30 April 2026
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has set out proposed changes to Pilot Medical Declaration (PMD) rules following a recent consultation, aiming to reduce inconsistencies and clarify instructor privileges.
The consultation, which ran from February to March 2026 and received more than 600 responses, focused largely on how instructors can operate when relying on a PMD rather than a Class 2 medical.
Under the proposals, instructors using a PMD would be allowed to teach towards the National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL), conduct revalidations and renewals, and carry out differences training. However, the CAA is not proposing to extend this to Private Pilot Licence (PPL) training, citing a higher overall risk profile due to the greater volume of PPL activity.
The changes also aim to align differences between the Air Navigation Order and UK Aircrew Regulation, which the CAA acknowledges have created unnecessary complexity for pilots and instructors.
Another key proposal is to formalise distinctions in medical requirements based on aircraft weight, incorporating an existing exemption into regulation to improve clarity.
Despite support for the lower-cost PMD system, some respondents raised concerns about misuse and the lack of medical oversight. Others argued that requiring Class 2 medicals risks losing experienced instructors due to cost and availability issues.
The CAA says it considers the revised approach proportionate and intends to submit the proposals to the Department for Transport, with any legislative changes expected to be considered later in 2026.
