NPPL now valid in France

Following agreement with the DGAC, a NPPL-holder is free to fly the English Channel and enter French airspace.

The CAA has announced that the holder of a National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL) with a Simple Single Engine Aeroplane (SSEA) rating can now fly in France.

As a result of the agreement with the Direction Génerale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), an NPPL holder in possession of a SSEA rating, a Class 2 Medical Certificate and a certificate confirming a minimum level of experience is free to fly the Channel and enter French airspace.

The NPPL was introduced in 2002 aimed strictly at leisure flyers. The medical requirements were less stringent than the PPL, but holders were restricted to daytime, VFR flying within the UK.

But following consultation with GA organisations, the CAA successfully lobbied its French counterpart to allow NPPL holders access to French airspace.

The CAA's Head of Licensing and Training Standards commented 'We are very pleased to be able to make this announcement. The introduction of the NPPL has been a great success, and the fact that holders are no longer restricted to UK airspace enhances its benefits. We would like to thank the DGAC for all their assistance in making it happen.'

All other restrictions on NPPLs, such as night flying, will remain in place, and these provisions do not apply to ratings other than SSEA - there are other arrangements for holders of microlight ratings through the BMAA.

The DGAC has now released AIC France A 2010-13, which prescribes the procedure that must be followed by pilots - see the CAA link below.