New Zealand - PPL or RPL (medical related)
 

Hi all

I has been some years I have been to this forum hence a new account. 7yrs ago I had a heart block and now I have a pacemaker. Getting my class 2 medical I need more tests to be done and I have to go private clinic to get them done - and who knows the conditions attached I might need to do them how frequent. At the time I was just before going solo.

1. What do you think of PPL or RPL? The New Zealand RPL doesn't require a class 2 medical, just a car license medical. The only issue I see for myself is I cannot carry more than one passenger and I am not sure if I would be doing long distance flying.

2. For you guys who have a PPL how often do you fly long distances? Ie - more than 50 nautical miles.

I know they were thinking of changing the rules, but at least until recently you could not fly solo while training without a full PPL medical. So even if your intention was an RPL, you would still need a full PPL medical for at least part of your training.

I wasn’t aware of a 50nm distance requirement on an RPL. I semi-regularly fly further than this.

I am lucky in that I am a couple months away from 40 so the medical is easier for me and lasts for 5 years, however when I switch to 2 yearly medicals I may just go RPL. The only time I ever flown outside of my understanding of the RPL rules is when I have had more than one passenger. I basically keep a PPL for things such as IFR or night flying down the track. I have to get the driver’s license medicals anyway when I renew my class 5 driver’s licence (which I never use, but keep valid just on case).

In your situation I would probably look at getting a microlight license where you can train with the lower medical requirement. Many clubs now operate aircraft such as the Tecnam Sierra and they are very capable and cheaper to fly. Not sure where in Wellington you are but Wairarapa and Ruahine aero club in Masterton operate these I believe.

500ft

If the medical costs just get too much ongoing and expensive, maybe I could just fly with an instructor. It is not like I will be doing this regularly. Wouldn't even need to past exams then.

I found out the area limit doesn't apply. In NZ if we get the signoff RPL can do cross country but only 1 passenger. I also found out RPL needs a cardiology review.