Getting current again...

[Allioth]

Hi everyone, and apologies if this is not the right place to post this thread.

I finished my frozen ATPL (CAA, UK) back in 2009. (ME/IR, 200h tt.)

I did a recurrency training the following year to keep my licenses current, but after that, looking at the global economic situation (and MY personal one), I decided to let things expire until better times would come...

Almost four years have passed now, and I'm thinking of getting back on track.

What things have changed in the aviation industry licensing?

I know I need to take an English Proficiency test now, and retake, obviously, the Class 1 Medical... But apart from that and take the ME/IR recurrency test, is there anything else I should consider?

Thanks in advance!!

[vodka_gorbachev]

Amongst things you already said – medical, english prof. for initial TR you will need valid ME/IR.
When does your MEP/IR rating expired and when was the last flight on MEP airplane? Are you holding UK CAA license?

[Allioth]

Hi there,

yes, my license is UK/CAA

My very last flight in a ME aircraft was during my final IR test (sadly), on the 22nd of May 2009.

My IR recurrency test in 2010 was done in a simulator.

Thanks! :)

[vodka_gorbachev]

Here is an extract from Part-FCL:

FCL.740 Validity and renewal of class and type ratings
(a) The period of validity of class and type ratings shall be 1 year, except for single-pilot single-engine class ratings, for
which the period of validity shall be 2 years, unless otherwise determined by the operational suitability data,
established in accordance with Part-21.
(b) Renewal. If a class or type rating has expired, the applicant shall:
(1) take refresher training at an ATO, when necessary to reach the level of proficiency necessary to safely operate the
relevant class or type of aircraft; and
(2) pass a proficiency check in accordance with Appendix 9 to this Part.

So, I would suggest you going in any UK ATO to make a renewal of your MEP/IR. People there know exact procedure.
I'm not sure, but I remember something like that as well:

If MEP expired for more than 3 years: the applicant should again undergo the training required for the initial issue of the rating.

[Allioth]

Hi and thanks for the info...

I got close to a heart attack when I red about the MEP need to redo the whole thing... but I'm afraid you're right...

More money into the black hole...

Thanks! :)