THE NPPL SLMG - your questions answered.. What is the NPPL? This is a UK National licence, sub-ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) licence with ratings for SEP (Single Engine Piston), SLMG (Self Launching Motor Glider)  and Microlight aircraft. This licence, unlike the JAR (Joint Aviation Regulations) licence, is valid for life.  It is only valid in UK airspace, except for the SLMG rating, which is ICAO compliant, and with additional training and a JAR class 2 medical is valid abroad. What can I fly? There are three ratings as mentioned above. At Bidford we teach the SLMG – Self Launching Motor Glider.  If after having obtained your NPPL SLMG here, and you wish to fly SEP, then that can be accomplished by differences training. What are the training requirements? The training for SLMG & SEP are identical.  From ab initio it is a minimum of 32 hours training flight training.  In addition there are two flight tests.  A General Skills Test (GST) and  a Navigational Flight Test (NST).  The current JAR theoretical knowledge exams must also be passed. If you have a Glider Pilots Licence then there is a dispensation – the minimum number of hours drops to ten but everything else remains the same. I would like eventually to fly the Tug aircraft.  Should I choose SLMG or SEP? The BGA have a dispensation to teach SLMG from selected sites.  This has a considerable impact on the cost.  You can learn from £60 per hour.  SEP ab initio training must take place from a registered facility at a licensed airfield, thereby considerably increasing the cost, often doubling it! Once you have an NPPL SLMG you can then do 'differences training' to convert to SEP. What does 'differences training' entail? Flying training and some ground school (no tests) from a Class Rated Instructor (CRI). Is that available at Bidford? Yes How do I keep my NPPL SLMG / SEP valid? To keep the SLMG valid you must have 5 hours flying in the last thirteen months.  All SLMG time will also count towards SEP renewal time which is renewed every twenty four months. What about RT (Radio Telephony) requirements? It is not essential to gain an RT licence, although it clearly has advantages.  It depends where you intend to fly and how you wish to use your privileges. What about medical requirements? The basic medical standard is DVLA 11, equivalent to an HGV driver.  It is a medical declaration signed by the pilot and countersigned by the GP. Where do I find out more? Telephone or e-mail Gordon or Lynne at the Bidford office or look on the NPPL website.     Bidford Gliding Home Page     Contact Us    Trial Flights   Gift Vouchers    Who Can Fly    When To Fly    Costs    Group & Corporate Events   Learning To Glide    Club Fleet    Facilities    Training Costs     Popular Q&A     Members   Gliding Comps & X Country     Regional Comp    Club Ladder    Task Week    Gliding Instructors     CFI's Page    Who's Who    Duty Marshalls        Tow Pilots        Gliding Medicals     Power Members      Weather     Photo Gallery    Maintenance Workshop    Links    About Us    Motor Glider Flights    Accelerated Learner   Site Map    NPPL   NPPL Costs   NPPL Q&A