Personnel licensing: Annex 1, Part-FCL and Part-MED
Learning objectives
- Explain how the EU licensing rules relate to ICAO Annex 1, and identify the four things that must all be valid before you fly as pilot in command.
- Explain revalidation, renewal, skill test and proficiency check, and apply the two ways of revalidating an SEP class rating.
- Identify the recent experience you need to carry passengers by day and at night.
- State how long a class 2 medical lasts at each age and when you must not fly even though the certificate is valid.
The idea
A pilot licence is not one permission; it is a small stack of permissions that expire on different clocks. The licence is the base, but its privileges work only while the other layers are valid. The rating for the type of aeroplane runs out every couple of years. The medical certificate runs out sooner as you get older. Your radio language level is re-checked on a schedule. On top of that sits a short-term rule about how recently you have flown with passengers. If any one layer has lapsed, you do not fly, however good a pilot you are. This lesson shows you each layer, its clock and what restores it.
The stack at a glance
Describe this figure
Four boxes are stacked and joined by plus signs, because all four must be valid at the same time. The PPL(A) licence comes first, and its privileges can be used only while the ratings and the medical in it are valid. The SEP class rating is valid for 2 years, the class 2 medical lasts 60, 24 or 12 months depending on age, and the language proficiency endorsement lasts 4 years at Level 4 or 6 years at Level 5. Below, two dashed boxes are add-ons: passenger recency, which needs 3 take-offs, approaches and landings in 90 days, and a night rating, a course of up to 6 months, for VFR at night.
The figure shows four stacked layers (the licence, whose privileges need valid ratings and a valid medical; SEP class rating at two years, class 2 medical by age, language endorsement at four or six years), a side gate for passenger recency at 90 days and an optional night rating add-on.
Where the rules come from
ICAO Annex 1 sets the international licensing standards. Part-FCL (licences and ratings) and Part-MED (medical certificates) are the EU's implementation of it, inside one EU regulation. This page teaches the EU values only and states no ICAO value.
The competent authority is the authority of the State where you apply for the licence. You may hold only one licence per category of aircraft at any time, and any limitation or extension of privileges is written on the licence. After passing the skill test you have 6 months to apply for the licence or rating.
One licence per category of aircraft at any time.
The words the exam uses
Most exam errors in this topic come from mixing up a few definitions. Learn them as pairs.
- Category, class, type. A category is a broad grouping such as aeroplane or helicopter. A class is a grouping of single-pilot aeroplanes that do not need a type rating, for example SEP(land). A type is a grouping that needs its own type rating.
- SEP aeroplane. A single-engine, single-pilot aeroplane that needs no type rating and has one propulsion unit with one thrust control. The engine may be piston, electric or a hybrid of the two, so SEP does not mean only "piston".
- Aeroplane and TMG. An aeroplane is an engine-driven, fixed-wing aircraft heavier than air. A touring motor glider (TMG) is a class of powered sailplane with a fixed engine and propeller that can take off and climb on its own power.
- Solo, dual, cross-country. Solo flight time is flight time as the sole occupant of a student pilot. Dual time is flight instruction from an authorised instructor. A cross-country flight follows a pre-planned route between a departure and an arrival point using standard navigation procedures.
- Co-pilot. A pilot operating other than as PIC on an aircraft needing more than one pilot, not counting a pilot on board only for instruction.
- Revalidation versus renewal. Revalidation is done within the validity period and lets you carry on. Renewal is done after the rating or certificate has lapsed.
- Skill test versus proficiency check. A skill test is for the issue of a licence or rating. A proficiency check is for revalidating or renewing.
- Flight time. It runs from the moment the aircraft first moves to take off until it comes to rest, so taxi time counts.
- Pilot-in-command (PIC). The pilot designated as in command and charged with the safe conduct of the flight.
- Night. In the pilot licensing rules, night is the period between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight, or another period between sunset and sunrise set by the authority.
- Private pilot. A pilot whose licence prohibits flying for remuneration, apart from the instruction and examination activities the rules allow.
"A proficiency check is just another name for a skill test." Wrong: a skill test issues, a proficiency check revalidates or renews. The words are used precisely in the rules.
The licences: LAPL(A) and PPL(A)
The Light Aircraft Pilot Licence for aeroplanes, LAPL(A), is the smaller licence. Its holder acts as PIC on SEP(land), SEP(sea) or TMG aircraft of 2 000 kg maximum certified take-off mass or less, with at most three passengers (four persons on board). Passengers are allowed only after 10 h as PIC following licence issue. The minimum age is 17.
The Private Pilot Licence for aeroplanes, PPL(A), includes all LAPL(A) privileges. In addition you may act as PIC or co-pilot of aeroplanes or touring motor gliders in non-commercial operations, without remuneration. The only exception to "without remuneration" is paid instruction and examining by a holder of instructor or examiner privileges.
PPL(A) privileges: PIC or co-pilot of aeroplanes or TMGs in non-commercial operations, without remuneration, plus all LAPL(A) privileges.
To get a PPL you must be 17. You must meet the class rating requirements for the aeroplane used in the skill test and finish a training course at an approved training organisation (ATO) or declared training organisation (DTO). The course includes at least 45 h of flight instruction (up to 5 h in a simulator device): at least 25 h dual and 10 h supervised solo, with 5 h of solo cross-country including one flight of at least 270 km (150 NM) with full-stop landings at two other aerodromes. A student may fly the first solo from age 16, when authorised and supervised by an instructor.
| Topic | LAPL(A) | PPL(A) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 17 years | 17 years |
| Aircraft | SEP(land), SEP(sea) or TMG, with a maximum certified take-off mass of 2 000 kg or less | Aeroplanes and TMGs in non-commercial operations, without pay, with the class or type rating needed. Includes all LAPL(A) privileges. |
| Persons on board | At most 3 passengers, so 4 persons in all. Passengers only after 10 h as PIC following licence issue. | No such limit in the privileges |
| Ratings | No class rating to revalidate | Class or type rating needed. SEP class rating valid 2 years. |
| Recency | In the last 2 years: 12 h as PIC, or dual or solo under supervision, with 12 take-offs and landings and a refresher of at least 1 h with an instructor. Or pass an LAPL(A) proficiency check. | Revalidate the class rating before it expires: by experience in the last 12 months, or by a proficiency check in the last 3 months |
| Carrying passengers | 3 take-offs, approaches and landings in the preceding 90 days | |
| Medical | At least a valid LAPL medical | At least a valid class 2 medical |
| Minimum flight instruction | 30 h, including at least 15 h dual in the class of the skill test and 6 h supervised solo. The solo includes 3 h cross-country, with one flight of at least 150 km (80 NM) and a full-stop landing at another aerodrome. | 45 h, of which up to 5 h in an FSTD. At least 25 h dual and 10 h supervised solo. |
Describe this figure
The table has one row per topic and one column per licence. Both licences have a minimum age of 17. The LAPL(A) covers SEP(land), SEP(sea) and TMG up to 2 000 kg, with at most 3 passengers and only after 10 h as PIC, while the PPL(A) covers aeroplanes and TMGs in non-commercial operations with the class or type rating needed, and includes all LAPL(A) privileges. The LAPL(A) has no class rating to revalidate and needs 12 h, 12 take-offs and landings and a 1 h refresher in 2 years, or a proficiency check; the PPL(A) revalidates the class rating by experience or proficiency check. One merged row says that both licences need 3 take-offs, approaches and landings in 90 days to carry passengers. The medical is a valid LAPL medical or a class 2, and the minimum flight instruction is 30 h for the LAPL(A) or 45 h for the PPL(A).
The table compares LAPL(A) and PPL(A) on minimum age, aircraft, persons on board, ratings, recency, medical and training hours. In short: the LAPL(A) has an aircraft and persons limit and needs only an LAPL medical, while the PPL(A) needs a class rating and at least a class 2 medical.
The theory exam has 9 papers: Air law, Human performance, Meteorology, Communications and Navigation are common, and Principles of flight, Operational procedures, Flight performance and planning and Aircraft general knowledge are aircraft-specific. The pass mark is 75 % per paper, with no penalty marking. You sit the papers only when your training organisation recommends it, and that recommendation lasts 12 months. You must pass all papers within 18 months of your first attempt, and if you fail a paper in 4 attempts or run out of time you retake the whole set after more training. A pass stays valid for 24 months for issuing the licence, and you must pass theory before the skill test. One exam sitting lasts at most 10 consecutive days, with one attempt per paper. The age limits of 60 and 65 apply only to commercial air transport, not to private flying.
The four things that must be valid
Think of a pre-flight checklist for you, not the aeroplane. Exercising your privileges depends on a valid class or type rating and on a medical certificate appropriate to those privileges. You may act as pilot only with a valid, appropriate class or type rating, with exceptions such as LAPL privileges, certain tests and checks, and flight instruction. If you use the radio, you also need the language proficiency endorsement.
You also carry your licence, a valid medical certificate and a photo identity document whenever you exercise your privileges. You keep a reliable record of all flights.
Before each flight, name the four layers aloud: licence, SEP rating, medical, language. It takes ten seconds and catches the one that quietly expired.
The SEP class rating
An SEP class rating is valid for 2 years, unless the operational suitability data says otherwise. Other class and type ratings are valid for 1 year. Without a valid rating you cannot act as pilot in that class.
The rule gives two alternatives: a proficiency check, or experience. Each has its own window.
Route A: proficiency check. Pass a proficiency check with an examiner within the 3 months before the rating expires.
Route B: experience. Within the 12 months before expiry, fly 12 h in the class, including 6 h as PIC, with 12 take-offs and 12 landings. You also fly a refresher training flight of at least 1 h in total with a flight instructor or class rating instructor. The refresher is waived if in any class or type you passed a proficiency check, a skill test or an assessment of competence in that period.
Describe this figure
Time runs from top to bottom and ends at a line marking the rating expiry. A tall bar covers the last 12 months, the experience route: 12 h in the class including 6 h as PIC, 12 take-offs and 12 landings, and a refresher flight of 1 h with an FI or CRI, from which some pilots are exempt. A shorter dashed bar covers the last 3 months, the proficiency check route with an examiner; a check done early starts a new 2 years from the check date, and failing any section means no rating privileges until you pass. Below the expiry line, renewal has three steps: an assessment of whether refresher training is needed, refresher training if found necessary, then a proficiency check. For a non-high-performance SEP the assessment is at an ATO or DTO, or with an instructor if the rating expired 3 years ago or less.
The timeline puts the expiry date at the right. A 12-month bar before it is the experience window, a 3-month bar at its end is the proficiency check window, and a separate path after it shows renewal.
If you pass the check earlier than the 3-month window, the new period starts from the date of the check, so you lose the unused time.
If you fail any section of the proficiency check before expiry, you may not use the rating's privileges until you pass. With both SEP(land) and TMG ratings you may meet the requirements in either class or a combination and revalidate both.
Renewal. Once the rating has expired, an assessment decides whether you need refresher training. It is done at an ATO or DTO or, if the rating expired no more than 3 years ago, also with an instructor. If the assessor finds refresher training necessary you complete it, and then you pass a proficiency check.
SEP revalidation: proficiency check in the last 3 months before expiry, or in the last 12 months before expiry 12 h (6 h PIC), 12 take-offs, 12 landings and a 1 h refresher with an instructor.
Given: Your SEP rating expires in six weeks. In the past 12 months you flew 8.5 h in the class, of which 4.5 h as PIC. You have the take-offs, landings and refresher covered. Method: Compare each total with the required 12 h and 6 h as PIC. Working: Total still needed is 12 h minus 8.5 h = 3.5 h. PIC still needed is 6 h minus 4.5 h = 1.5 h, which can be part of the 3.5 h. Answer: You need at least 3.5 h more in the class, including at least 1.5 h as PIC. Check with your ATO instructor; this content does not replace ATO instruction.
Passenger recency
An up-to-date rating lets you fly. A separate, shorter clock decides whether you may take passengers. To carry passengers as PIC or co-pilot you must have made at least 3 take-offs, approaches and landings as pilot flying in the preceding 90 days, in an aircraft of the same type or class, or in a full flight simulator (FFS) of it.
At night you need more. To carry passengers as PIC at night you must also have made at least 1 take-off, approach and landing at night in the preceding 90 days, as pilot flying in the same type or class, or hold an instrument rating.
An instructor or examiner flying with you to regain recency is not counted as a passenger, and no one else should be on board during such a flight.
The rule limits passengers, not flying. A pilot with a valid rating and medical may still fly solo when the 90 days have passed.
Describe this figure
The flowchart reads from top to bottom. If you are not carrying passengers, the passenger rule does not apply, but a valid rating and medical are still needed. With passengers, you need 3 take-offs, approaches and landings as pilot flying in the last 90 days in the same type or class, or an FFS of it; if not, no passengers, and an instructor on board while you regain recency is not a passenger. If you are not flying as PIC with passengers at night, that recency is enough. At night you also need 1 night take-off, approach and landing in the last 90 days, or an IR; without either, no passengers at night.
The flowchart runs top to bottom. First question: are you carrying passengers? If not, you only need a valid rating and medical. If yes, did you make 3 take-offs, approaches and landings in the last 90 days? If yes, ask whether it is night with you as PIC; if so, the extra night take-off, approach and landing in 90 days (or an instrument rating) is needed.
Passengers: 3 take-offs, approaches and landings in the preceding 90 days; at night as PIC also 1 at night in the preceding 90 days, or an instrument rating.
Language and night rating
Pilots who use the radio must hold a language proficiency endorsement showing the language, the level and the validity date. The minimum is Level 4, the operational level.
Re-evaluation: every 4 years at Level 4, every 6 years at Level 5, never at Level 6.
To use LAPL or PPL privileges in VFR at night you complete a night rating course at a DTO or ATO within up to 6 months. It includes theory instruction and at least 5 h of night flight, of which at least 3 h are dual. At least 1 h is cross-country navigation, with one dual cross-country flight of at least 50 km (27 NM). You also fly 5 solo night take-offs and 5 solo full-stop landings. LAPL holders must first complete the basic instrument flight training required for the PPL.
Medical certificates
You need at least a class 2 medical for a PPL and an LAPL medical for an LAPL. A class 1 includes the privileges of class 2 and LAPL, and you may not hold more than one medical certificate at a time. Class 2 is issued by an aero-medical centre or an aero-medical examiner.
The validity of a class 2 certificate depends on your age:
- until age 40: 60 months, and a certificate issued before 40 ceases to be valid after age 42;
- from 40 to 50: 24 months, and one issued before 50 ceases after age 51;
- above 50: 12 months.
The LAPL medical is valid 60 months until age 40 (ceasing after age 42 if issued before 40) and 24 months above 40.
Describe this figure
The horizontal axis shows age at examination from 17 to 70, and the vertical axis shows validity in months. Class 2, a solid line, is 60 months until age 40, 24 months from 40 to 50, and 12 months above 50. The LAPL medical, a dashed line, is 60 months until 40 and 24 months above 40, so it matches class 2 up to age 50 and then stays higher. A dotted marker at 42 shows that a certificate issued before 40 ceases after age 42, and a dotted marker at 51 shows that a class 2 issued before 50 ceases after age 51.
The step chart plots validity in months against age from 17 to 70. Class 2 steps down from 60 to 24 months at 40 and to 12 months at 50, with cut-off points at 42 and 51. The LAPL line steps from 60 to 24 months at 40, with its cut-off at 42.
For a revalidation, the new period runs from the expiry date of the old certificate, and the examination can be done up to 45 days before expiry without losing time. For initial issue and renewal the period runs from the examination date.
If you miss the revalidation, you need a renewal. For class 2, expired less than 2 years means a routine examination; between 2 and 5 years means an examination after review of your records; more than 5 years means the initial-issue requirements.
Given: You pass a class 2 examination at age 38. Method: Add the 60-month validity to your age, then compare with the age limit for certificates issued before 40. Working: 38 + 5 = 43, but a certificate issued before 40 ceases after age 42, so the lower figure applies: min(43, 42) = 42. Answer: The certificate stops being valid after age 42.
A valid certificate is not enough
You may not exercise your privileges while aware of any decrease in medical fitness that might make you unable to do so safely, or while taking any medication or treatment likely to interfere with safe flying. Seek aero-medical advice without undue delay, and before flying again, after a surgical operation, starting regular medication, a significant injury or illness, pregnancy, hospital admission, or first needing correcting lenses. The authority may suspend or revoke a certificate.
Before flying on any medication, ask: do I feel fit, do I really need it, and have I tried it on the ground?
Worked examples
Recap of the two examples above. Revalidation by experience: 12 h minus 8.5 h flown leaves 3.5 h to fly, including at least 1.5 h as PIC (6 h minus 4.5 h). Class 2 medical at age 38: 38 + 5 = 43, capped at 42 by the cut-off for certificates issued before 40.
In the real world
A typical situation built only from the rules above. You hold a PPL(A) with a valid SEP rating, a valid class 2 medical and a Level 4 endorsement, and you have flown solo all summer. Your last flight with a passenger was four months ago, and a friend asks for a sunset flight home. Licence, rating and medical are fine, but the 90-day clock has run out. If the flight may end at night you would also need a night rating and a night take-off, approach and landing in the last 90 days. Solo flying stays legal, but carrying the friend is not. A recency flight with an instructor restores the position, and the instructor is not counted as a passenger. Layers expire on different clocks, which is why the pre-flight check names all of them.
Exam traps
"The SEP rating is valid 1 year." It is 2 years; only other class and type ratings are 1 year.
"Revalidation by experience means 12 h as PIC." It is 12 h in the class, including 6 h as PIC, plus 12 take-offs, 12 landings and a 1 h refresher.
"I can do the proficiency check five months early with no loss." The new period then starts from the date of the check, so time is lost.
"I need 3 night landings to carry passengers at night." You need 3 take-offs, approaches and landings in 90 days and also 1 at night, or an instrument rating.
"Class 2 is valid for 5 years." Only until age 40, then 24 months, then 12 months above 50.
"A valid medical means I am fit." You must not fly when aware of reduced fitness or on interfering medication, whatever the certificate says.
Explain it back
Your friend says: "My licence never expires, so as long as I have it I can take passengers up." Explain in your own words that licence privileges depend on the other layers: which must be valid, which clock each follows, and what extra condition applies to passengers.
Self-check
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A PPL(A) holder has a valid SEP rating and a valid class 2 medical. Her language proficiency endorsement shows Level 4 and was issued five years ago. She plans to make radio calls on a flight tomorrow. What is the position?mcq · medium
Show answer
Level 4 must be re-evaluated every 4 years, so a five-year-old Level 4 endorsement has lapsed. The first option wrongly treats it as permanent; only Level 6 is never re-evaluated. The third option is wrong because every pilot using the radio needs an endorsement. The last option ignores that language is a separate layer from the rating and medical.
Reference: FCL.055(a); FCL.055(c)
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A PPL(A) pilot with a valid licence, SEP rating and class 2 medical has just started taking a new regular medication from her doctor. She feels well. What must she do?mcq · easy
Show answer
Starting regular medication means seeking aero-medical advice before flying again, and she may not fly while taking medication likely to interfere with safe flying. A valid certificate does not make the first option correct. Waiting for the routine medical is too late. Flying solo is not an exception to the rule.
Reference: MED.A.020(a); MED.A.020(b)
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Your SEP rating expires in two months and you want to revalidate by experience. In the last 12 months you have flown 9 h in the class, of which 5 h as PIC. Ignoring take-offs, landings and the refresher flight, what is the minimum further flight time you need in the class?mcq · hard
Show answer
The requirement is 12 h in the class, of which 6 h as PIC. You have 9 h, so you need 3 h more in total, and since you have 5 h as PIC you need at least 1 h more as PIC. PIC time counts towards the total, so 7 h is wrong. The 3 h need not all be PIC. A skill test is for issue, not revalidation; the alternative is a proficiency check. Renewal is not the answer here: it applies only after a rating has expired, and your rating is still valid.
Reference: FCL.740.A(b)(1)(ii)
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A PPL(A) pilot has no night rating. In the last 90 days he made 4 take-offs, approaches and landings by day. He wants to take a passenger on a flight that will land after dark. Which statement is correct?mcq · medium
Show answer
Night VFR privileges need the night rating, and carrying passengers as PIC at night adds one night take-off, approach and landing in 90 days, unless he holds an instrument rating. Day recency alone does not cover night. A single night circuit does not replace the night rating. Passenger recency applies to private flying, not only commercial.
Reference: FCL.060(b)(2); FCL.810(a)(1)
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A pilot has a class 2 medical examination at age 52. For how many months is the certificate valid?mcq · easy
Show answer
Above age 50 a class 2 certificate is valid 12 months. 60 months applies only until age 40, and 24 months between 40 and 50. 36 months does not exist as a class 2 period.
Reference: MED.A.045(a)(3)
Key concepts
Written with ASD-STE100 writing principles: short sentences, one topic per sentence, active voice, one word for one meaning.
PPL(A) privileges
A PPL(A) holder can act as PIC or co-pilot of an aeroplane or touring motor glider (TMG), without remuneration, in non-commercial operations. To exercise these privileges, the pilot must hold a valid licence, a valid class rating and at least a valid class 2 medical certificate. The pilot always carries the licence, the medical certificate and a photo identity document. Rule: FCL.205.A, FCL.040, MED.A.030(c)(2) Do not: accept payment for flying, except paid instruction or examining under instructor or examiner privileges.
SEP class rating validity
An SEP class rating is valid for 2 years, unless the operational suitability data (OSD) says otherwise. Revalidation needs a proficiency check within 3 months before expiry, or 12 h of flight in the class within 12 months before expiry. The experience route also needs 6 h as PIC, 12 take-offs and 12 landings, and a refresher flight with an instructor. Rule: FCL.740(a)(1), FCL.740.A(b)(1) Do not: confuse the 3-month proficiency-check window with the 12-month experience window.
Passenger recency
To carry passengers as PIC or co-pilot, a pilot must make 3 take-offs, approaches and landings in the last 90 days. These must be as pilot flying, in the same type or class, or in a full flight simulator (FFS) of that type or class. To carry passengers at night, the pilot also needs 1 night take-off, approach and landing in the last 90 days, or an instrument rating (IR). Rule: FCL.060(b)(1), FCL.060(b)(2)
Class 2 medical validity
A class 2 medical certificate is valid 60 months until age 40, 24 months from age 40 to 50, and 12 months above age 50. A revalidation examination can take place up to 45 days before expiry, and the new validity then runs from the old expiry date. Rule: MED.A.045(a)(3), MED.A.045(b)
Medical fitness changes
A pilot must not exercise privileges while aware of a decrease in medical fitness that can make the pilot unable to fly safely. The pilot must not fly with medication, prescribed or not, or with treatment that can interfere with safe flight. Before the next flight, the pilot must seek aero-medical advice after surgery, new regular medication, hospital admission, pregnancy or the first need for glasses. Rule: MED.A.020(a), MED.A.020(b)
Language proficiency endorsement
A pilot who uses the radiotelephone must not exercise licence privileges without a language proficiency endorsement. The minimum level is Level 4, the operational level. Level 4 needs re-evaluation every 4 years, Level 5 every 6 years, and Level 6 needs no re-evaluation. Rule: FCL.055(a), FCL.055(c)
Night rating
The night rating lets a pilot fly in VFR at night with LAPL(A) or PPL(A) privileges. The course lasts up to 6 months at a DTO or ATO and includes at least 5 h of night flight. Of those 5 h, at least 3 h must be dual instruction. Rule: FCL.810(a)(1)
Revalidation and renewal
Revalidation extends a rating within its validity period, once the requirements are met. Renewal restores a rating after it lapses, once the requirements are met. A skill test is for the issue of a licence or rating, and a proficiency check is for revalidation or renewal. Rule: FCL.010
Flashcards
Print them: A6 landscape cards (PDF, front and back) · 4 cards per A4 landscape sheet (PDF, cut lines) · Key figures deck (PDF, 50 figures)
Print double-sided, flip on the short edge.
010-04-01-01Can a PPL(A) holder be paid for flying as PIC?
No. A private pilot is not paid for flying. The only exception is paid instruction or examining under instructor or examiner privileges.
010-04-01-02What must a pilot hold to exercise PPL(A) privileges?
A valid licence, a valid class or type rating (for example SEP), at least a valid class 2 medical certificate, and a language proficiency endorsement when using the radiotelephone.
010-04-01-03What does the pilot always carry when exercising privileges?
The licence, a valid medical certificate and a personal identification document with a photo.
010-04-01-04How long is an SEP class rating valid?
2 years, unless the operational suitability data (OSD) says otherwise. Other class and type ratings: 1 year.
010-04-01-05SEP revalidation by proficiency check: what is the window?
Within the 3 months before expiry, with an examiner.
010-04-01-06SEP revalidation by experience: what must the pilot fly?
Within the 12 months before expiry: 12 h in the class, including 6 h as PIC, and 12 take-offs and 12 landings.
010-04-01-07SEP revalidation by experience: what refresher is needed?
At least 1 h with an FI or CRI. Exempt after a proficiency check, skill test, EBT practical assessment or assessment of competence (AoC).
010-04-01-08Exam trap: which window goes with which SEP revalidation route?
Proficiency check: 3 months before expiry. Experience: 12 months before expiry. Do not mix them.
010-04-01-09Passengers as PIC or co-pilot: what recency is needed?
3 take-offs, approaches and landings as pilot flying in the last 90 days, in the same type or class (or an FFS of it).
010-04-01-10Passengers at night as PIC: what extra recency is needed?
1 night take-off, approach and landing in the last 90 days, or an instrument rating (IR).
010-04-01-11Class 2 medical validity by age?
60 months until age 40; 24 months from age 40 to 50; 12 months above age 50.
010-04-01-12How early can a medical revalidation examination be done?
Up to 45 days before expiry. The new validity runs from the old expiry date.
010-04-01-13Class 2 medical expired: which examination applies?
Less than 2 years: routine revalidation. 2 to 5 years: renewal after review of the records. More than 5 years: initial-issue requirements.
010-04-01-14LAPL medical validity above age 40?
24 months.
010-04-01-15When must a pilot not exercise privileges for medical reasons?
When aware of a decrease in medical fitness, or with medication or treatment that can interfere with safe flight.
010-04-01-16Which events need aero-medical advice before the next flight?
Surgery, new regular medication, significant injury or illness causing incapacity, pregnancy, hospital admission, first need for glasses.
010-04-01-17Minimum language proficiency level for radiotelephone use?
Level 4, the operational level.
010-04-01-18Language re-evaluation intervals?
4 years at Level 4, 6 years at Level 5, no re-evaluation at Level 6 (expert).
010-04-01-19Night rating: how long is the course?
Up to 6 months, at a DTO or ATO.
010-04-01-20Night rating: minimum night flight time and dual instruction?
5 h of night flight, including 3 h dual instruction.
010-04-01-21Night rating: dual cross-country requirements?
At least 1 h of cross-country navigation at night, dual, including one flight of at least 50 km (27 NM).
010-04-01-22Night rating: solo requirements?
5 solo take-offs and 5 solo full-stop landings at night.
010-04-01-23PPL(A) minimum flight instruction: total and simulator limit?
45 h in total, of which up to 5 h can be in an FSTD.
010-04-01-24PPL(A) minimum dual and supervised solo flight time?
25 h dual and 10 h supervised solo.
010-04-01-25PPL(A) solo cross-country requirement?
5 h solo cross-country, including one flight of at least 270 km (150 NM) with full-stop landings at 2 aerodromes other than departure.
010-04-01-26Minimum age for the first solo?
16 years, as a student pilot.
010-04-01-27Minimum age for a PPL(A) or LAPL(A)?
17 years for both.
010-04-01-28LAPL(A) maximum certified take-off mass?
2 000 kg, for SEP(land), SEP(sea) and TMG.
010-04-01-29LAPL(A) maximum passengers and persons on board?
3 passengers and 4 persons on board in total.
010-04-01-30LAPL(A): how many hours as PIC before carrying passengers?
10 h as PIC, after the licence is issued.
010-04-01-31LAPL(A) recency: what is needed in 2 years?
12 h, 12 take-offs and 12 landings, 1 h refresher training, or an LAPL(A) proficiency check.
010-04-01-32How many subjects are in the PPL theory examination?
9: 5 common and 4 aircraft-category specific.
010-04-01-33How long is a DTO or ATO recommendation to sit the exams valid?
12 months.
010-04-01-34Pass mark per paper?
75 %, with no penalty marking.
010-04-01-35Time limit to pass all papers?
18 months, counted from the end of the calendar month of the first attempt.
010-04-01-36Maximum attempts per paper before the complete set is retaken?
4 attempts.
010-04-01-37How long is a theory pass valid for issuing an LAPL or PPL?
24 months, from the date all papers are passed.
010-04-01-38Revalidation or renewal: which one applies inside the validity period?
Revalidation. Renewal applies after the rating lapses.
010-04-01-39Skill test or proficiency check: which one is for the issue of a licence?
The skill test. A proficiency check is for revalidation or renewal.
010-04-01-40How long after passing the skill test must the licence application be made?
6 months.
Sources
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011, Part-FCL and Part-MED, as amended (incl. Reg. (EU) 2024/2076 and 2025/134) — via EASA Easy Access Rules for Aircrew, November 2025, with the related AMC/GM.
- Convention on International Civil Aviation, ICAO Doc 7300, 9th edition (2006): Articles 32, 33 and 39.
This page is educational. It does not replace instruction at your ATO or your aircraft's POH/AFM. Rules change: check the regulation in force.