Paragraph

F1Single Engine Piston (SEP) class rating

(1)

Subject to paragraphs (3) to (6), a Single Engine Piston (SEP) class rating entitles the holder to act as pilot in command of any single engine piston aeroplane.

(2)

A single engine piston rating shall be issued as being valid for either—

(a)

aeroplanes designed to operate from land; or

(b)

aeroplanes designed to operate from water.

(3)

Where the rating is included in an NPPL(A), the maximum take-off mass of the aircraft must not exceed 2,000 kilograms.

(4)

The SEP rating includes the microlight class rating but before exercising privileges as pilot in command of a microlight aeroplane, the holder of an SEP rating must—

(a)

receive appropriate differences training in microlight aeroplanes; and

(b)

comply with the differences training requirements specified for the holder of a microlight aeroplane class rating as appropriate to the aircraft flown.

(5)

Where the rating is endorsed “single seat only” in the current certificate of revalidation, the holder is only entitled to act as pilot in command of a single seat aeroplane.

(6)

Before exercising the privileges of the SEP rating, the holder must complete appropriate differences training where—

(a)

the aeroplane is fitted with—

(i)

a tricycle undercarriage;

(ii)

a tailwheel;

(iii)

a supercharger or turbo-charger;

(iv)

a variable pitch propeller;

(v)

retractable landing gear;

(vi)

a cabin pressurisation system; or

(b)

in respect of an NPPL(A) licence endorsed with an SEP rating, the aeroplane has a maximum continuous cruising speed in excess of 140 knots indicated airspeed.

(7)

The differences training mentioned in paragraphs (4) and (6) must be given by a flight instructor entitled to instruct on the aeroplane used for the training, recorded in the licence holder’s personal flying logbook and endorsed and signed by the instructor conducting the training.

(8)

An aircraft rating endorsed on a licence as ‘SSEA’ prior to 1st October 2025 is deemed to be an SEP rating except that the SEP rating is deemed limited to aeroplanes designed to operate from land unless the holder—

(a)

had, prior to 1st October 2025, completed appropriate differences training relating to take off and landing on water; and

(b)

has passed the Private or Professional Seamanship examination.

Annotations

Textual amendments

F1: Words in Sch. 8 Pt. 2 Ch. 2 substituted (1.10.2025) by The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/850), arts. 1(2), 16(3)(b)(ii)

Notes on Chapter 2

Textual amendments

F1: Words in Sch. 8 Pt. 2 Ch. 2 inserted (1.10.2025) by The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/850), arts. 1(2), 16(3)(b)(i)