UK CAA Issues CAP 3181 Detailing Revised NPPL(A) Syllabus and Skill Test Protocol

United Kingdom – The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has released an updated regulatory document, CAP 3181, outlining the revised syllabus and Skill Test requirements for the National Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) [NPPL(A)]. The update provides comprehensive guidance for student pilots, instructors, examiners and training organisations following recent regulatory changes.

• CAP 3181 establishes the official syllabus and regulatory framework for NPPL(A) issuance, applicable to flight schools, instructors and examiners.

• The document covers:

  • Medical eligibility: Accepts PMD (Pilot Medical Declaration), LAPL, Class 2 or Class 1 medical certificates.

  • Ground examination subjects: Includes Air Law, Human Performance, Meteorology, Navigation, and Aircraft General Knowledge.

  • Theoretical knowledge may be demonstrated through NPPL-specific or Part-FCL exams.

• The updated Skill Test structure includes five sections:

  • Pre-flight Operations and Departure

  • General Airwork

  • En-route Procedures

  • Approach and Landing Procedures

  • Abnormal and Emergency Procedures

• All sections must be attempted within six months of training completion, and the test must be passed within six months of the first attempt.

• Failed sections can be reattempted in further tests, with no limit on total test attempts.

• The Skill Test must be conducted in the same aircraft type in which flight training was completed: SEP (Land), TMG, or one of three microlight categories (Three-axis, Weightshift, or Powered Parachute).

• Examiner guidance is included, with detailed tolerances for manoeuvres (e.g., ±150 ft height, ±10° heading, ±15/−5 kt approach speed).

• The publication also includes a blank Examiner’s Report template for official test documentation.

Check out the full document here.

Source: UK CAA