3 November 2004
The CAA has now mandated navigation as part of all tests or proficiency checks for JAA Single Pilot Aircraft rating revalidations or renewals. This include ‘Single Engine Piston’ (SEP) ratings.
The change to mandate navigation does not affect anyone revalidating the SEP rating via the 12 hour experience route as the instructor hour within that process is training, and not a test or proficiency check.
The changes will mean that pilots who revalidate the SEP ratings by a single test flight with an examiner rather than using the 12 hour route, or those who renew the SEP rating after letting it expire even by a day, will have to demonstrate navigation skills during the renewal flight test as well as general handling competence.
Unlike the test for initial issue of the PPL with SEP rating, the length of the navigation leg in the test is not specified, but has to be long enough to convince the examiner that the pilot’s navigation skills and techniques are adequate.
