What exactly does that mean?
In future, flight times completed on three-axis ULs can be taken into account when training for the LAPL. This is particularly advantageous for student pilots who have gained their first experience in general aviation on microlight aircraft. This regulation potentially reduces the costs and time required for training, as flight hours already completed can be partially credited towards the minimum hours for the licence.
The exact number of creditable hours is determined by the respective training organisation (ATO - Approved Training Organisation or DTO - Declared Training Organisation). This is done after a pre-flight assessment in which the candidate's previous flying experience and skills are individually evaluated. However, there are clear limits: A maximum of 50 per cent of the prescribed minimum hours may have been completed on three-axis ULs. In addition, not all training content can be covered by UL flying hours.
Mandatory content of the LAPL training
Despite the new flexibility, certain training content remains mandatory. These include
- Six hours of supervised solo flightsto develop the ability to fly independently and safely.
- Three hours cross-country solo flightthat focus on navigation and planning.
- A Cross-country flight of at least 150 kilometres (80 nautical miles)where a landing must be successfully completed at an aerodrome other than the take-off aerodrome.
These requirements are essential to ensure the quality and safety of training and to meet the high standards of European aviation.
Restrictions of the new regulation
Unfortunately, this regulation only applies to the acquisition of the LAPL. For training for the European Private Pilot Licence (EASA-PPL), which is a more comprehensive licence and offers more options, hours on three-axis ULs are not recognised. According to the Joint Aviation Authority Berlin-Brandenburg, this distinction is necessary in order to meet the different requirements of the two licences.
Advantages and implications for general aviation
The possibility of crediting UL flying hours towards the LAPL opens up new avenues in pilot training. This is particularly interesting for aviation enthusiasts who started out in aviation with less expensive microlight aircraft. With this innovation, they can make better use of the skills they have already acquired and seamlessly transition to LAPL training.
For training organisations, this could also be an incentive to offer more courses and programmes that promote the combination of UL flight training and LAPL training. In the long term, this could lead to a higher number of pilots and a strengthening of general aviation in Europe.
Conclusion
The introduction of EU Regulation (EU) 2024/2076 represents an important step towards flexibility and efficiency in pilot training. The recognition of UL flying hours makes the path to a private pilot licence for light aircraft more attractive and accessible, especially for those who have already gained initial experience in microlight flying. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how this innovation will prove itself in practice and what further developments in aviation regulation will follow.
For prospective pilots and training organisations, this is undoubtedly a reason to celebrate - and a sign that European aviation is developing dynamically.
Source references:
Aviation magazine