is solo practice legal, could it be done under the guise of practice for the issue of ssea?
If the aircraft is a Non EASA aircraft then according to Article 52(2) (f) it is legal. If the pilot holds a JAA/EASA licence then a NPPL medical declaration is not valid for use with that licence.
It would seem to me that this pilot should revalidate his SEP which requires a Course Completion Certificate issued by an RF or ATO and a Proficiency Check, what value has solo practice to meet this aim? Hopefully, any FI would fly with a candidate before sending them solo, if the pilot is up to standard all he needs is a test wheras if he is not up to standard, further training is required.
Under FCL.1030 (a) (2) The examiner is required to check that the candidate complies with all the qualification, training and experience requirements for rating issue, revalidation or renewal which will include a valid medical.