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What is a foreign aircraft exemption?

A foreign aircraft exemption is an exemption specifically for owners and operators of foreign registered aircraft which do not have a valid International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) compliant Certificate of Airworthiness. It permits them to fly in UK airspace.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) cannot issue exemptions or permissions for operators of foreign registered aircraft to fly in Channel Islands or Isle of Man airspace. Operators will need to approach the relevant Aviation Authority for this.

What are general exemptions?

General exemptions are exemptions that have already been pre-agreed by the CAA. You do not need to apply for an exemption as long as your aircraft meets certain requirements.

You must be able to prove you meet these requirements as you could be asked to show your documents at any time during your visit.

You can only fly in UK airspace under one of these exemptions for a maximum of 28 consecutive days.


European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) agreement

If you are flying a home-built or certain historic aircraft and you are from an ECAC member state, you do not need to apply for an exemption.

You must have a permit to fly or equivalent.

General Exemption


Agreement between the UK CAA and The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC)

If you’re flying a French registered aircraft, you do not need to apply for an exemption unless your aircraft is ex-military or a factory-built gyroplane.

You must have a permit to fly or equivalent.

General Exemption


Agreement between the UK CAA and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA)

If you’re flying an Irish registered aircraft, you do not need to apply for an individual exemption unless your aircraft is ex-military in design.

You must have a permit to fly, Flight Permit Exemption or equivalent.

General Exemption

Individual Aircraft Exemptions

If you are the owner or operator of a foreign registered aircraft which is not covered by one of the general exemptions above, you will need to apply for an exemption.

Air displays

Any CAA Exemption issued will be valid only for the transit flights to and from the UK. If you’re flying in the UK and participating in an air display, you will need other permissions from us as well as any permission in relation to the Airworthiness Certification.

The Flying displays and special events provides a guideline for flying display organisers and display pilots.

Insurance

Your insurance must be in line with the requirements set out by UK Regulation (EC) No 785/2004.

You may be required to show insurance documentation when you apply for an exemption, as we are monitoring this on behalf of the UK Department for Transport.

If your documentation shows you have not complied with this regulation it will be forwarded to the Aircraft Registration Department for review.

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