NPPL M to SSEA conversion with a previous PPLA
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Joined: Nov 2025
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
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From: cornwall
NPPL M to SSEA conversion with a previous PPLA
Hi
I hope I may get definite answer to this,
I had a PPL A from 1985 to 2015 when I had a stroke that to this day has left me partially disabled especially the left hand/arm and leg
The medical was suspended.
For 5 years I flew Gliders but only with an instructor as a safety pilot .
After a flight in a C42 I found my left arm has regained enough functionality to operate the throttle with just a clip on larger throttle grip.
i passed the GST and gained a NPPL-M using my previous 650 hours PPLA time .
A year later I bought my own microlight a SD1 Minisport operating under PMD .
I a full driving licence and I am not on medication for my stroke as it was a brain haemorrhage not a clot.
A great fun aircraft but two stroke engine , is ok for short local flights , but would prefer now a bigger two seater aircraft with a 4 stroke engine to do longer flights in comfort.
On my NPPL there is a box under the Microlight for a SSEA.
i was told by one instructor in his view that my PPL was for life and to get the SSEA rating was just a difference training and no further tests required.
I cannot collaborate this on the CAA website , it assumes you move on from a Microlight to SSEA with the necessary hours and and GFT etc.
I am interested in buying a Sonex or a Pulsar ( an aircraft I did own before selling it for a Pitts special just before my stroke) , Microlights that I would like are unfortunately well above my budget.
The LAA say you can do training on a your own two seat aircraft as long as it meets the instructors requirements.
Has anyone done anything similar ?
Also is it correct that due to having a PPL A before and I’ve got over 30 hours on three axis Microlights
I wouldn’t need to go through hours of extra training and another GST ?
Regards
Kelvin
I hope I may get definite answer to this,
I had a PPL A from 1985 to 2015 when I had a stroke that to this day has left me partially disabled especially the left hand/arm and leg
The medical was suspended.
For 5 years I flew Gliders but only with an instructor as a safety pilot .
After a flight in a C42 I found my left arm has regained enough functionality to operate the throttle with just a clip on larger throttle grip.
i passed the GST and gained a NPPL-M using my previous 650 hours PPLA time .
A year later I bought my own microlight a SD1 Minisport operating under PMD .
I a full driving licence and I am not on medication for my stroke as it was a brain haemorrhage not a clot.
A great fun aircraft but two stroke engine , is ok for short local flights , but would prefer now a bigger two seater aircraft with a 4 stroke engine to do longer flights in comfort.
On my NPPL there is a box under the Microlight for a SSEA.
i was told by one instructor in his view that my PPL was for life and to get the SSEA rating was just a difference training and no further tests required.
I cannot collaborate this on the CAA website , it assumes you move on from a Microlight to SSEA with the necessary hours and and GFT etc.
I am interested in buying a Sonex or a Pulsar ( an aircraft I did own before selling it for a Pitts special just before my stroke) , Microlights that I would like are unfortunately well above my budget.
The LAA say you can do training on a your own two seat aircraft as long as it meets the instructors requirements.
Has anyone done anything similar ?
Also is it correct that due to having a PPL A before and I’ve got over 30 hours on three axis Microlights
I wouldn’t need to go through hours of extra training and another GST ?
Regards
Kelvin
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Ontario, Canada
Welcome KPR!
Though I'm not familiar with the nuances of the CAA licensing system, so I can't help with your specific question - I'm confident someone who is will be along shortly to offer an opinion.
In general, push the system to allow you to advance as far into medical privileges as you can demonstrate medical fitness - don't listen to the first "no's" that you hear. I was injured in a plane crash eight years ago, and walking again was being questioned, let alone flying. I went through physical and regulatory rollercoasters, many of which were justified, and a few just bloody minded on the part of the authority. I did not take no for an answer, only "not yet"....Ultimately I demonstrated fitness, and the absence of any disqualifying condition (which was more difficult), and I have been back at it for many years.
Yes, flying is a privilege for us, but holding the license and medical is a right if you meet the requirements! Exercise them as much as you are able!
Though I'm not familiar with the nuances of the CAA licensing system, so I can't help with your specific question - I'm confident someone who is will be along shortly to offer an opinion.
In general, push the system to allow you to advance as far into medical privileges as you can demonstrate medical fitness - don't listen to the first "no's" that you hear. I was injured in a plane crash eight years ago, and walking again was being questioned, let alone flying. I went through physical and regulatory rollercoasters, many of which were justified, and a few just bloody minded on the part of the authority. I did not take no for an answer, only "not yet"....Ultimately I demonstrated fitness, and the absence of any disqualifying condition (which was more difficult), and I have been back at it for many years.
Yes, flying is a privilege for us, but holding the license and medical is a right if you meet the requirements! Exercise them as much as you are able!
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From: Strathaven Airfield
OK, all the licensing changed on October 1st this year.
However, your old PPL is still a different licence to an NPPL, and on the NPPL there are still different ratings, albeit sometimes with different names. As I understand it, the SSEA has become SEP.
So, I understand you have a current NPPL Microlight. To add another rating - ie SEP - you will have to do a GST. You may also have to do a written exam or two.
Since the changes are so new, I do not know if your previous PPL will exempt you from any written exams, if they are needed.
Best thing to do would be to contact the BMAA, presuming you are a member.
However, your old PPL is still a different licence to an NPPL, and on the NPPL there are still different ratings, albeit sometimes with different names. As I understand it, the SSEA has become SEP.
So, I understand you have a current NPPL Microlight. To add another rating - ie SEP - you will have to do a GST. You may also have to do a written exam or two.
Since the changes are so new, I do not know if your previous PPL will exempt you from any written exams, if they are needed.
Best thing to do would be to contact the BMAA, presuming you are a member.
Joined: May 1999
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From: Quite near 'An aerodrome somewhere in England'
So, I understand you have a current NPPL Microlight. To add another rating - ie SEP - you will have to do a GST. You may also have to do a written exam or two.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2025
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From: cornwall
Thanks for the reply , I’m a LAA member , I may contact them.but I will contact the BMAA , the Aircraft I own is a SSDR so I don’t need a permit from any of these organisations. The LAA is a covers the aircraft that interests me having been a member for 30 years.
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From: cornwall
Many thanks for the reply . That is useful to know. Different instructors have different answers.
All I know is getting a SEP license would require a class 2 medical, very difficult if you had a stroke even 10 years ago.
PMD is so much easier if you qualify for a full driving licence and not on any medication that disqualifies you.
The PMD limits SSEA up to 2000 kg which is fine for a Sonex Thats less than 1000 kg MAX
LAA say you can be checked out on your own aircraft, unfortunately the Sonex requires a light instructor and a brave one, that will fly on a home built Aerovee engine lol.
It’s the engine on this thats putting me off , I’ve flown behind quite a few VW engines and they are pretty reliable if maintained. But not one assembled by the builder. 169 hours then rebuilt by the original owner then only done 20 hours by the last two owners no info why it was rebuilt , trying to get that info. - red flag here lol.
All I know is getting a SEP license would require a class 2 medical, very difficult if you had a stroke even 10 years ago.
PMD is so much easier if you qualify for a full driving licence and not on any medication that disqualifies you.
The PMD limits SSEA up to 2000 kg which is fine for a Sonex Thats less than 1000 kg MAX
LAA say you can be checked out on your own aircraft, unfortunately the Sonex requires a light instructor and a brave one, that will fly on a home built Aerovee engine lol.
It’s the engine on this thats putting me off , I’ve flown behind quite a few VW engines and they are pretty reliable if maintained. But not one assembled by the builder. 169 hours then rebuilt by the original owner then only done 20 hours by the last two owners no info why it was rebuilt , trying to get that info. - red flag here lol.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2025
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
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From: cornwall
I did a google search and this was the result . I’m surprised the CAA are being so lenient .
Maybe they realise with the 600kg Microlights these days, some of them can cross the Atlantic at 180mph with a 1200+ mile range , far exceeding many GA aircraft they needed bring to two categories closer together?
Maybe they realise with the 600kg Microlights these days, some of them can cross the Atlantic at 180mph with a 1200+ mile range , far exceeding many GA aircraft they needed bring to two categories closer together?
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Cotswolds
Your PPL(A) is a 'for life' licence, and the licence remains valid. Your SEP Rating is no doubt expired, so simply renew it by going to do a test with an examiner. You will then be back in business with an ICAO compliant PPL(A) and SEP Rating. As I understand it, no CAA paperwork for you, the examiner fills in the necessary CAA form and e-mails to the CAA. He/she signs your licence and off you go.
You can do all of that on a PMD (or any higher medial certification).
You can do all of that on a PMD (or any higher medial certification).
