2014. It is also expected that the transition arrangements for the introduction of the LAPL will mean that a UK licence may continue to be used until 7th April 2015 to fly EASA aircraft under 2,000 kg MTOM and with not more than 4 occupants, for private purposes only.
To continue to fly EASA aircraft after the relevant end date, the holder of a UK PPL must apply to the CAA for a Part-FCL licence, with evidence that he complies with the conversion requirements set out in Annex 2 of the “Aircrew Regulation”. (See Attachment 4 to the CAA document “Expected effects on pilot licensing in the UK”). Assuming that compliance is shown, the licence holder will receive a non-expiring EASA Part-FCL licence with the Part-FCL ratings that are valid on the date of issue. It is intended that the Air Navigation Order will be amended so that the class ratings contained in a Part-FCL licence will be valid for the piloting of non-EASA aircraft within those classes. If the UK licence contains UK-specific ratings, such as a microlight rating, the licence holder will also be granted a non-expiring UK licence containing those ratings.