I recommended to another airline pilot to obtain a NPPL and Medical Declaration whilst he sorted his Class 1. That way, you can continue to fly little aeroplanes and not affect your ability to obtain/retain your professional licence.
This chap was able to obtain a LAPL medical, and had considered obtaining a EASA LAPL whilst unable to obtain a Class 1. However, he was unaware that it would require him to surrender his EASA ATPL to do this. This would have meant re-applying for his ATPL when he became medically fit in order to carry out his airline job.
A NPPL is good for EASA and non-EASA aircraft until April 2015, and just non-EASA aircraft thereafter. Providing your SEP rating is current and you can obtain a NPPL Medical Declaration, the application process is just a paperwork exercise.
Going forward, see what medical it is possible to obtain. This may lead you down the EASA CPL, PPL or LAPL route.
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