Medical issues - no more flying for me
Thread Starter
Why do it if it's not fun?
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,782
Likes: 12
From: Bournemouth
Medical issues - no more flying for me
My first post here for a very long time. First of all, apologies for the morbid nature of the post. If you’re not happy reading about medical issues and death, please close this post and move on. If you’re still with me, thank you, I really do appreciate it. I’ve known for many months that I won’t be able to fly again, but today it really hit home.
Back in 2015, after 11 years of flight instruction, I left the industry because of family circumstances. But I always intended to get back into flying again, just for fun, when money and family circumstances allowed.
Last year was to be that year. I’d started researching places to rent an aircraft, and I’d booked my medical. Then, last summer, weeks before my medical, I was admitted to hospital with what turned out to be a bleed from an adrenal mass. I spoke to my medical examiner, and asked if there was any point attending the medical. No, he said - not until I could prove a) that the issue wasn’t going to recur, and b) that I had normal adrenal function.
Well, a) was not an issue. I had discussed with my surgeon that we would remove one adrenal gland, together with the mass attached to it. Once the mass was removed, there was no chance of the issue recurring. As for b) my remaining adrenal gland would hopefully pick up the slack after a few months on steroids - I was hopeful I’d be able to fly again.
In December I had my operation, and in January I received the news that, although it didn’t show on my scans, the adrenal mass that the surgeon removed was a rare, aggressive form of cancer. I’ve been on chemotherapy since then, and the chemotherapy has slowed the cancer but not stopped it. But the specific drugs they’ve put me on have (intentionally) killed my remaining adrenal gland. So that means requirement b) to get my medical back is a non-starter. I will never regain normal adrenal function.
I’ve spent most of this year coming to terms not only with the fact that I’m going to die, but also that I won’t be able to log pilot time again before that happens.
This weekend, my local town are having a 1940s weekend, and today the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flew over the town to celebrate that fact. I’ve always had a huge amount of respect for warbirds - I can only imagine how amazing they must be to fly during peace time, but the courage of the young men who took them into battle with almost no training, many never to return… it’s an area of aviation I’ve always been interested in but never had a chance to be involved in. I was feeling too unwell to see the fly-past (and I’ve seen them many times before anyway), but my close family friend has sent me some pictures of the Lancaster. Through everything I’ve been through, not much has made me emotional. But seeing those pictures did, wishing I’d been able to stay out long enough to see the fly-past myself. It’s brought home more than before that I won’t be able to get a medical, to fly an aircraft, again.
The last time I flew was three years ago, when I renewed my IR (in order to not let it expire by 7 years so that I didn’t have to re-take the written exams if I ever wanted to renew it in future).
I have no regrets. The years I spent flying, instructing - they were some of the best years of my life. I will continue to look back on them very fondly - including many of the regulars from this forum whom I met and became friends with over the years.
As for the future, my financial priorities have changed due to my medical condition. It would be nice if I can find an instructor to do some dual with me, although of course I won’t be able to go solo without a medical. I’ll need to get my financial affairs in order, then see where I’m at, and figure out whether that’s realistic.
But unless I can make that happen, this is me checking out, with 4921 hours, 4694 hours PIC, 4393 hours of instruction given.
Thank you for reading my story, and fly safe!
Back in 2015, after 11 years of flight instruction, I left the industry because of family circumstances. But I always intended to get back into flying again, just for fun, when money and family circumstances allowed.
Last year was to be that year. I’d started researching places to rent an aircraft, and I’d booked my medical. Then, last summer, weeks before my medical, I was admitted to hospital with what turned out to be a bleed from an adrenal mass. I spoke to my medical examiner, and asked if there was any point attending the medical. No, he said - not until I could prove a) that the issue wasn’t going to recur, and b) that I had normal adrenal function.
Well, a) was not an issue. I had discussed with my surgeon that we would remove one adrenal gland, together with the mass attached to it. Once the mass was removed, there was no chance of the issue recurring. As for b) my remaining adrenal gland would hopefully pick up the slack after a few months on steroids - I was hopeful I’d be able to fly again.
In December I had my operation, and in January I received the news that, although it didn’t show on my scans, the adrenal mass that the surgeon removed was a rare, aggressive form of cancer. I’ve been on chemotherapy since then, and the chemotherapy has slowed the cancer but not stopped it. But the specific drugs they’ve put me on have (intentionally) killed my remaining adrenal gland. So that means requirement b) to get my medical back is a non-starter. I will never regain normal adrenal function.
I’ve spent most of this year coming to terms not only with the fact that I’m going to die, but also that I won’t be able to log pilot time again before that happens.
This weekend, my local town are having a 1940s weekend, and today the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flew over the town to celebrate that fact. I’ve always had a huge amount of respect for warbirds - I can only imagine how amazing they must be to fly during peace time, but the courage of the young men who took them into battle with almost no training, many never to return… it’s an area of aviation I’ve always been interested in but never had a chance to be involved in. I was feeling too unwell to see the fly-past (and I’ve seen them many times before anyway), but my close family friend has sent me some pictures of the Lancaster. Through everything I’ve been through, not much has made me emotional. But seeing those pictures did, wishing I’d been able to stay out long enough to see the fly-past myself. It’s brought home more than before that I won’t be able to get a medical, to fly an aircraft, again.
The last time I flew was three years ago, when I renewed my IR (in order to not let it expire by 7 years so that I didn’t have to re-take the written exams if I ever wanted to renew it in future).
I have no regrets. The years I spent flying, instructing - they were some of the best years of my life. I will continue to look back on them very fondly - including many of the regulars from this forum whom I met and became friends with over the years.
As for the future, my financial priorities have changed due to my medical condition. It would be nice if I can find an instructor to do some dual with me, although of course I won’t be able to go solo without a medical. I’ll need to get my financial affairs in order, then see where I’m at, and figure out whether that’s realistic.
But unless I can make that happen, this is me checking out, with 4921 hours, 4694 hours PIC, 4393 hours of instruction given.
Thank you for reading my story, and fly safe!
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 8,121
Likes: 686
From: Twickenham, home of rugby
Bloody hell, mate, I'm so really, really sorry to hear that.
You were one of the happy band I remember back in the early-mid 2000s - AerBabe, Tall Man in a 152, Penguina, Genghis, Whirlybird, Singapore Girl, BRL, and many others, who kept PF vibrant with fly-ins, tower visits and meet-ups.
Thank you for all you contributed here, for your instructing and advice and great company.
SD
You were one of the happy band I remember back in the early-mid 2000s - AerBabe, Tall Man in a 152, Penguina, Genghis, Whirlybird, Singapore Girl, BRL, and many others, who kept PF vibrant with fly-ins, tower visits and meet-ups.
Thank you for all you contributed here, for your instructing and advice and great company.
SD
Joined: Feb 2015
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 360
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Courageous. Kind. Intelligent. Gentlemanly. A fine friend and companion. Knows the glory of flight. Spent 205 days aloft. Taught hundreds of willing students the art and science and joy of flight.
FlyingForFun, you have my admiration and my hopes that you shall be with us for years to come. Stay Strong, Sir!
- Ed
FlyingForFun, you have my admiration and my hopes that you shall be with us for years to come. Stay Strong, Sir!
- Ed
Joined: Dec 2020
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 573
Likes: 296
From: https://youtube.com/watch?v=P8pihdksUHk&si=t_GX3ubmBvZ2CDgB
I am so sorry to read your post. We are all mortal obviously. We all have an appointment with death. None of us will escape. At least you have notice and able to prepare.
I am also aware, death is not the end. I believe, what comes after death is eternal.
If you would like to know more please PM. Me. What have you too loose?
May God bless you and your family.
I am also aware, death is not the end. I believe, what comes after death is eternal.
If you would like to know more please PM. Me. What have you too loose?
May God bless you and your family.
Last edited by RichardJones; 13th August 2025 at 17:38.
Thread Starter
Why do it if it's not fun?
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,782
Likes: 12
From: Bournemouth
Thanks for the kind words everyone. Saab Dastard - those were very happy times with a great bunch of people, exactly what I meant when I said I’d look back fondly on time with members of this forum.
Fleet Manager
Joined: Aug 2006
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 7,089
Likes: 2,952
From: Ontario, Canada
FFF, That's an unhappy story, I hope for you that the next phase of your life presents nice things which you have not really thought to look forward to yet.
Thirty years ago, I was a new volunteer firefighter. I used my airplane to search for, and find (the next day) a very recently retired Toronto Police officer. He had been enjoying a winter pastime, and it had gone wrong for him. He toiled at a job it was said that he came to not like, waiting to simply retire, and got less than three weeks of that retirement. Direct lesson: Wear you lifejacket! Indirect lesson: There's more to life than to go periods of time not enjoying it!
That was the day I started looking at life a little differently, you never know what's coming, and maybe a long recreational phase of later life as planned is not on a person's horizon. I decided that day to do my best to enjoy a short burst of recreation every day, so I could look back on that if times turned downward for me. Time turned downward eight years ago, and my wife was told that I would not survive the ambulance ride to Toronto. I did, but it wasn't looking good in general. My son in law, remembering what I had told him about my "enjoy a bit of every day plan" did his best to convey this to some rather worried family members. Whether it helped them, I'm not sure, but it made things a little less worse - and was true. When I came to four days later, realizing things were bad (first question from the doctors - can you wiggle your toes?), I was able to look back on a great life, and lots of time I devoted to being happy. Sort of the life flashing before your eyes thing, but a little after the fact - it was a great flash though!
Months later, I began to walk again, thinking that was a big achievement. My two airplanes sat, with my future with them being very uncertain. Seven months later, I decided to fly one of them, and it went well (my pilot medical had not been "taken away" - yet). I was honestly surprised that I could even get into the plane, let alone fly it (it fit like a well worn glove I'd flown the day before!). A year later, when Transport Canad finally became aware I had been injured, my medical was severely restricted so as to be useless to me. I contemplated it not being worth the effort to fight for it back, But, I did, and it was worth the fight. That was simply good fortune for me, I had no right to expect to ever hold a pilot medical again, and Transport Canada made no secret of their intent that I should give up.
Four years ago, I watched one of my planes burn in a hangar fire - the well worn glove one. I'd owned that plane for more than 30 years, and been all over the continent in it. (The bucking bronco plane survives to this day, it was outside). All this to say that I have learned that life is a series of acts (in the play sense), some elements overlap, some certainly do not - hard stop. For those nice things in life that must be surrendered, you get to keep the memories. Like a nice vacation to a place you loved, but can never return to, you have the memories, and maybe a few photos. Enjoying the recollection, when the actual pleasure is no longer there is a part of enjoying later in life. There are places I have been I will never return to. Airplanes I have flown that I will never fly again, people I have known that I will never speak with again, and after two very broken legs, and a broken back, running is a thing of the past for me. The best I can do is look fondly upon those memories
You have to focus on some unpleasant stuff coming up, and perhaps have had your vision of what to look forward to narrowed against your preference, you have my sympathy about that. But, you're recalling nice times, and nice people, and a lot of fun flying, that's something. I'm confident, based upon personal experience, that new things will come to you, which you can embrace and enjoy...
And, stick around here, and read the silly things that some of us are still doing with airplanes!
Best wishes,
Pilot DAR
Thirty years ago, I was a new volunteer firefighter. I used my airplane to search for, and find (the next day) a very recently retired Toronto Police officer. He had been enjoying a winter pastime, and it had gone wrong for him. He toiled at a job it was said that he came to not like, waiting to simply retire, and got less than three weeks of that retirement. Direct lesson: Wear you lifejacket! Indirect lesson: There's more to life than to go periods of time not enjoying it!
That was the day I started looking at life a little differently, you never know what's coming, and maybe a long recreational phase of later life as planned is not on a person's horizon. I decided that day to do my best to enjoy a short burst of recreation every day, so I could look back on that if times turned downward for me. Time turned downward eight years ago, and my wife was told that I would not survive the ambulance ride to Toronto. I did, but it wasn't looking good in general. My son in law, remembering what I had told him about my "enjoy a bit of every day plan" did his best to convey this to some rather worried family members. Whether it helped them, I'm not sure, but it made things a little less worse - and was true. When I came to four days later, realizing things were bad (first question from the doctors - can you wiggle your toes?), I was able to look back on a great life, and lots of time I devoted to being happy. Sort of the life flashing before your eyes thing, but a little after the fact - it was a great flash though!
Months later, I began to walk again, thinking that was a big achievement. My two airplanes sat, with my future with them being very uncertain. Seven months later, I decided to fly one of them, and it went well (my pilot medical had not been "taken away" - yet). I was honestly surprised that I could even get into the plane, let alone fly it (it fit like a well worn glove I'd flown the day before!). A year later, when Transport Canad finally became aware I had been injured, my medical was severely restricted so as to be useless to me. I contemplated it not being worth the effort to fight for it back, But, I did, and it was worth the fight. That was simply good fortune for me, I had no right to expect to ever hold a pilot medical again, and Transport Canada made no secret of their intent that I should give up.
Four years ago, I watched one of my planes burn in a hangar fire - the well worn glove one. I'd owned that plane for more than 30 years, and been all over the continent in it. (The bucking bronco plane survives to this day, it was outside). All this to say that I have learned that life is a series of acts (in the play sense), some elements overlap, some certainly do not - hard stop. For those nice things in life that must be surrendered, you get to keep the memories. Like a nice vacation to a place you loved, but can never return to, you have the memories, and maybe a few photos. Enjoying the recollection, when the actual pleasure is no longer there is a part of enjoying later in life. There are places I have been I will never return to. Airplanes I have flown that I will never fly again, people I have known that I will never speak with again, and after two very broken legs, and a broken back, running is a thing of the past for me. The best I can do is look fondly upon those memories
You have to focus on some unpleasant stuff coming up, and perhaps have had your vision of what to look forward to narrowed against your preference, you have my sympathy about that. But, you're recalling nice times, and nice people, and a lot of fun flying, that's something. I'm confident, based upon personal experience, that new things will come to you, which you can embrace and enjoy...
And, stick around here, and read the silly things that some of us are still doing with airplanes!
Best wishes,
Pilot DAR
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2000
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 14,480
Likes: 178
From: UK
Really sorry to hear about your position FFF, although glad to see you back with us electronically.
On a pragmatic note:
If you log into Cellma, and file a PMD, then so long as you are legal to drive, aren't on any psychiatric medication, and consider yourself fit to fly (possibly a challenge under chemotherapy, at least in the earlier parts of each cycle), you can fly subject to a few limitations: max 2000kg, max 3 pax, you can use an IMCR but not an IR, and you can use your FI but only for CRI level and NPPL instructing. It surprises me that this isn't better known.
If that doesn't work for you, fair enough, but you'd be very welcome to come up to White Waltham and get some air under the tyres in one of my Shareoplanes sometime.
G
On a pragmatic note:
I’ve spent most of this year coming to terms not only with the fact that I’m going to die, but also that I won’t be able to log pilot time again before that happens.
If that doesn't work for you, fair enough, but you'd be very welcome to come up to White Waltham and get some air under the tyres in one of my Shareoplanes sometime.
G
Joined: Mar 2002
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 3,398
Likes: 328
From: near an aeroplane
A moving story and a courageous post, thank you for sharing this with us. You have been given notice of an impending event that we all have a date with. Whether that knowledge is useful, disturbing or anything else is up to you and how you manage to deal with it. I hope that you will be able to find enjoyment and peace throughout every single day of the life ahead of you. I'm sure that there will be lots of opportunities to get air under the tyres, even if you will not be able to log them as PIC. Stick around and share your challenges and worries, we can deal with that as well as happy aeroplane stories.
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,856
Likes: 75
From: uk
Hi FFF, I have a feeling that our paths have crossed in the early 2000's when I used to fly BOIX. In fact, my last flight in BOIX was in early 2005, I lost my medical when diagnosed with leukaemia. Three months later, thanks to a marvellous NHS oncologist and newly available treatment, I was cleared by the CAA to fly again. What a wonderful feeling that was and I was able to fly again with a current licence after a few flights in BOKY. Thanks to the relaxed medical requirements, I carried on flying until 2021 when I sold my share in our aircraft at CA. Shortly after that I would have had to give up anyway for further medical reasons and age. I have managed to get "air under the tyres" several times since and, although I thoroughly enjoyed it, it wasn't the same.
I don't know about you, but I do get a nice warm feeling when I read the Gengis post above and I realise that I could probably still fly if I wanted to and my wife would let me.
I don't know about you, but I do get a nice warm feeling when I read the Gengis post above and I realise that I could probably still fly if I wanted to and my wife would let me.
Avoid imitations
Joined: Nov 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 15,115
Likes: 1,091
From: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
FfF,
I hope you stay healthy enough to achieve your personal goal with regard to getting back into the front seat.
After beginning my professional flying career in 1977 and before that having soloed in a glider in 1972 to “A&B” standard and then carried out an RAF Flying Scholarship the following year, I decided to hang up my flying kit slightly before my State Pension age in 2021 after various major health issues, not that they are relevant here.
Point is, I miss flying far less than I thought I would (although I certain miss earning a living from it, especially as I had to live off my savings for almost a year). These days I’m usually kept too busy to even think about it and tbh it’s beyond my budget anyway.
I hope you stay healthy enough to achieve your personal goal with regard to getting back into the front seat.
After beginning my professional flying career in 1977 and before that having soloed in a glider in 1972 to “A&B” standard and then carried out an RAF Flying Scholarship the following year, I decided to hang up my flying kit slightly before my State Pension age in 2021 after various major health issues, not that they are relevant here.
Point is, I miss flying far less than I thought I would (although I certain miss earning a living from it, especially as I had to live off my savings for almost a year). These days I’m usually kept too busy to even think about it and tbh it’s beyond my budget anyway.
Joined: Apr 2002
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 57
From: Surrey, UK ;
When I started reading I was going to give you the same sage advice that you got from Gengis.
After I had an MI 25 years ago I was required to spend a fortune on cardiac reviews (ECG, EEG, Treadmills)b each year to maintain a Class 2 and eventually I was delighted to find (and have with it the blessing of my cardiologist) the self declaration route. That works a treat and allows me to spend every Saturday morning bimbling around Surrey, Sussex, Kent, Essex and Hampshire alone and VFR.
If you ever hear me on Farnborough LARS in BUIJ then think of the money I am saving that allows me an extra 5 hours of flying a year. I thoroughly recommend it.
After I had an MI 25 years ago I was required to spend a fortune on cardiac reviews (ECG, EEG, Treadmills)b each year to maintain a Class 2 and eventually I was delighted to find (and have with it the blessing of my cardiologist) the self declaration route. That works a treat and allows me to spend every Saturday morning bimbling around Surrey, Sussex, Kent, Essex and Hampshire alone and VFR.
If you ever hear me on Farnborough LARS in BUIJ then think of the money I am saving that allows me an extra 5 hours of flying a year. I thoroughly recommend it.
Last edited by Dave Gittins; 15th August 2025 at 13:18.
Thread Starter
Why do it if it's not fun?
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,782
Likes: 12
From: Bournemouth
Thanks again for all the kind messages.
Genghis - it’s been many years, you were based out of Popham when we last spoke. Have you moved to White Waltham now? I’m so pleased to hear that - partly because it has a big place in my heart (I did my PPL there), but mostly because it’s not very far from me, so I will definitely take you up on that offer!
I now have a holiday home up in Lincolnshire, as well as the London home - and being holiday season, we are pretty booked up with family and friends who want to visit us in Lincolnshire. So it will be a while before I have spare time to get to White Waltham. But I will absolutely drop you a message in a few months time when my diary is less busy, and see if we can arrange some “shareoplane” time as you put it (hopefully the good weather will last until then!) - I’m extremely grateful for the offer! Speak soon!
Genghis - it’s been many years, you were based out of Popham when we last spoke. Have you moved to White Waltham now? I’m so pleased to hear that - partly because it has a big place in my heart (I did my PPL there), but mostly because it’s not very far from me, so I will definitely take you up on that offer!
I now have a holiday home up in Lincolnshire, as well as the London home - and being holiday season, we are pretty booked up with family and friends who want to visit us in Lincolnshire. So it will be a while before I have spare time to get to White Waltham. But I will absolutely drop you a message in a few months time when my diary is less busy, and see if we can arrange some “shareoplane” time as you put it (hopefully the good weather will last until then!) - I’m extremely grateful for the offer! Speak soon!
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2000
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 14,480
Likes: 178
From: UK
You'll be most welcome FFF.
Yes, I used to split my personal flying between Popham and Chilbolton. Now it's pretty much all centred on White Waltham, a place that makes me extremely happy; I presently have three shares - the boring useful share, the aerobatic share, and the vintage tailwheel share. This may be more than I need, but I'm lucky enough to keep them all going.
G
Yes, I used to split my personal flying between Popham and Chilbolton. Now it's pretty much all centred on White Waltham, a place that makes me extremely happy; I presently have three shares - the boring useful share, the aerobatic share, and the vintage tailwheel share. This may be more than I need, but I'm lucky enough to keep them all going.
G
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 818
Likes: 117
From: Cardiff
Really sorry to hear about your position FFF, although glad to see you back with us electronically.
On a pragmatic note:
If you log into Cellma, and file a PMD, then so long as you are legal to drive, aren't on any psychiatric medication, and consider yourself fit to fly (possibly a challenge under chemotherapy, at least in the earlier parts of each cycle), you can fly subject to a few limitations: max 2000kg, max 3 pax, you can use an IMCR but not an IR, and you can use your FI but only for CRI level and NPPL instructing. It surprises me that this isn't better known.
If that doesn't work for you, fair enough, but you'd be very welcome to come up to White Waltham and get some air under the tyres in one of my Shareoplanes sometime.
G
On a pragmatic note:
If you log into Cellma, and file a PMD, then so long as you are legal to drive, aren't on any psychiatric medication, and consider yourself fit to fly (possibly a challenge under chemotherapy, at least in the earlier parts of each cycle), you can fly subject to a few limitations: max 2000kg, max 3 pax, you can use an IMCR but not an IR, and you can use your FI but only for CRI level and NPPL instructing. It surprises me that this isn't better known.
If that doesn't work for you, fair enough, but you'd be very welcome to come up to White Waltham and get some air under the tyres in one of my Shareoplanes sometime.
G
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 66
From: Chedburgh, Bury St.Edmunds
This is the best advice I can ever give anyone. Live everyday as if it's your last, because one day you are bound to be right!!.[A quote from the film 'Breaker Morant] I am a survivor of serious cancer, three operations, followed by serious pulmonary blood clot. That was when I was 69, am now a pretty fit 83. I never complain about anything any more, am just extremely appreciative of the fact that I am still here with my lovely wife. Best wishes to all who are ill. Life is merely temporary. Do your best to enjoy it whilst you can.
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 295
Likes: 10
From: Temporarily Unsure!
Really sorry to hear about your position FFF, although glad to see you back with us electronically.
On a pragmatic note:
If you log into Cellma, and file a PMD, then so long as you are legal to drive, aren't on any psychiatric medication, and consider yourself fit to fly (possibly a challenge under chemotherapy, at least in the earlier parts of each cycle), you can fly subject to a few limitations: max 2000kg, max 3 pax, you can use an IMCR but not an IR, and you can use your FI but only for CRI level and NPPL instructing. It surprises me that this isn't better known.
If that doesn't work for you, fair enough, but you'd be very welcome to come up to White Waltham and get some air under the tyres in one of my Shareoplanes sometime.
G
On a pragmatic note:
If you log into Cellma, and file a PMD, then so long as you are legal to drive, aren't on any psychiatric medication, and consider yourself fit to fly (possibly a challenge under chemotherapy, at least in the earlier parts of each cycle), you can fly subject to a few limitations: max 2000kg, max 3 pax, you can use an IMCR but not an IR, and you can use your FI but only for CRI level and NPPL instructing. It surprises me that this isn't better known.
If that doesn't work for you, fair enough, but you'd be very welcome to come up to White Waltham and get some air under the tyres in one of my Shareoplanes sometime.
G
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2000
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 14,480
Likes: 178
From: UK
Sure, although there's a gotcha - you need to get yourself issued with a national, or "ANO" licence, which presumably will have the same ratings as your part FCL licence. The system to do this is a bit opaque so you may need to contact CAA directly about that.
This quote from the ANO has my bold...
(a) a National Private Pilot’s Licence or United Kingdom Private Pilot’s Licence; or
(b) a medical certificate granted under Section 2 of Subpart A of Part‑MED, including one which is valid for a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence issued under Part‑FCL; or
(c) made a medical declaration in accordance with paragraph (3) which has not ceased to be valid in accordance with paragraph (4) and the holder complies with the conditions in paragraph (5).
(3) The holder of a licence makes a medical declaration in accordance with this article if they—
(a) reasonably believe that they—
(i) meet the medical requirements for a Group 1 Licence issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency; and
(ii) are not subject to a disqualifying medical condition;
(b) make a declaration to that effect to the CAA in such form and in such manner as may be required or specified by the CAA; and
(c) in the case of a licence holder aged 70 years or more, have made such a declaration within the previous three years.
(4) <snip>
(5) The holder of a licence who has made a medical declaration in accordance with paragraph (3) and whose declaration has not ceased to be valid may exercise the privileges of the licence only—
(a) in an aircraft with a maximum take‑off mass of 5,700 kg or less;
(b) with not more than three passengers on board;
(c) by day, unless exercising privileges of a night rating;
(d) in visual meteorological conditions, unless exercising privileges of an IMC rating; and
(e) within the United Kingdom, unless specifically permitted otherwise.
We checked this with the CAA from the flying school I instruct at, regarding an instructor with cancer down to a PMD, they said that (this is directly from CAA policy)...
The reference to On-Track is to this document on their website. https://www.ontrackaviation.com/pdf/...Aug%202025.pdf
G
This quote from the ANO has my bold...
Air Navigation Order 2016 — Article 163 (Medical requirements for specified UK licences and the National Private Pilot’s Licence)
163.—(1) In this article, a “specified licence” means—(a) a National Private Pilot’s Licence or United Kingdom Private Pilot’s Licence; or
(b) a medical certificate granted under Section 2 of Subpart A of Part‑MED, including one which is valid for a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence issued under Part‑FCL; or
(c) made a medical declaration in accordance with paragraph (3) which has not ceased to be valid in accordance with paragraph (4) and the holder complies with the conditions in paragraph (5).
(3) The holder of a licence makes a medical declaration in accordance with this article if they—
(a) reasonably believe that they—
(i) meet the medical requirements for a Group 1 Licence issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency; and
(ii) are not subject to a disqualifying medical condition;
(b) make a declaration to that effect to the CAA in such form and in such manner as may be required or specified by the CAA; and
(c) in the case of a licence holder aged 70 years or more, have made such a declaration within the previous three years.
(4) <snip>
(5) The holder of a licence who has made a medical declaration in accordance with paragraph (3) and whose declaration has not ceased to be valid may exercise the privileges of the licence only—
(a) in an aircraft with a maximum take‑off mass of 5,700 kg or less;
(b) with not more than three passengers on board;
(c) by day, unless exercising privileges of a night rating;
(d) in visual meteorological conditions, unless exercising privileges of an IMC rating; and
(e) within the United Kingdom, unless specifically permitted otherwise.
There is a difference between a licence issued in accordance with Part-FCL and a licence issued in accordance with the ANO, as to the use of the PMD.
Holders of a Part-FCL licence, whether this be a LAPL, PPL, CPL, ATPL etc can use the PMD but only in accordance with MED.A.030 and/or the exemption (ORS4 No. 1597).
MED.A.030 says
(c) When exercising the privileges of a:
(1) light aircraft pilot licence (LAPL), a balloon pilot licence (BPL) issued in accordance with Annex III (Part-BFCL) to Regulation (EU) 2018/395, or a sailplane pilot licence (SPL) issued in accordance with Annex III (Part-SFCL) to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1976, the pilot shall hold at least a valid LAPL medical certificate or have made a medical declaration (except where the pilot is exercising the privileges of a LAPL in respect of a turbine engine helicopter, in which case the pilot shall hold at least a valid LAPL medical certificate);
(2) private pilot licence (PPL), the pilot shall hold at least a valid class 2 medical certificate (except where the pilot is exercising the privileges of a LAPL in respect of aircraft other than turbine engine helicopters, in which case the pilot shall hold at least a valid class 2 medical certificate or have made a medical declaration).
This, therefore, restricts the holder of a Part-FCL licence to exercising the privileges of the LAPL, when operating on a PMD. The privileges of the LAPL, do not include flight instruction.
The same is true when taking advantage of the exemption, paragraph 5(c) says
(c) Part-FCL LAPL(A) and PPL(A) holders must only exercise the privileges stated in FCL.105.A(a), that is to act as Pilot-In-Command (‘PIC’) on single-engine piston aeroplanes or Touring Motor Gliders (‘TMG’) with a maximum certified take-off mass (MTOM) 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.
However, as Ontrack have correctly stated here if a pilot also holds a PPL, CPL or ATPL issued in accordance with the ANO (referred to as a UK licence), then Article 163 of the ANO applies. Article 163 sets out the PMD, in addition it sets out the disqualifying medical conditions applicable for a pilot if the wish to operate an aircraft with a MTOM of at or less than 5700kg. A person under treatment for cancer would meet one of those disqualifying medical conditions.
This brings us back to the exemption, (ORS 4 No 1597), this removes most of the disqualifying medical conditions, with the exception of ‘they reasonably believe that they meet the medical requirements for a Group 1 (Car) Licence issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and are not taking medication for any psychiatric illness’, but limits the pilot to flying aircraft with a MTOM of at or less than 2000kg and carrying a maximum of 3 passengers, such that there are never more than 4 persons on board the aircraft.
As such you could have the holder of a PPL/CPL or ATPL issued in accordance with the ANO, with a valid Flight Instructors Certificate conduct flight instruction for the issue of a NPPL, LAPL (until the beginning of October 2025) and PPL, having made a PMD to the at or less than 2000kg criteria. They would be able to fly Part 21 aircraft because Article 3 (3) of the Aircrew Regulation was amended to recognise licences issued in accordance with the ANO.
Given the pilot’s condition if they are considering using the exemption and making a medical declaration, they need to be aware of the information on the DVLA Website in relation to medical conditions. There is specific guidance on people under treatment for cancer: https://www.gov.uk/cancer-and-driving
Finally, and perhaps most importantly pilots are reminded that the essential requirement of pilot medical fitness remains. Licence holders are reminded of their responsibility in the event of a decrease in their fitness with respect to an illness, medical condition, medical surgery, or treatment that may affect the safe operation of an aircraft. Pilots are encouraged to use assessment tools such as ‘I am safe’, to honestly assess their physical and mental health. CAA has recently published a safety sense leaflet on the subject: Pilot Health and Performance Safety Sense Leaflet
Holders of a Part-FCL licence, whether this be a LAPL, PPL, CPL, ATPL etc can use the PMD but only in accordance with MED.A.030 and/or the exemption (ORS4 No. 1597).
MED.A.030 says
(c) When exercising the privileges of a:
(1) light aircraft pilot licence (LAPL), a balloon pilot licence (BPL) issued in accordance with Annex III (Part-BFCL) to Regulation (EU) 2018/395, or a sailplane pilot licence (SPL) issued in accordance with Annex III (Part-SFCL) to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1976, the pilot shall hold at least a valid LAPL medical certificate or have made a medical declaration (except where the pilot is exercising the privileges of a LAPL in respect of a turbine engine helicopter, in which case the pilot shall hold at least a valid LAPL medical certificate);
(2) private pilot licence (PPL), the pilot shall hold at least a valid class 2 medical certificate (except where the pilot is exercising the privileges of a LAPL in respect of aircraft other than turbine engine helicopters, in which case the pilot shall hold at least a valid class 2 medical certificate or have made a medical declaration).
This, therefore, restricts the holder of a Part-FCL licence to exercising the privileges of the LAPL, when operating on a PMD. The privileges of the LAPL, do not include flight instruction.
The same is true when taking advantage of the exemption, paragraph 5(c) says
(c) Part-FCL LAPL(A) and PPL(A) holders must only exercise the privileges stated in FCL.105.A(a), that is to act as Pilot-In-Command (‘PIC’) on single-engine piston aeroplanes or Touring Motor Gliders (‘TMG’) with a maximum certified take-off mass (MTOM) 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.
However, as Ontrack have correctly stated here if a pilot also holds a PPL, CPL or ATPL issued in accordance with the ANO (referred to as a UK licence), then Article 163 of the ANO applies. Article 163 sets out the PMD, in addition it sets out the disqualifying medical conditions applicable for a pilot if the wish to operate an aircraft with a MTOM of at or less than 5700kg. A person under treatment for cancer would meet one of those disqualifying medical conditions.
This brings us back to the exemption, (ORS 4 No 1597), this removes most of the disqualifying medical conditions, with the exception of ‘they reasonably believe that they meet the medical requirements for a Group 1 (Car) Licence issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and are not taking medication for any psychiatric illness’, but limits the pilot to flying aircraft with a MTOM of at or less than 2000kg and carrying a maximum of 3 passengers, such that there are never more than 4 persons on board the aircraft.
As such you could have the holder of a PPL/CPL or ATPL issued in accordance with the ANO, with a valid Flight Instructors Certificate conduct flight instruction for the issue of a NPPL, LAPL (until the beginning of October 2025) and PPL, having made a PMD to the at or less than 2000kg criteria. They would be able to fly Part 21 aircraft because Article 3 (3) of the Aircrew Regulation was amended to recognise licences issued in accordance with the ANO.
Given the pilot’s condition if they are considering using the exemption and making a medical declaration, they need to be aware of the information on the DVLA Website in relation to medical conditions. There is specific guidance on people under treatment for cancer: https://www.gov.uk/cancer-and-driving
Finally, and perhaps most importantly pilots are reminded that the essential requirement of pilot medical fitness remains. Licence holders are reminded of their responsibility in the event of a decrease in their fitness with respect to an illness, medical condition, medical surgery, or treatment that may affect the safe operation of an aircraft. Pilots are encouraged to use assessment tools such as ‘I am safe’, to honestly assess their physical and mental health. CAA has recently published a safety sense leaflet on the subject: Pilot Health and Performance Safety Sense Leaflet
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