FAQ Answer

I have a Basic Commercial Pilot’s Licence (BCPL(A)), how will the changes affect me?

There are two principal categories of Basic Commercial Pilots Licence - the standard BCPL(A) - not restricted - and the Restricted BCPL(A). Both are UK licences that were issued prior to the adoption of JAR-FCL in the UK.

As it is more than a decade since the last BCPL (unrestricted) was issued, the holders of that licence have now met the experience requirements set out in the Air Navigation Order that extend the privileges to commercial flying. With the 2012 amendment to the Air Navigation Order all (unrestricted) BCPL(A)s become UK CPL(A)s. For the purposes of EU regulations these licences will be UK CPLs that are convertible to EASA Part-FCL licences. See the FAQ - “I have a UK ATPL / CPL (pre-JAA), how will the changes affect me?”

The Restricted BCPL(A) was primarily issued to pilots with PPLs and instructor ratings to allow them to be paid for giving instruction in flying; they have never had the privileges to undertake other forms of commercial flying. Under Part-FCL, pilots who hold PPLs with instructor ratings can be paid for giving flying instruction. With the 2012 amendment of the Air Navigation Order the same remuneration privileges are granted for the holders of UK PPLs with instructor ratings. The amendment of the Air Navigation Order also deems all Restricted BCPL(A)s to be UK PPL(A)s. For the purposes of EU regulations these licences will be UK PPLs that are convertible to EASA Part-FCL licences. See the FAQ - “I have a UK PPL (pre-JAA), how will the changes affect me?”