21 October 2025
A very useful document for student pilots, instructors, examiners and flight schools – and yes, existing pilots – has been released by the CAA regarding the National Private Pilot’s Licence (NPPL) following recent changes.
The document, CAP3181, sets out the requirements and syllabus for student pilots, pilots, instructors, examiners and training organisations to follow for the issue of a NPPL(A).
It covers medical requirement, ground exams and the all-important Skill Test, which must be taken within 6 months of the completion of training.
All sections of the test must be completed within 6 months of the first attempt. If the applicant does not pass all sections of the Skill Test at the first attempt, the section(s) which have been failed may be attempted in a further test. There is no limit to the number of tests that may be taken.
The Skill Test must be taken in the aircraft type in which the applicant has completed their flight training in, SEP (Land), TMG, Microlight (Three-axis), Microlight (Weightshift) or Microlight (Powered Parachute).
Usefully, the Skill Test is broken down into five sections with guidance as to flight test tolerances. The five sections are:
There’s also a blank form for the Examiner’s Report which details what the student pilot has to achieve.
Click here to download CAP3181 (it’s free).
