The UK National PPL will be introduced with effect from 29 July 2002. The assurance of medical fitness is based upon a periodic declaration by the pilot which has to be endorsed by a doctor with access to the clinical record. Continuing fitness to fly remains the reponsibility of the pilot.

Two levels of fitness are accepted corresponding to the levels required by the road driving licence authority for professional and private drivers. These follow a European Union Directive. The standard corresponding to professional drivers would allow the carriage of up to three passengers in an aircraft weighing up to two tonnes. Less fit pilots who only meet the private driver standard cannot be responsible for others in the air, but may fly solo or with another pilot.

Full details are on the UK CAA web site at www.caa.co.uk/srg/med/