The NPPL(M) is the primary licence required for microlights in the UK. With the NPPL(M) the holder can fly any 3-axis microlight or flexwing under visual flight rules here in the UK and overseas.

The NPPL(M) has the following training requirements:

• A total of 25 hours of flying training including 15 hours of dual tuition and 10 hours of solo flight
• A minimum of 5 hours (3 solo) of navigation training
• 2 solo cross country flights each with a minimum distance of 40NM and each including a landing at an en-route airfield
• The successful completion of the General Skills Test

In addition to the practical training one must also sit and pass the following theoretical examinations:

1. Aviation Law, Flight Rules and Procedures
2. Human Performance and Limitations
3. Navigation
4. Meteorology
5. General Aircraft Knowledge

Applicants must also pass an oral examination on their Aircraft Type, this exam is given at the end of the General Skills Test.

The NPPL(M) syllabus is split into two parts. The first part focuses on the handling of the microlight, aircraft manoeuvres, circuits and solo flying. The second part focuses on navigation training.

The first part of the syllabus consists of the following exercises:

1. Aircraft familiarisation
2. Flight preparation
3. Air experience
4. Effects of controls
5. Taxiing
6. Straight and level flight
7. Climbing & descending
8. Medium level turns (up to 30° bank angle)
9. Climbing and descending turns
10. Slow flight
11. Stalling
12. Spin awareness
13. Takeoff and climb to downwind
14. The circuit, approach, and landing/overshoot
15. Advanced turning (up to 60° bank angle)
16. Unusual and dangerous attitudes/conditions
17. Forced landings, with & without power
18. Minimum level operation
19. First solo
20. Solo circuit, local area, and general flying consolidation to GST (General Skills Test) for microlight NPPL. This includes local flying up top 8nm from takeoff site. Hours as required to complete minimum of 15 hrs total flying experience (7 solo)

The second part of the syllabus is pilot navigation and includes:

1. Naviation training (with at least 3 solo hours) including two solo 40nm cross country flights each including a landing at a site other than the takeoff site.
2. Where one of these sites must be at least 15nm from the takeoff site
3. Where each solo flight is on a different route and uses different en-route landing sites

Applicants need only to visit their GP for a general checkup where they will be issued with a fitness certificate.

The minimum age for the issue of a NPPL(M) is 17, although one can go solo at the age of 16.

The NPPL(M) is valid for life subject to revalidation requirements.

Microlighting represents one of the cheaper forms of aviation and this is reflected in the cost.

Average UK training rates per hour are between £100 and £130. Typical training times can be up to 30 hours depending on the student. Taking these factors into consideration one should budget in the region of £3000-4000 for their NPPL(M) course.