LAPL transition to new revalidation rules
 

UK CAA has determined that all UK LAPL holders must transition to a fixed validity process by 1 October 2026. All well and good.

However, there is a potential trap for the unwary licence holder. Until 1 October 2026 they must still comply with the 'last flight with an instructor within the last 24 months' rule from their old process.
The CAA says (as I understand it) I can sign up a LAPL today giving him two years based on having sufficient hours and having last flown with an instructor on, maybe, 10 July 2024. So his SEP is now 'valid' until 31 January 2028. Except, if he flies on, say, 3 August 2026 he is outside of the 24 months since flying with an instructor; he's flying illegally.

[Just a note, it wasn't me that highlighted this problem, I'm just proposing a solution].

What I'm planning on doing for LAPL holders during transition is to give them an SEP validity only until the end of their current two years window, if you see what I mean. So, with the bloke in my example above, I'll sign his SEP up until 31 June 2026. That way when he checks his licence he won't be misled into flying in August or September this year without another instructor flight.

Maybe that is what CAA was intending?

Views please.

I don't think that you have the right to restrict the new validity date in the way you propose.

The CAA are well aware of the problem, which stems from the OiD submitted to the DfT. It might well be that an exemption from the 'rolling validity' will be released for LAPL holders who have transitioned to fixed validity.

The CAA has indicated it doesn't intend to do anything about this so why not just do a flight with them and sign them off. Or tell them not to fly until they come back into validity again.
You couldn't make it up if you tried!

Notwithstanding the question about whether I can or can't 'restrict' their SEP validity period, as the CAA appears inclined to leave this bear trap in place I'll be doing as I proposed, or offer them a revalidation flight.

That way I reduce the chance of them flying inadvertently illegally which seems a rather more sensible option.

I f you are signing them up as a 945 FI then the problem can't occur. If you are signing them up as an examiner just tell them to make sure they fly with a FI/CRI if they are going to fly beyond their original 24 month window and up to 1 Oct 26.