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Similar in many ways, the LAPL has more restrictions than the PPL, the weight of the aircraft and number of passengers are restricted but the medical and skills test are a little less demanding.

The CAA state ‘The privileges of the holder of an LAPL for aeroplanes are to act as PIC on single-engine piston aeroplanes-land (SEP land), single-engine piston aeroplanes-sea (SEP sea) or touring motor glider TMG with a maximum certificated take-off mass of 2000 kg or less, carrying a maximum of 3 passengers, such that there are always a maximum of 4 persons on board of the aircraft. Your privileges will be limited to the type and class of aircraft you take your skill test in unless you complete additional training.

The course is shorter than the PPL and consists of a minimum of 30 hours flying training, of which 15 hours are dual and 6 hours solo.

Of the 6 hours solo flying, 3 hours must be cross-country navigation flights including one flight of at least 80 nautical miles incorporating one full top landing at a different airfield from the departure airfield. Again, these are minimums set out by the CAA and training hours may exceed these to reach the level of proficiency to pass the skills test.

The 9 exam subjects are: Aviation Law, Operational Procedures, Meteorology, Navigation, Aircraft Technical, Principles of Flight, Flight Planning & Performance, Human Performance and Communications, there is also practical Radio Telephony.

The LAPL exams are now done online through the CAA portal, this will all be explained by your instructor.

Unlike the PPL, the LAPL only requires a LAPL medical which can be carried out by your GP or an Aeronautical Medical Examiner (AME).

Once you have your license you can fly in daylight hours and in reasonable weather, VMC Visual Meteorological Weather conditions. You can lift your daylight restriction by adding a night qualification. However, you would not be able to add an IR, instrument rating, unless you upgraded to a PPL.

You can only carry passengers after getting your licence and completing 10 hours of additional flight time as PIC, Pilot in Command.

For more information on the requirements visit the CAA website: Light Aircraft Pilot Licence for aeroplanes | UK Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)