SPL Licensing (in plain English?)

Pilot licensing is changing towards the end of 2023. This has been on the cards for a few years now and deferred a number of times. It WILL (almost certainly - probably) happen this time, so we all need to get our licenses updated as soon as possible.

In summary - from the 8th December 2023:

  • You will need a ‘Sailplane Pilots License’ (SPL) and appropriate medical to fly solo and unsupervised.

  • Without an SPL you will need a LAPL medical in order to fly solo (and then only locally and under instructor supervision.)

What to do?

  • In the period up until the 8th December you can convert your Bronze+XC license into an SPL using a ‘Pilot Medical Declaration’ (PMD) The requirements for a PMD are similar to a driving license - and so easier/cheaper to obtain than a LAPL medical. This is a temporary measure to help get people moved over to the SPL.

  • If you have (or can get) Bronze+XC this summer then you should convert to SPL as soon as possible.

What if I don’t convert my Bronze+XC license by the 8th December?

  • You will need need a LAPL medical to fly solo. You will need explicit instructor authorisation for every solo flight and you won’t be able to fly cross country. Any subsequent application for an SPL will be more complex as you will need to apply direct to the CAA (and you’ll need a LAPL medical.)

What if I don’t have (and can’t get) Bronze+XC by 8th December?

  • You will need a LAPL medical to flying solo after the 8th December.

  • Applying for an SPL will require more rigorous training records (due to be rolled out over the summer) but the syllabus is similar to the Bronze+XC (and you’ll need a LAPL medical.)

Obtaining a medical?

There are 2 types - the PMD or the LAPL:


PMD (pilot medical self-declaration)

Most people should get a PMD (self declaration.) The PMD requirements are similar to those you need for a driving license. You simply tick a box on a website to declare you comply (no doctors required!) The steps to obtain a PMD are as follows:

  • Create an account on the CAA website (https://portal.caa.co.uk)

  • Once on the CAA website choose ‘Your Services’ then ‘Medical’ from the ‘Apply to Use These Services’ section (this will require you to upload proof of ID and address)

Wait for email confirmation (which can take between 5 and 30 days!)

  • Log back into the CAA website (https://portal.caa.co.uk) and you’ll see the ‘Medical’ option in the ‘Your Services’ section - select it.

  • Select ‘Answer’ next to the ‘Pilot Medical Declaration’

  • Select ‘Accept’ on the ‘False Representation Statement’

  • Select ‘UK Part-SFCL SPL’ when asked for ‘Licence Type’

  • Select the ‘I confirm…’ statement on the Declaration screen.

  • Select ‘No greater than 2000kg MTOM’

  • You will then see a screen as below - choose the download option to get a PDF (and print it out.)

 
 

NB1: Once you’ve done your application, you can log back into the CAA website (https://portal.caa.co.uk) and get your CAA Reference number from the ‘Personal Details’ section (in the left menu)

NB2: You can go back into the system and view your declaration:

  • Log back into the CAA website (https://portal.caa.co.uk) and choose ‘Medical’ from ‘Your Services’

  • Choose the ‘Access My Cellma Record’ option

  • Choose the ‘Applications’ option (then ‘Previously Answered Assessments’)

For more help using CAA Medical System (CELLMA) see here


LAPL Medical

A LAPL medical is a little more involved. The best way to do it is to find an ‘Aero Medical Examiner’ (AME) and get them to give you a checkup. They will charge you around £130 for the privilege - but they will do all the paperwork and you come out with an actual medical certificate. You can try your GP - but many will not know what a LAPL is! Either way, it’s not a particularly onerous examination - test your eyes, weight, blood pressure, urine and a few balance tests.

Transitioning from Bronze+XC to SPL

Once you have your CAA Reference number (from the portal.caa.co.uk website) your PMD evidence and your Bronze+XC documentation you can then apply to have it converted to an SPL. It’s a good idea to make sure you’re signed off on Aerotow and Winch as they will translate over to ‘licensed launch methods’ in your SPL.

Download, print and fill out the application form from the BGA website

You will need to get Craig Scott (chairman) or John Norman (CFI) to sign all the above paperwork before sending it in to the BGA (for which there is a fee of £85)

You will receive your SPL licence book some days later.

Once you have your SPL please can you email a copy of it to the office (or take it in for them to copy.)

Tips and Tricks

Some stuff we’ve learned about the process (if you have any addition tips, please let us know):

  • When providing passport as ID, it must be in colour (they will reject a black and white version)

  • When logging into the CELLMA (medical) section you’ll need to provide a mobile phone number for them to text you a special code. Remember to omit the first zero on your mobile number as you would for international calls (+44 7771 xxxxxx)

Finally

This is getting urgent - best get your medical and SPL conversion done as soon as possible. If you’re working towards your Bronze+XC then crack on and get it done!!

If you have any tips to help navigate this process, please let us know at membership@wolds-gliding.com and we’ll update this page to reflect any new information.

Any questions, let us know at the above email address - might also be worth posting a question on the WhatsApp or Forum.