Pilot licensing in the United Kingdom is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
An SPL holder may operate commercially once they have completed 75 hours of flight time or 200 launches after the issue of their licence, and have passed a proficiency check with an examiner.
It has a less stringent medical requirement than the UK Part-FCL PPL and a reduced flying syllabus.
It is granted in two forms: The NPPL is a sub-ICAO licence meaning the holder is limited to operating only UK-registered aircraft and it cannot be used outside of the UK without permission from the regulatory authorities of any foreign jurisdictions whose airspace the holder intends to operate into.
The NPPL is more restrictive in respect of additional aircraft ratings which may be added compared with a UK Part-FCL PPL or LAPL.
However, subject to national restrictions governing the soliciting of passengers to be carried on board an aircraft operated by a PPL holder, and in addition to several other requirements, a PPL holder may carry passengers who make a remunerative contribution toward the direct cost of the flights.
[10] A flying instructor rating may be included, subject to requirements under UK Part-FCL being satisfied, in a UK Part-FCL PPL provided the applicant has successfully completed a number of additional examinations, training course and assessment.
[11] In addition to the practical training requirements, nine multiple choice theory examinations must be passed.
It also permits the holder to act as a co-pilot of a multi-crew aircraft for which they are qualified subject to their (i) holding a valid certificate of multi-crew co-operation, (ii) having successfully completed an approved ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Course together with thirteen ATPL theoretical examinations, (iii) having a valid instrument rating and multi-engine class rating.
In addition to the privileges of the CPL, the holder of an Airline Transport Pilot Licence may act as the commander of a multi-crew aircraft under IFR.
Where a simulator is permitted, no more than 100 hours (of which 25 may be in basic instrument training devices) may be credited towards the issue of the licence.
The theoretical exams required for the ATPL cover 13 subjects:[14] In addition to their licence, a pilot will obtain one or more ratings.
A Single Engine Piston rating lasts 24 months, when the pilot must pass a proficiency check with an examiner, or demonstrate meeting the minimum flight time and training requirements.
This allows flight of single-piston-engined, non-turbocharged, fixed-pitch propeller, fixed tricycle gear, non-pressurised land aeroplanes (with a few exceptions).
There are seven categories of difference: tailwheel aircraft, retractable undercarriage, variable-pitch propeller, turbocharged engine, EFIS (Electronic Flight Information Systems), single level operation and cabin pressurisation.
To add these to their licence a pilot must undergo a course of training and pass an additional skills test.
[citation needed] A single engine IR(A) course requires at least 50 hours of instrument time with an instructor.
The IR(R) allows flight in IMC but only in certain classes of airspace and with restrictions on conditions for take-off and landing.
These ratings both exist in a variety of forms whose domains, or ranges of privileges, are for specified aircraft operations.