Licence requirements for vintage aircraft over 5700kg MTOW
 

I post this here because none of the other sub-forums seem to fit, although answers might stray into CPL/ATPL territory.

My question is this: with a PPL and the appropriate experience + instruction I would be allowed to fly, for example, a Spitfire or P-51. But what is the regulatory situation when it comes to vintage aircraft that exceed the 5700kg MTOW limit (let's say a P-38)?

Does anyone know what licence a pilot would need for auch a machine (leaving aside for now the question whether it is a single- or multi-engined plane)? A CPL seems to be limited to 5700kg as well so would that mean an ATPL?

It is not necessary to have anything more than a PPL,apart from a `Type Rating Exemption` from the CAA,and after suitable training.If it is multi-engined,then one needs a ME rating.All `warbirds` are generally classed as `Annex 2`,they do not have a specific type rating,and usually operate on a `Permit to Fly`,irrespective of whether they are fixed or fling-wing,piston,or jet...

Since the advent of JAR over a decade ago the old 5,700Kg limit has disappeared. A Spitfire is an SEP(L) class aeroplane and you can fly it with a PPL, CPL or ATPL which includes a valid SEP(L) rating so long as you have the relevant differences signed off. That means Tailwheel, VP Prop, Retractable and Supercharged engines (Also pressurisation if you are flying some later marks).

There is no requirement for a "type rating exemption" unless flying an aeroplane which would normally require a type rating; that means a jet or a multi crew aircraft type.

A multi engined warbird such as the P38 or a mosquito (I wish!) would require an MEP rating.

That's the legal answer but of course considerable training would also be required to satisfy both the owner and his insurance company!

Happy landings

3 Point

Also check the Conditions attached to the CAA Permit to Fly, as they will almost certainly include a condition requiring the aircraft to be operated in accordance with an Operational Control Manual (OCM) aproved by the Authority.

The OCM will specify who can fly the aircraft, and what qualifications, training, or experience they require.

https://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP632.PDF


MJ:ok:

Differences.
 

@3 Point

Interested to see you have a 'difference' for superchargers there.

Here in Godzone we have type ratings for nearly everything but have general differences training for tail-wheel, wobbly prop, multi-engine, retractable and gas turbine. I don't recall anything specific for super or turbo charging, perhaps that's just anticipated in being covered in the type rating.

I don't think there's anything for over 5700kg either, although again I suppose that's captured in the individual rating. Certainly I flew a vintage warbird on a PPL (and later CPL) with just the type rating [having the requisite tail, multi, retract, and wobbly already].

FP.

Thanks
 

Many thanks to everyone for the extremely useful information. That is fantastic news indeed and fills a host of gaps in my aviation knowledge. This is a truly great platform for anyone interested in flying.