Been doing a lot of reading on this.
It would seem that you can learn to fly on a LAA certificated aircraft subject to strict conditions:
Learning to fly in a LAA aircraft is quite legal, but the following conditions apply.
1. An owner may receive remunerated (or un-remunerated) flight training in his own LAA aircraft provided he is a ‘sole’ owner and not part of a group ownership. (Direct family members of the owner’s immediate family are also acceptable).
2. The solo part of the PPL syllabus can be carried out in a single seat LAA aircraft as long as the aircraft is similar to that being used for dual instruction, is suitably equipped, and the instructor is satisfied that it is compatible with accepted flight training practices.
3. ‘Simulated’instrument training as required by the PPL syllabus,and training towards the IMC rating is acceptable in a LAA aircraft provided it is suitably equipped.
4. Examination,asrequiredbythePPLsyllabus,maybecarriedoutinaLAA aircraft,butonly if un-remunerated. The aircraft must also be suitably equipped.
5. All abinitio flight training must be conducted from a licensed airfield.Please note that this is due to change in April 2010.
6. All flight training is at the discretion of,and under the control of,the Flight Instructor whois legally responsible for the student pilot when that student is flying. There is a mandatory requirement for certain types of remunerated flight training to be given and received by members of the same flying club, depending largely on the qualifications held by the instructor. Broadly this only applies to instructors who are PPL and restricted BCPL holders, but not to non-restricted BCPLs, CPLs, and ATPLs, who hold an instructor rating.
Now it would appear that many of the BGA registered motor gliders are maintained to a similar standard yet training is allowed by significantly less qualified flying instructors for a national licence, as long as that is in a non commercial enviroment.
Yet many of these non commercial enviroments seem to provide a living for the people involved.
I could quote easy examples - but....
It would seem to be an unfair playing field with many blind eyes.