This exemption is for commercial pilots (including pilots operating for NCC and SPO operators) who are unable to revalidate a rating, complete required training and other checking or renew their medical due to the current Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent prevention policies. If you are still able to go ahead with your licensing revalidation then you should do so and submit your paperwork to the CAA as normal, subject to current government advice.
Pilots operating for a UK AOC wanting to make use of this exemption should ask their operator to submit a safety case to their assigned Flight Operations Inspector (FOI). The Safety Case must be “Accepted” before the operator may utilise the exemption.
Pilots operating for Part NCC or Part SPO operators wanting to make use of this exemption should ask their operator to submit a Declaration of Compliance to NCC@caa.co.uk. The declaration can be downloaded here: Declaration of compliance with ORS4 No. 1383 for Part-NCC and Part SPO Operators (SRG1870)
All operators should regularly submit a spreadsheet to the CAA at Covid-19_Licensingexemptions@caa.co.uk notifying the CAA of all pilots who have had their ratings extended in the following format:
- Pilot's name
- Pilot's Licence number
- Applicable aircraft ratings that have been extended under ORS4 1383
- Date of new expiry (if different from 31 October 2020)
- TRE/SE name and licence number
This information should be sent in spreadsheet format on a monthly basis. It is important that this process is managed in accordance with an operator's management system. A template spreadsheet can be downloaded here: ORS4 No.1383 Notification of rating extensions (Excel)
If your operator is unable to schedule training before the expiry date of your rating, pilots should escalate via their operator to be discussed with their assigned FOI. Pilots/operators operating under Part NCC and Part SPO should address their queries to NCC@caa.co.uk.
Licence endorsement requirements
For class and type ratings, the licence may be endorsed by a TRE or Senior Examiner nominated by the Operator. Subject to the approval of the FOI, this may not necessarily be a TRE or Senior Examiner rated on type. The endorsement shall be an original (wet) signature. Please contact your assigned FOI or NCC@caa.co.uk as appropriate for more details.
For pilots who are remote, the licence may be signed retrospectively at the earliest opportunity, after the required training and assessment has been completed, however the pilot may not operate with an expired rating. The CAA is working on an electronic solution for licence endorsements should the restrictions continue for an extended period of time.
Renewals
Renewals are beyond the scope of this exemption, which only applies to current ratings/certificates. Any rating/certificate which expires at the end of March is covered by the exemption. Any rating or medical certificate that has already expired is not covered. Normal procedures apply when a rating has already expired.
Initial Issues
The current exemption does not cover initial issues. However, we have issued a new temporary certificate that allows pilots who have passed their skills test for a new rating, CPL, MPL or ATPL, an additional six months to get their license issued. Please see exemption ORS4 1373.
Information for GA pilots
GA pilots are covered under a separate exemption ORS4 1374.
What about Instructors and Examiners not employed by an AOC?
Instructors and Examiners employed by ATOs are covered under a separate exemption ORS4 1374.