The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is responsible for international rules governing civil aviation. Article 31 states that "Every aircraft engaged in international navigation shall be provided with a Certificate of Airworthiness issued or rendered valid by the state in which it is registered".

The Air Navigation Order also requires that an aircraft shall not fly unless there is in force..."a certificate of airworthiness duly issued or rendered valid under the law of the country in which the aircraft is registered"

All operational aircraft listed on the UK Register must hold a valid Certificate of Airworthiness (CofA) or Permit to Fly.

• The Permit to Fly is generally applicable to ex-military and amateur built aircraft, microlights, gyroplanes and aircraft without a valid Type Certificate.

• The CofA is required for all other aircraft types, including balloons, airships and gliders.

EASA and non-EASA aircraft

CAP 747 -"Mandatory Requirements for Airworthiness" contains the list of specific EASA and non-EASA aircraft types. It also provides a statement of the general categories of aircraft that are excluded from European regulations and so remain subject to National rules.

Balloons, Airships and Gliders

Some organisations have been granted Special Approvals to perform tasks on behalf of the CAA. These may include the application or recommendation for renewal of a CofA.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Some will require a CofA. Applications are dealt with by the CAA.

Hang Gliders, Foot-Launched Powered Hang Gliders and Paragliders

Although it is mandatory to comply with the Rules of the Air, hang gliders, foot launched power gliders and paragliders are not required to hold a CofA or Permit to Fly.

Applying for a CofA- Issue or Subsequent Issue- CAA and EASA regulated aircraft

CAA Form SRG 1710, together with the appropriate fee, should be sent to the Applications and Approvals Department. Details of costs can be found in the CAA Scheme of Charges - Airworthiness, Noise Certification and Aircraft and Aircraft Engine Emissions.

Applying for CofA- Renewal- CAA regulated aircraft

CAA Form SRG 1711, together with the appropriate fee, should be sent to the Applications and Approvals Department. Details of costs can be found in the CAA Scheme of Charges - Airworthiness, Noise Certification and Aircraft and Aircraft Engine Emissions.

Applying for an Export CofA- CAA and EASA regulated aircraft

CAA Form SRG 1752, together with the appropriate fee, should be sent to the Applications and Approvals Department. Details of costs can be found in the CAA Scheme of Charges - Airworthiness, Noise Certification and Aircraft and Aircraft Engine Emissions.

Approved Organisations

Recommendation for the renewal of a National CofA in accordance with BCAR A/B3-4

CAA Form AD 202NR should be sent to the Applications and Approvals Department.

Aircraft that have not transitioned will need to complete and submit Form AD 202 NR
Aircraft that have transitioned will need to complete and submit Form SRG 1746 where recommendation is made to CAA

With effect from 10 August 2012 current UK regulations will change to align British Civil Airworthiness Requirements (BCAR) Section A with European regulations for aircraft eligible for the issue of a Certificates of Airworthiness (CofA). The changes apply to aircraft excluded from European Council Regulation (EC) 216/2008, including those aircraft listed in Annex II, commonly referred to Non-EASA aircraft.

These changes will apply to non-EASA aircraft that operate on a CofA. 

As of 10 August 2012, the CAA will work towards issuing a non-expiring CofA and a National Airworthiness Review Certificate (N ARC) for each aircraft. This will be carried out when the current CofA is presented for renewal. From 10 August 2012 there will no longer be an option to renew a CofA for 3 years.

Credit/Debit Card Payments

The Applications and Approvals Department are now able to accept Credit and Debit card payments. Please refer to Form SRG 1706 and follow the instructions detailed. 

CAA Process Flowcharts

Certificate of Airworthiness Issue - Surveyor Involvement

Certificate of Airworthiness Issue - Direct Issue

Annex II Certificate of Airworthiness Renewal

Further Information

Fee Calculator

Service Standards

Special Approvals