L10 Pilot Licensing Notes

Pilot Licensing

Introduction

• Article 32 and Annex 1 of the Convention of International Aviation are key elements.
• Annex 1 contains the minimum standards for personnel licensing.
• In the EU, licensing law is defined in the 'Aircrew Regulation', specifically Annex I, Part-FCL (Flight Crew Licensing) and Annex IV, Part-MED (Medical Requirements).
• Part-FCL is over 1300 pages long.
• This lesson concentrates on ICAO Annex 1 sections related to Part-FCL and Part-Med relevant to the private pilot.
• EASA: European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

Structure of the Legislation

• Part-FCL and Part-MED lay down regulations concerning:
  • Privileges and responsibilities for pilot licence holders.
  • Conditions for issuing, maintaining, amending, limiting, suspending, or revoking pilot licenses and attached ratings.
  • Conditions for issuing, maintaining, amending, limiting, suspending, or revoking medical certificates.
  • Responsibilities of medical certificate holders.
• Part-FCL and Part-MED contain rules for aero-medical examiners, aero-medical centers, pilot training organizations, and flight engineers.
• They also include procedures for converting ICAO compliant qualifications to EASA qualifications.
• The regulations are extensive and can be difficult to understand.

Structure of the Legislation

• The legislation consists of:
  • Regulation: Binding law written by legally qualified administrators (Hard Law).
  • Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC): Non-binding standards adopted by EASA to illustrate compliance (Soft Law).
  • Guidance Material (GM): Non-binding explanatory and interpretation material on achieving regulation requirements (Soft Law).
• This structure allows for maintaining and developing AMC and GM soft law without changing the hard law regulations.
• References to regulations, AMCs, and GMs are included to facilitate further study but do not need to be memorized for examinations.
• In Part-FCL, Regulation, Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) and Guidance Material (GM) are colour coded to aid understanding.

Aircraft Categories (Part-FCL)

• Understanding aircraft categories is important for licensing.
• "Category of aircraft" means a categorization of aircraft according to specified basic characteristics, e.g., aeroplane, powered-lift, helicopter, airship, sailplane, free balloon.
• Some requirements are common to all categories; others are specific.
• This lesson discusses the two most common PPL aircraft categories: PPL(A) for aeroplanes and PPL(H) for helicopters.
• 'Class' and 'type' are used when discussing pilot licensing, especially ratings attached to licenses.
  • A class rating allows a pilot to fly in generic groups of single-pilot aircraft.
  • A type rating certifies a pilot to fly a specific model of aircraft.
• Examples of aircraft categories: Aeroplane, Helicopter, Airship, Balloon, Sailplane (glider).
• Smaller aeroplanes (e.g., Piper PA 28, Cessna C172, or Cirrus SR22T) are single-engine piston (SEP) class and do not require a type rating; larger, more complicated aircraft used by charter organizations and airlines do require type ratings.

EASA Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

• The Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is a common aviation license.
• An EASA PPL can be used in any EASA State and is recognized in most countries due to ICAO Annex 1 compliance.
• An EASA PPL is valid for life, but ratings attached to the license expire after a period of time.
• Common Requirements for Aeroplanes and Helicopters (Part-FCL, SUBPART C, SECTION 1):
  • Minimum Age: 17 years old. Solo flying during training is allowed from 16 years old (with a valid medical), and dual-training may start before 16.
  • Conditions: A PPL is issued for a particular aircraft category, and applicants must meet the requirements for a class or type rating.
  • Training Environment: 'Ab initio' training must be completed at an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) or a Declared Training Organisation (DTO).
  • Theoretical Knowledge (TK): No formal TK course is required, but a level of TK needs to be demonstrated through examinations in air law, human performance, meteorology, communications, navigation, principles of flight, operational procedures, flight performance and planning, and aircraft general knowledge.
  • Skills Test: All licenses and ratings (except night rating) require a skills test to demonstrate pilot-in-command ability.

Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplanes) PPL(A)

• Specific Requirements (Part-FCL, SUBPART C, SECTION 2) in conjunction with the 'common requirements'.
  • Privileges: A PPL(A) holder may act as Pilot-In-Command (PIC) of aeroplanes or Touring Motor Gliders (TMG) for non-commercial operations. They may be paid for flight instruction, skills tests, proficiency checks for private licences and ratings if they hold the appropriate instructor rating and/or examiner certificate.
  • Training Requirements: Applicants must complete at least:
    • 45 hours of flight instruction (in aeroplanes or TMGs), including:
      • 25 hours of dual-instruction with an instructor.
      • 1 cross-country flight of at least $270 \, \text{km}$ ($150 \, \text{NM}$), landing at 2 aerodromes apart from the departure aerodrome.
      • 10 hours of solo flight, including at least 5 hours of solo cross-country.
    • 5 hours of the 45-hour requirement may be completed in a Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD).
• SF25 Falke Touring Motor Glider (TMG) is a class of powered sailplane (glider) with an integrally mounted, non-retractable engine and propeller, capable of taking off and climbing under its own power.

Class Ratings (Part-FCL, SUBPART H)

• Significant variations exist between different models of aircraft in terms of handling, performance, equipment, and systems.
• A pilot licence does not permit a pilot to fly any aircraft of the licensed category; further training or experience requirements may apply.
• 'Class' applies to aeroplanes (not helicopters) and is a categorization of single-pilot aeroplanes not requiring a 'type rating' but having broadly similar characteristics.
• The most common EASA aeroplane classes are described in a table (not included in text).
• A single-pilot aeroplane is certificated for operation by one pilot. Most common single-engine piston and multi-engine piston aeroplanes flown by private pilots are single-pilot aeroplanes.
• Multi Pilot (MP) aeroplanes are certificated for operation with a minimum crew of at least two pilots (rare for private pilots).
• Note: helicopters do not have class ratings; each helicopter model has its own type rating.
  • For example, an aeroplane SEP (land) class rating covers Cessna C152 and the larger C172 aircraft models.
  • A pilot who flies the Robinson R22 helicopter will have an R22 type rating but may not fly the larger R44 without an R44 type endorsement.

Class Rating Validity and Revalidation

• An EASA PPL is valid for life, but holders can only use it with a valid class or type rating (FCL.700).
• Exceptions exist for receiving flight instruction or taking a skills test, and for holders of a LAPL.
• Single-pilot class ratings and validity periods:
  • Single Engine Piston (Land) - SEP (land) - 24 months
  • Touring Motor Glider - TMG - 24 months
  • Multi Engine Piston (Land) – MEP (land) - 12 months
  • Single Engine Piston (Sea) - SEP (sea) - 24 months
  • Multi Engine Piston (Sea) – MEP (sea) - 12 months
• Revalidation - FCL.740.A (Aeroplanes):
  • "Administrative action taken within the period of validity of a rating or certificate which allows the holder to continue to exercise the privileges of a rating or certificate for a further specified period consequent upon the fulfilment of specified requirements."
• SEP/TMG Revalidation (FCL.740.A):
  • Either:
    • Pass a proficiency check in the relevant class within the 3 months preceding the expiry date; or
    • Complete 12 hours of flight time in the relevant class within the 12 months preceding the expiry date, including:
      • 6 hours as PIC.
      • 12 take-offs and 12 landings.
      • Refresher training of at least 1 hour of total flight time with a flight instructor.
• MEP Revalidation (FCL.740.A):
  • Within the 3 months preceding the expiry date, pass a proficiency check in the relevant class of aeroplane; and,
    • Complete, during the period of validity of the rating, at least:
      • 10 route sectors as pilot of the relevant class or type of aeroplane; or
      • 1 route sector as pilot of the relevant class of aeroplane or, flight simulator, flown with an examiner. This route sector may be flown during the proficiency check.

Class Rating Renewal

• Renewal: "The administrative action taken after a rating or certificate has lapsed for the purpose of renewing the privileges of the rating or certificate for a further specified period consequent upon the fulfilment of specified requirements".
• SEP Renewal (FCL.740):
  • To renew a non-high performance SEP rating, the pilot must:
    • Complete refresher training at an ATO or DTO if deemed necessary by the ATO or DTO to reach the level of proficiency to safely operate the relevant class of aeroplane; and
    • Pass a proficiency check with a flight examiner.
  • Note: If the rating has expired by no more than 3 years, the refresher training may be conducted at an ATO, DTO, or by an independent flight instructor.
• MEP Renewal (FCL.740):
  • To renew a non-high performance MEP rating, the pilot must:
    • Complete refresher training at an ATO if deemed necessary by the ATO to reach the level of proficiency to safely operate the relevant class of aeroplane; and
    • Pass a proficiency check with a flight examiner.

Private Pilot Licence (Helicopters) PPL(H)

• Specific Requirements (Part-FCL, SUBPART C, SECTION 3) in conjunction with the 'common requirements'.
  • Privileges: A PPL(H) holder may act as Pilot-In-Command (PIC) of helicopters engaged in non-commercial operations, meaning flights not for 'hire', 'reward' or valuable consideration. A qualified PPL(H) holder may be paid for flight instruction, skills tests, proficiency checks for PPL(H)/LAPL(H), and training, testing and checking for ratings and certificates attached to a PPL(H).
  • Training Requirements: Applicants must have completed at least:
    • 45 hours of flight instruction, including:
      • 25 hours of instruction with an instructor (dual-instruction time); and
      • 10 hours of supervised solo flight time, including at least 5 hours of solo cross-country flight time with at least 1 cross-country flight of at least $185 \, \text{km}$ ($100 \, \text{NM}$), with full stop landings at 2 aerodromes different from the aerodrome of departure.
    • 5 hours of the 45-hour requirement may be completed in a Flight and Navigation Procedures Trainer (FNPT) or Full Flight Simulator (FFS).

PPL(H) Type Rating Revalidation and Renewal

• Helicopters have individual type ratings for each model.
• Revalidation FCL.740.H (helicopters):
  • Within the 3 months preceding the expiry date of the rating, pass a proficiency check in the relevant type of helicopter; and
• Renewal FCL.740.H (helicopters):
  • To renew a single-engine helicopter type rating, the pilot must:
    • Complete refresher training at an ATO or DTO if deemed necessary by the ATO or DTO to reach the level of proficiency to safely operate the relevant helicopter type; and Complete at least 2 hours as a pilot of the relevant helicopter type within the validity period of the rating.
    • Complete a proficiency check.
  • Note: There are some detailed exemptions and caveats for pilots who hold more than one helicopter type rating.
  • Note: A DTO may only conduct the assessment and training for single-engined helicopters with up to five seats.

Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) (Part-FCL, SUBPART B)

• Reasons for the introduction of the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) with similar privileges to the PPL vary.
• The LAPL is issued by both the UK and EASA States, and the training and medical requirements are less stringent than the PPL.
• The LAPL is not compliant with ICAO Annex 1, unlike the PPL, and is thus only recognised in the State in which it is issued.
• This is not a significant issue for EASA States, as it is uniformly recognised across all EASA States.
• For UK LAPL holders, without specific recognition from other EASA States, the UK LAPL pilot must stay within the UK FIR.
• However, much of the recreational flying undertaken by private pilots could be carried out within the limitations of the LAPL.

Common Requirements (Part-FCL, SUBPART B, SECTION 1)

• A LAPL can be used to fly a helicopter - LAPL(H) or an aeroplane - LAPL(A).
• Requirements common to both:
  • Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 17 years old.
  • Privileges: Essentially the same as a PPL holder, to act without remuneration as PIC in non-commercial operations. The maximum certified take-off mass of the aeroplane or helicopter is $2000 \, \text{kg}$ or less, and it is only permitted to carry up to 3 passengers, i.e., 4 people on board.
  • Training Environment: Training must be completed at a formally recognised organisation, either an ATO or a DTO.
  • Theoretical Knowledge(TK): No formal TK course is required, but a level of TK needs to be demonstrated through examinations in the same subjects as the PPL, in reality, they are the same examinations.
  • Skills Test: Training for both the LAPL(A) and LAPL(H) culminates in a skills test where the applicant demonstrates their ability to perform as pilot-in-command.

Specific LAPL(A) Requirements (Part-FCL, SUBPART B, SECTION 2)

• Conditions (Carriage of Passengers): Passengers may only be carried once the pilot has completed 10 hours of flight time as PIC after being issued with their licence.
• Training Requirements: Applicants must complete at least:
  • 30 hours of flight instruction on aeroplanes or TMGs, including at least:
    • 15 hours of dual flight instruction; and
    • 6 hours of supervised solo flight time, including at least 3 hours of solo cross-country flight time with at least 1 cross-country flight of at least $150 \, \text{km}$ ($80 \, \text{NM}$), landing 'away', i.e., at a different aerodrome.

Specific LAPL(H) Requirements (Part-FCL, SUBPART B, SECTION 3)

• Conditions (Carriage of Passengers): There are no passenger carriage conditions included in the LAPL(H) privileges, but the LAPL(H) has greater minimum hours training requirements than the LAPL(A).
• Training Requirements: Applicants must have completed at least:
  • 40 hours of flight instruction on helicopters, including at least:
    • 20 hours of dual flight instruction; and
    • 10 hours of supervised solo flight time, including at least 5 hours of solo cross-country flight time with at least 1 cross-country flight of at least $150 \, \text{km}$ ($80 \, \text{NM}$), landing at a different aerodrome.
  • At least 35 of the 40 hours must be flown on the type of helicopter that is to be used for the skill test.

LAPL 'Ratings' and Recency Requirements

• The concept of ratings is not used with either LAPL(A) or LAPL(H); the LAPL is both the rating and the licence and does not expire.
• The concepts of rating revalidation and renewal are also irrelevant.
• Some EASA State's NAAs include a 'rating' on Section XII of the licence, but this is simply a way of differentiating between LAPL aircraft categories, e.g., SEP (land), TMG, etc.
• In place of ratings are LAPL recency requirements, confirmed using flight entries and instructor signatures in the pilot's logbook as evidence.
• It is the pilot's responsibility to check they meet recency requirements before the flight. There should NOT be any entries or signatures in Section XII of a LAPL.
• LAPL(A) - Recency requirements (FCL.140.A):
  • In the previous 24 months, have either:
    • Completed at least 12 hours of flight time as PIC, or flying dual or solo (under the supervision of an instructor), including 12 take-offs and landings and a minimum of 1-hour refresher training with an instructor; or
    • Passed a proficiency check - based on the skills test for the LAPL(A) - with an examiner.
• LAPL(H) - Recency requirements (FCL.140.H):
  • In the last 12 months, have either:
    • Completed at least 6 hours of flight time as PIC, or flying dual or solo (under the supervision of an instructor), including 6 take-offs and landings and a minimum of 1-hour refresher training with an instructor; or
    • Passed a proficiency check - based on the skills test for the LAPL(H) - with an examiner.

Flying with Passengers (FCL.060)

• Both LAPL and PPL give the holder the privilege to carry passengers (although the LAPL(A) cannot carry passengers until 10 hours PIC has been flown after licence issue).
• To carry passengers, there is a 'recent experience' requirement, ensuring the pilot's skills are current:
  • In the preceding 90 days, the pilot must have carried out at least three take-offs, approaches, and landings in an aircraft of the same type or class, or a full flight simulator (FFS) representing that type or class.
• If a pilot needs to carry out a flight with an instructor or examiner to comply with this requirement before carrying passengers, the instructor or examiner on board those flights is not considered a passenger, but no other passengers may be carried.
• This is sometimes referred to as the 90-day rule, although it is included in the 'soft law' associated with FCL.060.

Weather Limitations (FCL.600 IR and FCL.835 BIR)

• EASA and UK Part-FCL restrict IFR operations to holders of instrument qualifications.
• Those without an instrument qualification (including basic LAPL and PPL holders) may only fly in conditions suitable for VFR or Special VFR.
• Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA.5005) state that flight under VFR must be conducted in VMC.
• Basic LAPL and PPL holders are limited to weather conditions that are VMC.
• Special VFR in Control Zones (SERA.5010):
• Flight under SVFR may only be conducted with a flight visibility of at least $1500 \, \text{m}$ (aeroplanes) or $800 \, \text{m}$ (helicopters), clear of cloud and in sight of the surface, and this also applies to LAPL and PPL holders without an instrument qualification.
• Without additional training, handling an aeroplane whilst navigating by visual reference where the flight visibility is $1500 \, \text{m}$ is not easy and should not be taken lightly.
• VMC Minima are a limitation to the holder of a PPL (without an instrument qualification).

Class and Type Ratings - Variants (FCL.710)

• The privileges of a class rating attached to a PPL(A) are to act as pilot on the class of aeroplane (or in the case of PPL(H) and type ratings the type of helicopter) stated in the rating.
• Part-FCL requires that any pilot wishing to fly an aircraft which is a variant within the class or type of aircraft undertakes either 'familiarisation' or 'differences' training.
• Class and Type Ratings - Variants (GM1 FCL.710):
  • 'Familiarisation' is defined as the acquisition of additional knowledge, e.g., from studying the manufacturer's accompanying literature.
  • 'Differences training' requires both the acquisition of additional knowledge and training on an appropriate training device or the aircraft itself.
• When Difference Training is Required (GM1 FCL.700):
  • The guidance material recommends differences training when an aeroplane of the same class has variant features.
• Different helicopter type variants are defined, e.g., Robinson R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, and R22 Mariner.
• Differences training should be entered in the pilot's logbook and signed by the instructor.

Variants

• Variable Pitch Propeller (VP)
• Cabin Pressurisation (CP): Allows flight at higher altitudes without oxygen equipment.
• Turbo or Super-Charged Engines (T): Piston engine fitted with a turbo charger or supercharger. Do not confuse with turbine engine.
• Tailwheel (TW): An aeroplane with a tailwheel has very different taxi, take-off, and landing characteristics to a 'nose wheel' aeroplane.
• Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS): Replacing traditional 'round dial' flight instruments; commonly known as a 'glass cockpit'.
• Single Lever Power Control (SLPC): Combines propeller pitch and throttle lever.
• Retractable Undercarriage (RU): Training covers normal procedures and speed limitations, plus handling deployment or retraction failures.

Familiarisation Training

• Because of the wide variety of aeroplane types within a single 'class rating', switching from one aeroplane model to another needs careful consideration.
• Even with the appropriate class rating and differences training, familiarisation training alone may not be sufficient.
• The aeroplane may have equipment, features, or handling characteristics for which the pilot should receive training.
• When a pilot wants to fly a new variant within a class rating, 'on aeroplane' training (e.g., a 'checkout flight') is common and may be required by the aircraft's insurer.
• High Performance Aeroplanes (HPA):
  • Some single-pilot aeroplanes may be classified as High Performance Aeroplanes (HPA).
  • These are certificated for Single Pilot (SP) operation but have performance, systems, and navigation capabilities more commonly associated with Multi Pilot (MP) aeroplane types.
  • Additional training and qualification requirements apply for a private pilot wishing to operate an HPA.

LAPL(A) Variants and Different Classes (FCL.135.A)

• Before a LAPL(A) holder can exercise licence privileges on a different aeroplane variant, the pilot must undertake differences or familiarisation training. The differences training must be entered in the pilot's logbook and signed by the instructor.
• To fly a different class of aeroplane, the LAPL(A) holder must complete 3 hours of flight instruction in the other class, including 10 dual take-offs and landings; and 10 supervised solo take-offs and landings.
• Additionally, the pilot must pass a skill test demonstrating adequate theoretical knowledge in operational procedures, flight performance and planning, and aircraft general knowledge.

LAPL(H) Variants and Different Types (FCL.135.H)

• A LAPL(H) holder wishing to fly a different type and/or variant of helicopter must complete 5 hours of flight instruction, including 15 dual take-offs, approaches and landings, 15 supervised solo take-offs, approaches and landings and a skill test.
• During the skill test, the applicant must also demonstrate to the examiner an adequate level of theoretical knowledge in the subjects of operational procedures, flight performance and planning, and aircraft general knowledge.

Night Rating (FCL.810)

• EASA Part-FCL defines night as the period between the end of evening civil twilight (when the centre of the setting sun is $6^{\circ}$ below the horizon) and the beginning of morning civil twilight (when the centre of the rising sun is $6^{\circ}$ below the horizon).
• To exercise PPL or LAPL privileges at night, the pilot needs to complete a course comprising:
  • PPL(A) and LAPL(A)
    • Theoretical knowledge training.
    • At least 5 hours of flight time at night, including at least 3 hours of dual instruction, with at least 1 hour of cross-country navigation including 1 dual cross-country flight of at least $50 \, \text{km}$ ($27 \, \text{NM}$) and 5 take-offs and 5 full-stop landings solo.
    • Note: LAPL(A) pilots must also complete PPL basic instrument flight training.
  • PPL(H) and LAPL(H)
    • Note: PPL(H) and LAPL(H) pilots need to have also completed 100 hours flight time (incl. 60 hours PIC) after licence issue along with 20 hours of cross-country flight.
    • Complete a 5 hr course of theoretical knowledge.
    • Complete at least 10 hours of dual instrument instruction.
    • 5 hours of flight time at night, including at least 3 hours of dual instruction, including at least 1 hour of cross-country navigation and 5 solo night circuits. Each circuit shall include a take-off and a landing.

Pilot's Logbooks (FCL.050)

• A pilot (including a student pilot) must keep a reliable record of the details of all flights flown, in a form and manner established by the competent authority. This means recording flight details in some form of pilot logbook.
• The logbook should contain detailed instructions on how to record flight details in accordance with EASA guidance, but in general, details of each flight (e.g., date, flight time, departure and destination, capacity in which the pilot operated) must be recorded for any flight where the pilot acts as a member of the flight crew.
• Entries should be made as soon as possible after the flight and should be made in ink or indelible pencil. A pilot's licence is highly likely to be suspended or revoked if any entries are falsified.
• If two PPL holders are flying an aircraft certified for one pilot, one must be designated as PIC (P1), and the other is a passenger and must not log the flight as either P1 or P2 (the second pilot in an aircraft certified with a minimum of two crew).
• During training when the instructor is on board, the student pilot enters their capacity as pilot-under-training (Pu/t). When solo in the aircraft, the student pilot enters their capacity as PIC (P1).

Language Proficiency (FCL.055)

• A pilot who is required to use the radio must have a language proficiency endorsement on their licence, indicating their competency in either the English language or the language used for radio communications for the intended flight.
• Language proficiency will be assessed both in the use of radio phraseologies and plain language, as one of six levels. The minimum language proficiency level required for endorsement on an EASA licence is Level 4 (Operational).
• Language proficiency levels are defined by ICAO and have their roots in Article 33 of the Chicago Convention.

Medical Certificates (MED.A.030)

• Exercising the privileges granted by a licence depends on the validity of the ratings (if applicable) and the medical certificate.
• It is the pilot's responsibility to arrange a further assessment when necessary and act in accordance with any limitations specified on the medical certificate.
• EASA recognises three types of aviation medical assessment:
  • Class 1 Medical Certificate
  • Class 2 Medical Certificate
  • Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) Medical Certificate
• Requirements for EASA medical certificates are set out in EASA legislation known as Part-Med.
• An aviation medical certificate may only be issued by a doctor who is designated as an Aero-Medical Examiner (AME).
• EASA allows an individual competent authority to decide that LAPL medical certificates can also be issued by a General Medical Practitioner (GMP).
• The Class 1 Medical is the highest standard, giving the greatest privileges, and a 'higher' medical certificate also has the privileges and validity of a lower one (Class 1 includes privileges of Class 2 and LAPL, Class 2 includes privileges of LAPL).

The Period of Validity

• The period of validity of a medical certificate is stated on the certificate itself and is normally based on the class of medical and the age of the holder.
• Class 1 Medical Certificate:
  • Up to 40: 12 months
  • 40 to 60: 12 months, or 6 months if engaged in single-pilot commercial air transport operations carrying passengers
  • Above 60: 6 months
• Class 2 Medical Certificate:
  • Up to 40: 60 months (ceases to be valid after age 42 if issued before age 40)
  • 40 to 50: 24 months (ceases to be valid after age 51 if issued before age 50)
  • Above 50: 12 months
• LAPL Medical Certificate:
  • Above 40: 24 months
  • Up to 40: 60 months (a medical certificate issued prior to reaching the age of 40 shall cease to be valid after the licence holder reaches the age of 42)
• A valid licence and a valid medical certificate must always be carried by the pilot when exercising the privileges of the licence.
• Under MED.A.030, a student pilot shall not fly solo unless they hold a medical certificate required for the relevant licence.
• Note periods of validity are calculated from the date of the medical assessment. An assessment may take place up to 45 days in advance of the expiry date of a medical certificate, in which case the validity period starts from when the previous certificate would expire.

Decrease in Medical Fitness (MED.A.020)

• Even with a valid medical certificate, a pilot may not be medically fit to fly at all times. Some medical conditions that make a pilot unfit to fly may be of a very temporary nature (for example a cold or an infection).
• EASA specifies that pilots must not fly:
  • If aware of any decrease in medical fitness which might render them unable to safely exercise the licence privileges.
  • If taking or using any prescribed or non-prescribed medication likely to interfere with the safe exercise of licence privileges.
  • If having received any medical, surgical or other treatment likely to interfere with flight safety.
• Many well-known non-prescription medicines may have side-effects not compatible with the responsibilities of flying an aircraft.

When to Seek an AME's Advice (MED.A.020)

• Pilots must seek advice from an AME (or GMP for LAPL medical certificate holders, if permitted) when:
  • Having undergone a surgical operation or invasive procedure.
  • Having commenced the regular use of any medication.
  • Having suffered any significant personal injury involving incapacity to function as a member of the flight crew.
  • Having been suffering from any significant illness involving incapacity to function as a member of the flight crew.
  • Is pregnant.
  • Having been admitted to hospital or medical clinic; or
  • First requires correcting lenses.
• In all these circumstances, the medical certificate holder must seek advice "…without undue delay".

Training Definitions

• "Aircraft" means any machine which can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the air other than the reactions of the air against the earth's surface.
• "Aeroplane" means an engine-driven fixed-wing aircraft heavier than air which is supported in flight by the dynamic reaction of the air against its wings.
• "Category of aircraft" means a categorisation of aircraft according to specified basic characteristics, for example aeroplane, powered-lift, helicopter, airship, sailplane, free balloon.
• "Class of aeroplane" means a categorisation of single-pilot aeroplanes not requiring a type rating.
• "Co-pilot" means a pilot operating other than as pilot-in-command, on an aircraft for which more than one pilot is required, but excludes a pilot who is on board the aircraft for the sole purpose of receiving flight instruction for a licence or rating.
• "Cross-country" means a flight between a point of departure and a point of arrival following a pre-planned route, using standard navigation procedures.
• "Dual instruction time" means flight time during which a person is receiving flight instruction from a properly authorised instructor.
• "Flight time" for aeroplanes, touring motor gliders and powered-lift aircraft, means the total time from the moment an aircraft first moves for the purpose of taking off until the moment it finally comes to rest at the end of the flight.
• "Pilot-in-command" (PIC) means the pilot designated as being in command and charged with the safe conduct of the flight.
• "Skill test" means the demonstration of skill for a licence or rating issue, including such oral examination as may be required.
• "Solo flight time" means flight time during which a student pilot is the sole occupant of an aircraft. This pilot is flying solo.
• "Flight time" for helicopters means the total time from the moment a helicopter's rotor blades start turning until the moment the helicopter finally comes to rest at the end of the flight, and the rotor blades are stopped;
• "Flight and Navigation Procedures Trainer" (FNPT) means a training device which represents the flight deck or cockpit environment, including the assemblage of equipment and computer programmes necessary to represent an aircraft type or class in flight operations to the extent that the systems appear to function as in an aircraft;
• "Full Flight Simulator" (FFS) means a full size replica of a specific type or make, model and series aircraft flight deck, including the assemblage of all equipment and computer programmes necessary to represent the aircraft in ground and flight operations, a visual system providing an out-of-the-flight-deck view, and a force cueing motion system.