Is there a way to use microlight hours towards a full PPL?
 

I'm in the UK and have recently started training for a NPPL(m) on microlights, I'd like to get an PPL(A) at some time in the future, preferably an EASA one.

It used to be that you could convert the NPPL(m) to an NPPL(ssea) with a few hours on actual aeroplanes, then convert that to an EASA LAPL, then upgrade that to a full PPL. That 'loophole' has closed, apparently for good so I missed the chance to do that.

So now it seems all the hours I fly towards my microlight NPPL are not worth anything as far as a full PPL(A) goes.

I've discovered that in South Africa, they have a similar NPL license in microlights and you can count some hours (it varies depending on who you ask) in microlights towards a full PPL(A) when you convert. Maybe I can get a S.A. NPL based on my microlight hours in the UK and then get a S.A. PPL(A)..?

Does anyone know any other ways to use microlight hours to gain a full PPL? Are there any European countries where I can apply them towards an EASA PPL(A)?

P.S. I'm training in an Ikarus C42, a fixed-wing microlight, if it helps.

I was in a similar position to yourself, training on the C42 as well - luckily I was able to get my NPPL (SSEA) in time.
Currently I have a LAPL(A) but am going through the PPL(A) conversion which involves doing the 9 ground exams, 10 hours training at an ATO (4 of which are solo) and a skills test.

To my knowledge you can count up to 10% of your microlight time to a maximum of 10 hours towards the PPL application.

How many hours are you into your training? You can fly microlights with a LAPL - maybe doing the LAPL would be a better license for you? Then you have the option to fly either Microlights or light aircraft but don't need quite as much training. Although just because the minimum hour requirements are lower for the LAPL, it doesn't mean you will only need that amount of training - the average for a PPL is something like 60 hours.

gordonquinn, why on earth are you taking further exams for the PPL if you already hold a LAPL(A)? There is no such requirement!

phatmikey, if the recently amended EASA 'Modular LAPL' proposals under Opinion 08/2017 are accepted by the EC's EASA Committee, AOPA / BMAA / LAA will be lobbying the CAA to continue with the NPPL (Microlight, SSEA and TMG) and associated LAPL Conversion Reports.

Watch this space!

Meanwhile, enjoy flying the Ikarus.

There isn't?! DOH!

I had done 3 of them previously (Principles of Flight, Radiotelephony and Aircraft General Knowledge) but was told by the CAA I had to do all 9 again to get a PPL - my skills test is on Saturday (hopefully) so fingers crossed it'll be done. I suppose the main reason for doing it was to become a better pilot rather than actually needing the PPL.