Update from 22Gp today:
MILITARY ACCREDITATION SCHEME UPDATE – ISSUE 1 AUGUST 2012
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Publication of the Military Accreditation Scheme (MAS)
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1.The MAS was published by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on the 27 Jul 12. *The scheme can be found in CAP 804 Part 1 Section 4 Part O which is available on the CAA website. *Electronic copies of CAP 804 are available from 22(Trg) Gp on request.
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2.Seeking opportunities to improve the MAS, within the constraints of EASA regulation, remains a high priority for 22(Trg) Gp and negotiations are ongoing with the CAA in a number of areas. *Policy adjustments have already been made as a result of these negotiations. *The following paragraphs summarise the latest position (as at 15 Aug 12) and contain information of importance for those military pilots considering their Flight Crew Licence (FCL) requirements.
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Preservation of ATPL Theory Credits
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4.This has been the subject of considerable scrutiny by 22(Trg) Gp and the CAA. *The policy in this area has been subject to development and I am now pleased to report that:
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a.Qualified Service Pilots –Aeroplanes (QSP(A)) who, under the terms of the former QSP Scheme, obtained a JAR-FCL CPL(A) within 36 months of gaining the required pass in the ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge examinations will have those theory credits preserved, for the purpose of adding an Instrument Rating (IR) to their licence, for a period of 3 years from the date of his/her last flight piloting a military aeroplane OR 3 years from 8 Apr 12 whichever occurs first.
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b.Qualified Service Pilots – Helicopters (QSP(H)) who, under the terms of the former QSP Scheme, obtained a JAR-FCL CPL(H) within 36 months of gaining the required pass in the ATPL(H) theoretical knowledge examinations will have those theory credits preserved, for the purpose of adding an Instrument Rating (IR) to their licence, for a period of 3 years from the date of his/her last flight piloting a military helicopter OR 3 years from 8 Apr 12 whichever occurs first.
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5.This policy announcement represents a significant concession to military pilots caught in the transition to EASA regulation. *Early indications are that it will benefit a significant number of individuals.
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6.For military pilots completing ATPL theoretical knowledge exams after 8 Apr 12 the validity criteria as set out in FCL.025(C) apply. *In other words: ‘The successful completion of the theoretical knowledge examinations will be valid for the issue of a commercial pilot licence or instrument rating for a period of 36 months.’
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7.It should also be noted that in all cases ATPL theory credit for the grant of an ATPL will be as stated in FCL.025(c)(2). *In other words: *‘The completion of the airline transport pilot licence (ATPL) theoretical knowledge examinations will remain valid for the issue of an ATPL for a period of 7 years from the last validity date of an IR entered in the licence or, in the case of helicopters, a helicopter’s type rating entered in that licence.’
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Multi-Pilot Accreditation
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6.The Voyager and Sea King Mk 6 have been recognised as a multi-pilot aeroplane and multi-pilot helicopter respectively. *CAP 804 will be amended accordingly. *Further consultation will be taking place with our colleagues from the Army Air Corps in Sep 12 with a view to presenting a case to the CAA to achieve multi-pilot status for the Apache AH64. *I shall issue further updates on this matter in due course.
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Multi-Engine Accreditation
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7.Although the AH64 is not an EASA helicopter type the CAA do recognise it as a multi-engine helicopter and therefore multi-engine hours accrued on it will count when determining the extent of training required for the purpose of achieving a type rating on a multi-engine helicopter at an ATO.
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Direct Route to the ATPL
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8.CAP 804 Section 4 Part F subparts 1 and 2 covers the applicability, privileges and requirements in respect of the EASA Airline Transport Pilot Licence for Aeroplanes and Helicopters. *It will be noted that applicants for an ATPL(A or H) shall hold a CPL(A or H). *HOWEVER the CAA has confirmed that if a QMP is following the requirements for the initial grant of an ATPL (in accordance with CAP 804 Part 1 Section 4 Part O para 3.5 for ATPL(A) or para 3.14 for ATPL(H)) there is no requirement for a CPL to be issued first.
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CPL(H) Testing
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9.The CAA has confirmed that the CPL(H) Skills Test may be undertaken in a multi engine helicopter. *Furthermore a CPL skill test is also considered as a type rating skill test in that ‘it counts as the demonstration of CPL level competence and competence to fly the type in which the test is taken.’
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Summary
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9.The implementation of EASA regulation in respect of FCL in the UK has precipitated significant changes to military accreditation. *Nevertheless 22(Trg) Gp and the CAA remain committed to securing additional credit where possible against a demanding regulatory backdrop; this will be an ongoing process and I would expect to make further announcements in due course.