Instructing on a PMD over 2000kg MAUW

[Kemble Pitts]

Cookie has posted 'elsewhere' on a new CAA interpretation that allows an FI(A) and a CRI(A) to instruct using a PMD. My query is, does this include instruction on an SEP over 2000kg MAUW? If so, it could save a chunk of cash every year on a medical.

ANO Part 6 (Aircrew), Chapter 3 (Medical Certificates), Article 163 would indicate that this is the case:

Am I missing some other information that over-rides this?

[Genghis the Engineer]

This is from a summary of PMD conditions in the 2001-5700kg bracket on On-Track's website. They're not good at quoting their sources so you might need to go dig into those yourself, but so far as I know it's legit.

You may fly an aircraft no greater than 5700 kg MTOM provided you do not suffer from any physical or mental condition or illness, or any history of such a condition or illness that might impair the safe operation of normal flight controls or render you unfit at any time to perform any function for which the licence is granted.

As a minimum, such conditions include:
a. any alcohol or drug abuse, addiction or misuse;
b. any neurological condition requiring medication;
c. any functional disability likely to impair safe operation of normal flight controls;
d. any recent surgery or new medical treatment;
e. any collapse, fainting (syncope), seizure or loss of consciousness;
f. any history of (a) to (e); or
g. other medical conditions specified by the UK CAA:
i. Being prescribed medication for any psychiatric illness;
ii.Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or other psychotic illness, or a diagnosis of personality disorder;
iii.Dementia or cognitive impairment;
iv.Being prescribed medication or treatment for angina or heart failure;
v.Cardiac surgical procedures including coronary angioplasty or stenting and cardiac device implantation;
vi.Insulin treatment for diabetes;
vii. Chronic lung disease with shortness of breath on exertion.

If any of the above are present or you are unsure about the applicability of a condition, treatment or medication, you must consult with a UK CAA AME to discuss if these conditions, treatments or medications would prevent you making a medical declaration.

So if you're just trying to save money, you may be okay. If you have lost your class 1/2 for any medical reasons, the odds are against you.

G

[BEagle]

CAP3059 includes the following:

Phase 2 Consultation Outcome – CAA Decision no.1
We will remove the 5700kg category and restrict the PMD to at or less than 2000kg category

[Whopity]

I sugest you read ORS4 No 1629 issued on 19th Sept 25, this replaced ORS 4 No 1628 issued on 15th September the subtle difference being:

(e) Holders of Part-FCL LAPL(A) and PPL(A) must only exercise the privileges stated in FCL.105.A(a) and FCL.205.A(a), that is to act as PIC on single-engine piston aeroplanes (including microlights) or TMG with a maximum certified take-off mass of 2,000 kg or less, carrying a maximum of 3 passengers, such that there are never more than 4 persons on board the aircraft, but must not provide flight instruction or examination for the gaining, revalidation or renewal of a licence, rating or certificate.

There is lots of talk about possible maybes and intended changes but nothing positive has emerged except that you can exercise Instructor privileges for a National Licence using a National Licence for SEP, TMG and Microlight ratings. The chances are that the National Licence contains a remark prohibiting any instruction for a PART-FCL Licence. I have heard rumours that this may be about to change, but so far there is nothing difinitive on the streets.

[Kemble Pitts]

Thanks for the replies. I have read the latest ORSs (and I note that rather confused CAA output over the last week).

The current rules (as per the ANO) do not restrict to 2000kg. I don't believe an ORS can decide to be more restrictive than the ANO as currently published. Debate.

(and 'no' GTE, I haven't lost my medical)

[Genghis the Engineer]

Originally Posted by Kemble Pitts

(and 'no' GTE, I haven't lost my medical)

I did for a while, which is why I became reasonably expert on the rules about it.

G

[Genghis the Engineer]

Originally Posted by Whopity

I sugest you read ORS4 No 1629 issued on 19th Sept 25, this replaced ORS 4 No 1628 issued on 15th September the subtle difference being:

There is lots of talk about possible maybes and intended changes but nothing positive has emerged except that you can exercise Instructor privileges for a National Licence using a National Licence for SEP, TMG and Microlight ratings. The chances are that the National Licence contains a remark prohibiting any instruction for a PART-FCL Licence. I have heard rumours that this may be about to change, but so far there is nothing difinitive on the streets.

My national licence contains no such remark, and during the period (thankfully now over) my medical was suspended, I went to CAA about it and got written confirmation that I could instruct on that licence, including part FCL instructing. It's absurd, but it's what it is.

G

[ASRAAMTOO]

I received the following 'Skywise' email from the CAA today:

"We are planning changes to the regulations that currently allow flight instruction on SEP/TMG aircraft (Part 21 and non-Part 21) by instructors who have made a Pilot Medical Declaration (PMD) instead of holding a Class 2 Medical Certificate.

We intend to amend the regulations to protect the standard of the Part-FCL PPL and ensure students can choose training with medically certified instructors.

A formal consultation will begin in the coming months. Pilots may continue to apply for ANO licence conversions but should be aware that PMD-based instruction privileges may be withdrawn".

It also says read more on our website, there is slightly more there where it says they will leave balloon,microlight and sailplane instructors as is. No comments on what happens to NPPL instruction or instruction in non Part 21 aircraft though.

So a few thoughts. This makes it clear that for those with an 'ANO' licence it is currently OK to instruct on Part FCL and Non Part FCL Aircraft.

It would also appear that the CAA are unhappy with this state of affairs. I suspect they are addressing this now because quite a few folks are applying for ANO licences!

This could be because recent changes to medical policy are requiring many on blood pressure medications to do an exercise ECG every year in order to retain their class 2 and the PMD/ANO route currently offers a way around this. The hassle and expense involved certainly acts as a deterrent for those retired folks who only do a bit of part time instructing, unfortunately many clubs rely on that knowledge and expertise.

There are a great deal of pros and cons to the requirement for an FI to hold a class 2 and to be honest they are really the same as those applying to someone instructing for a NPPL, I'd be reluctant to highlight THAT particular argument though in case the CAA get it into their heads to ban all instruction without a class 2!

Anyway, there is a formal consultation coming up so I encourage all of you to comment when it opens.

[BEagle]

As the SkyWise alert refers to

flight instruction under Part FCL on SEP/TMG aircraft

, I have asked the CAA to clarify the future situation for an ANO-licensed PPL/FI providing flight instruction for the NPPL(A) on SEP/TMG aircraft.