Microlight flying to count towards commercial pilot hours

The CAA is to go ahead with a proposal to extend the crediting of three axis microlight time towards the experience requirements for the Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL) gained via the modular course.

Flight time in a three axis microlight can already be counted towards a Private Pilot’s Licence, thanks to changes made to pilot licensing last October.

This latest move is a result of what the CAA calls ‘Wave 2’ and the results of a consultation which have just been made public.

More than 70% of people who responded to the consultation were in favour of the change.

The CAA said, “We will progress with extending the crediting of three axis microlight time towards the experience requirements for the CPL gained via the modular course.”

Another proposal concerns revalidation of a helicopter rating

Other decisions taken after the consultation include:

• An appropriate standard of flying must be displayed during the applicable refresher training
• Introducing an option for revalidation by experience for pilots of single engine helicopters up to a MTOW of 3,175 kg
• A review of the question bank for the exams for a Competency Based Instrument Rating and potentially consolidate the existing subjects into a smaller number of exams
• Not to proceed at the moment with a Basic Instrument Rating similar to that available under EASA.

Appropriate Standard of Flying

The changes for revalidation requirements implemented in October 2025 aligned the single engine piston (SEP), TMG and microlight class ratings across the PPL(A), National PPL(A) and Light Aircraft Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes) licences.

The CAA has followed this with a proposal to clarify that an appropriate standard of flying must be displayed during the applicable refresher training. There was a lively response to the proposal in the consultation with more than 85% agreeing.

Key comments include:

“Yes, this is also very valuable and a safe approach to pilots maintaining skills.”

“Although I support the principle that an appropriate standard of flying must be displayed, I think the content of the flight should be at the preference of the licence holder e.g. one may wish to practice short field/crosswind landings or  stalls. A simple flight from the airfield to point B and return would not meet the requirement.”

“On the basis that the CAA also provide the equivalent of an AMC (Acceptable Means of Compliance) to ‘define’ an appropriate standard of flying. So as to remove debate between licence holder undergoing the refresher training and the CRI/FI/Examiner.”

“Absolutely. Too many older pilots at my airfield doing reval through experience, with a ‘sympathetic’ instructor, and the standard is super low.”

“Too often training is mediocre, fails to value airmanship and is a tick-box exercise. It should be robust, fit for purpose, and offer the trainee support and guidance where necessary.”

“It is not a test. It is an instructional hour.”

“But this means a formal standard needs to be set. That is akin to a test so brings into question who will conduct it. FIs are not examiners and CRIs certainly do not have the range of instructing skills required.”

The CAA said, “It is not the intention to turn the refresher training session into a biennal test, and instructors and pilots will retain discretion as to the exact content of the flight. The key point being is that instructors should observe a standard of flying consummate with the privileges of the rating.

“We will progress with the amendments to the refresher training flight to ensure an appropriate standard of flying is displayed.”

Click here to download ‘Wave 2 proposals: CAP3212 Consultation Response Document’ to read all the responses and decisions in full