Light Aircraft Pilots Licence (Aeroplanes):
The LAPL is a stand alone sub-ICAO licence limited to EASA National airspace and separate from the EASA PPL licensing structure.
The EASA countries comprise the European Union, Switzerland and few other countries).
The privileges of the LAPL licence are limited to:
- Flight only in EASA air space and in EASA registered aeroplanes
- Only in good weather, day or night (if a night rating is held)
- In single engine piston aeroplanes with a weight of 2000 kg or less
- Restricted to a maximum of 3 passengers plus the pilot.
Due to the reduced training requirements and medical standards, IMC Rating will not automatically be available to a LAPL licence holder.
What's involved:
Minimum of 30 hours of flying training of which 6 hours must be solo.
Clearly defined exercises cover aircraft familiarisation, climbing, descending, turning, slow flight, stalling and circuits, culminating in your first solo flight. Steep turns, emergency drills and instrument flying lead on to dual navigation tasks. Before you can undertake any solo navigation tasks you will have to pass the Navigation Test with one of our in-house examiners. A one hour practical General Skills Test in general handling of the aircraft completes the course for licence issue. Early lessons are usually about an hour in length, although later tasks may require up to 2 or more hours. Flying is normally booked in advance with the office.
Are there any exams?
Yes, these are the same 9 multiple choice exams as for the PPL course. The exams are administered and marked by Stars Fly Flying School.
The subjects are as follows:
- Air Law
- Operational Procedures
- Communications (written and practical)
- Navigation and Radio Aids
- Meteorology
- Aircraft General Knowledge
- Principles of Flight
- Flight Performance and Planning
- Human Performance
Our qualified instructors will provide thorough guidance and mentoring as you advance through each of the subjects.
We can provide you with all the books and materials necessary for your study. If you wish, you can take advantage of the regular classes organised through our Ground School, which will be the perfect complement to self-study in the comfort of your home.
Age limits:
No age limits apply to fly and learn.
However, 14 is the lower age limit at which the instructional flying can count towards the issue of your licence.
A minimum age of 16 years applies for solo flights, and you must be 17 years old to hold a licence.
Medical requirements:
LAPL medical certificate is required for the holder/applicant of a LAPL(A).
Note: If a pilot has a particular medical condition that needs to be monitored then medical assessments may be required more frequently.
Weather restrictions:
Flying is largely dependant on good weather. Good visibility is important, especially in the early stages. Low cloud and strong winds can sometimes restrict operations. You are advised to phone us before setting out for the airfield to check weather conditions.
How long will it take?
This is governed by aptitude, personal commitments, weather, and of course funds. Intensive courses are possible and occasionally people do complete it in a month, though a more leisurely pace is usual (typically 8-12 months) when moulded around your domestic schedule. Although 30 flying hours is the minimum legal requirement, most people do take longer.
How much will it cost?
Course price and aircraft hire rates are available on request. It is important to bear in mind that 30 hours is a minimum requirement, extra hours will be charged pro-rata. All our prices include VAT where applicable. Discounts are available for students who are prepared to pay for the whole course in advance or for lump sum payments towards flying. Conditions apply.
After you obtain your Light Aircraft Pilot's Licence:
Once qualified, you may hire the Club's aircraft and carry passengers (although not permitted legally for profit), subject to the legal restrictions imposed over the LAPL licence holder. Cost sharing however is permissible, providing the pilot pays at least an equal proportion of the cost.
Maintaining your licence privileges:
The LAPL licence is valid for the life time of the holder,
Once issued the licence is held unless it is provisionally suspended, suspended or revoked by the issuing authority or is surrendered by the holder.
Upgrade to a full PPL (Aeroplanes):
Minimum 15 hours of dual flight instruction and minimum of 6 hours supervised solo flights.
Notes:
A web page with details including all LAPL Syllabus is located at:
http://www.iaopa.eu/mediaServlet/storage/gamag/feb12/p16-18.pdf