Self-declared medical OK for EASA PPLs

The latest revise of the UK’s Air Navigation Order (ANO) comes into effect this Thursday, 25 August, and one of the important changes is the new self-declaration medical available to private pilots who want to fly within UK airspace only – including pilots who hold an EASA PPL.

Article 163 of the 2016 ANO sets out the new requirements. Basically, pilots who are holders of a UK PPL or NPPL can self-declare that they meet the medical requirements for a DVLA Group 1 licence and are not subject to any disqualifying conditions.

This is good news for many pilots since the self-declaration only needs to be done once below the age of 70, and every three years over 70. There is no need to involve a doctor or approved medical examiner.

For holders of an EASA PPL or LAPL, this is the first time that they can also take this route, although it will restrict them to flying within UK airspace. Pilots who wish to fly outside the UK on an EASA PPL or LAPL will still have to have a Class 1 or 2 medical examination by an AME.

The Light Aircraft Association has produced an article detailing the changes and how it affects NPPL holders among others. Download it here here
The self-declaration system will be online and the CAA has yet to launch the process – it’s imminent, said the CAA when we asked this morning.

CAA Medical Centre