FAQ Answer

FAQ Answer

I fly balloons, how will the changes affect me?

EU regulations require the pilots of EASA balloons to hold EASA Part-FCL licences - either a LAPL(Balloons) or a Balloon Pilots Licence (BPL) - to continue flying from 8th April 2015. Note that the new BPL has commercial flying privileges when additional requirements, post licence issue, have been complied with. The conversion tables in Annex II to the EASA “Aircrew” licensing regulation do not include balloon licences. Separate provision is made in the regulations for the CAA to compile a report, to be agreed with EASA, which will define the conversion criteria. The CAA is working with the BBAC on the compilation of this report and related matters.


Licensing and Training Standards

  1. What is meant by an EASA aircraft and a non-EASA aircraft?
  2. In which countries will the new European rules apply?
  3. What is meant by: a JAA or JAR-FCL licence; a United Kingdom licence; a UK National Private Pilots Licence (NPPL) and a “national licence”?
  4. What is an EASA licence and what kinds of EASA licence are there?
  5. Which country can I apply to for an EASA licence?
  6. What kinds of Medical certificate are used now, and what will there be after implementation of the European rules?
  7. I have a UK-issued JAA licence, how will the changes affect me?
  8. I have a UK ATPL / CPL (pre-JAA), how will the changes affect me?
  9. I have a UK PPL (pre-JAA), how will the changes affect me?
  10. I have a CAA-issued JAA licence that is marked “Valid for UK registered aircraft”, how will the changes affect me?
  11. I have a Basic Commercial Pilot’s Licence (BCPL(A)), how will the changes affect me?
  12. Do I have to convert my non-JAA licence into a JAA licence before I can get an EASA licence?
  13. I have a UK licence with a calendar life, what will happen when it expires?
  14. What will happen about the medical restrictions on my licence?
  15. I have a PPL for gyroplanes, how will the changes affect me?
  16. I have an NPPL, how will the changes affect me?
  17. I have a PPL(A) with a Group D rating / PPL(M) for microlights - how will the changes affect me?
  18. I fly gliders, how will the changes affect me?
  19. I fly balloons, how will the changes affect me?
  20. I have licences from more than one European country, what happens about that?
  21. What happens to the ratings that I have on my licence?
  22. I have an instructor rating, how will the changes affect me?
  23. I have an examiner authorisation, how will the changes affect me?
  24. When can I get an EASA licence?
  25. What is going to happen about the IMC rating?
  26. I have a licence issued by a non-EASA country (e.g. USA), how will the changes affect me?
  27. I have previously passed ATPL / CPL theoretical knowledge examinations, but I have not obtained the licence yet, how will the changes affect me?
  28. What will happen about radio licences (FRTOL)?
  29. What is happening about gaining credit for military flying against the requirements for obtaining an EASA licence?
  30. How will licences and ratings be kept valid?
  31. How will the new rules affect Registered Facilities (PPL training)?
  32. How will the new rules affect Flight Training Organisations and Type Rating Training Organisations?
  33. What will be the effect of the introduction of the aerobatic rating?
  34. What will be the effect of the introduction of the Flight Test rating?
  35. What will be the effect of the introduction of the towing rating?
  36. What will be the effect of the introduction of the mountain rating?
  37. What will be the charging scheme for EASA licences and training organisations?
  38. How will knowledge of Part-FCL and Part-OPS be demonstrated for licence validation/conversion?
  39. Crediting of flying hours to comply with the requirements for recency and revalidation
    by experience.
  40. What further information will be provided?