Apply for the initial issue or renew a permanent Permit to Fly for a Part 21 aircraft

Commission Regulation (EU) 748/2012 as retained (and amended in UK domestic law) under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, Sub-part P allows for the issue of a Permit to Fly to a Part 21 aircraft when the Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A) is temporarily invalid or when an aircraft is unable to comply with the regulations set for the issue of a C of A but is still capable of safe flight under defined conditions.

There are four separate elements that may be required as part of the process that leads to the issue of a UK Part 21 Permit to Fly:

• the application for approval of flight conditions
• the application for a Permit to Fly
• the approval of the flight conditions
• the issue of the Permit to Fly

A permanent Permit to Fly may be issued or renewed where a Part 21 C of A is not appropriate. It may be required for an indefinite or extended period of time. Permits of this type are normally issued for the purposes described under Part 21, point 21A.701 (a)15 for non-commercial flying activity of individual non-complex aircraft types for which a C of A or Restricted C of A (R C of A) is not considered appropriate.

Pre-requisites

All applications should include the supporting documentation noted in the section on this page titled 'what do I need to include with my application?'.

For initial issues

The aircraft must be registered in the UK prior to the issue of any Airworthiness Certificate:

• Certification status of the aircraft (which may include CAA form 18b, manufacturers flight conditions, UK CAA AAN and so on).
• Pilot's operating handbook or Aircraft Flight Manual reference.
• CAA approved maintenance programme reference.
• Details of who will be presenting the aircraft for survey.

For renewals

The aircraft must be registered in the UK prior to the issue of any Airworthiness Certificate and not have been removed from the register since the last permanent Permit to Fly was issued.

In addition to the requirements listed above for an issue application should include:

• Hours flown to 31st December of the previous year.
• Confirmation that the aircraft has been maintained by an individual holding a valid Permit Maintenance Release Authorisation (PMR) - you will need to supply their name and authorisation number.

How do I apply?

The registered owner should complete the apply for a Permit to Fly or renew an existing Permanent Permit to Fly form, pay the appropriate fee and supply the relevant supporting documentation.

What do I need to include with my application?

For an initial issue, you will need to include a completed Permit to Fly Issue application form together with the appropriate fee.

Supporting documentation:

For Light Sports Aircraft (LSA) please provide copies of the following: 

• The latest Approved Flight Conditions (EASA Form 18b issued before 31 December 2020 or CAA Form 18b, as appropriate) with at least 12 months validity remaining
• latest approved manufacturer's flight conditions document.
• the manufacturer's Pilot Operating Handbook (for new aircraft from the factory only)
• the production flight test (for new aircraft from the factory only)
• any build standard documentation

Renewal documentation:

• Completed application for the renewal of a permanent Permit to Fly together with the appropriate fee.
• Supporting documentation as detailed under 'Issue application' above.

How long is it valid for?

A permanent Permit to Fly shall be valid for one year.