William, Those of us who glide in France have had to have French medicals
for many years until this year when they at long last decided that they
could accept a UK class2 medical. They are certainly dramatically cheaper,
generally in the 30 range, and tend to be simpler, but not I suspect any
easier to pass. I could let you have names in Chatellerault and Chauvigny
(both in central France just South of the Loire, and with nice, cheap
airfields) but no doubt you could get a complete list by writing to the
Civil Aviation Direction listed in the French Bottlang for the region you
plan to visit. One doctor I know has for years been content to ignore the
fact that a friend only had one working eye, but this year he made the
mistake of seeing a different one who refused him a medical, as no doubt
would any CAA doctor. David Joyce
----- Original Message -----
From: William Mills <combined.merchants@virgin.net>
Subject: Re: CAA Medicals and the NPPL
> I have been told that a number of ageing pilots, like myself, go to France
> for their JAR medicals, because it is cheaper (about 50 Euro! another
> example of "Rip-off Britain") and much less onerous to pass.
Unfortunately,
> as I have already had a small problem with the CAA / JAR about mine, it is
> too late for me to change horses. I'm afraid I don't know any more
details
> about the French medics, but if anyone else has had experience of this,
> please let us all know.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Carl Pattinson" <carl@flyers.freeserve.co.uk>
> Subject: CAA Medicals and the NPPL
>
>
> > My Class2 medical on my CAA PPL has just expired and now needs renewing.
> >
> > Unfortunately I just found out last week that my CAA medical examiner
has
> > retired and so I am looking for a new one. The last guy was excellent
and
> > olny charged 50 for the exam and ECG (as long as I paid in pound
notes).
> I
> > suspect any replacement examiner will charge substantially more, and
being
> > over 50 means I will pay this every year. I have been told 125 is the
> > current going rate for a CAA medical.
> >
> > It would seem that now would be a good time to convert over to a NPPL
> which
> > I understand is a once only 130 admin fee to the CAA.
> >
> > I'm not sure this is a good move as there must be a down side. The
> advantage
> > would seem to be that as long as i'm only flying for pleasure I only
need
> a
> > doctors certificate and then only every 5 years (till 60 that is).
> >
> > Does anyone know what the disadvantages of the NPPL are (eg: will I
still
> be
> > able to fly on the continent ?).
> >
> > I have a week to decide so any comments would be appreciated.
> >
> > Carl Pattinson
> >
>
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