Class2 Medical and Self Declaration
 

Hi all

I have a EASA PPL. Normally I have a Class 2 medical and It's up for renewal soon. I have seen mention of "Self Declaration Medical" mentioned on the CAA website. As far as I can tell this is for LAPL only? I guess my question is, has anything changed with medicals in the last 5 years or do I need to still get a Class 2 from an AME?

Thank you

I think you probably have a UK Part FCL licence now, if it was issued by the UK CAA before we left EASA it is deemed to be so. If you do a declaration I think you will find you can still fly under your PPL but that your privileges are reduced to those of a LAPL holder. I.e max AUP 2000, 4 persons, no instrument flying, no flying abroad and no instructing.

Thanks Jim. I had a sneaky suspicion that would be the case about the flying abroad thing. Thanks for clarification..

It's amazing how many times this question comes up with my fellow light aircraft pilots, be it PPL, LAPL etc. We think we know the answers, but would it be great for the CAA to properly publish the guidelines in idiot format (for me anyway) leaving no ambiguity?

You will wait a long time. As with all large organizations anything to be published must first be scrutinized by their legal department. Lawyers hate be specific and so by design never are. Not popular nowadays but common sense gets closest to the mark. Rest in solace that the CAA also rarely knows the answer, your not alone.

The Medical Declaration can be made in two different weight categories, 5700 Kgs and 2000 Kgs, the latter is intended for anyone who has had some medical restrictions, wheras the higher weigh category now accomodates IMC flight as well. If you don't intend to fly outside the UK then the medical dec is a good way to go.
The CAA website is not very good but details of the Medical Declaration can be found here:

Pilots holding Part-FCL licences who opt for a PMD are restricted to VFR - IR(R) or IR privileges may not be exercised.

However, pilots holding 'ANO' PPLs may exercise IMC Rating privileges when flying non-Part 21 aeroplanes with a PMD, assuming that their IMCR is valid.

Irv lee,s website has some details on Medicals and PMD at Irv Lee - UK Pilot Mentoring

Does anyone know how to get this to apply to a new LAPL medical / licence? It seems to be your initial application has to be via a GP / AME and the criteria are different.

eg I have have properly managed and controlled epilepsy. I've been seizure free for 6 years thanks to appropriate medication. I've been discharged by neurology. The DVLA medical unit have issued me an unrestricted Class one vehicle licence. So under a Medical Declaration I'd be good for the 2000 KG category.

However, to get my licence I need an initial medical with GP / AME. There the criteria is 5-years seizure free without medication.

Is it worth contacting the CAA or should I just wait in the hope that the rules get aligned at some point? Somewhat ironically, coming off the meds would significantly increase risk - even after 5 years.

No one on pprune should answer you directly although some may outline their personal experience. You should contact a local UK CAA Air Medical Examiner (AME) who, with all the facts, will give you a qualified answer. The medical condition of two people will never be the same. All the best to you!

I wouldn't expect the law to change any time soon. The CAA are just starting a consultation about simplifying licencing & medical requirements but it will take a while to change the law, & that's assuming that any change will allow PMDs for ab initio training & licence issue.

Have you thought about microlights? Some of these new 3 axis ones are very capable, although 2 seat max. The BMAA website only refers to the CAA PMD but the old rules used to be a paper self declaration that you meet DVLA standards countersigned by your GP. I think those rules still apply. If you're interested, worth an eamail to the BMAA.