Canadian PPL in U.K.?

[adnarm]

Hi everyone,

I currently reside in Vancouver, Canada and I am thinking of doing my ppl here. The only thing stopping me is the validity of the license back home in the U.K permanently.? Will I be able to do VFR flights as this is all I am interested in? Would I need to convert it? And how do I keep it active?

Thanks for any help I am struggling to get answers!

[MrAverage]

You could use it for a while (exactly how long is difficult to say, as things tend to change too much too quickly here and the regs may be different by the time you come back) before needing to apply for a UK issued EASA licence. However, currently you'd need 100 hours in order to do so, plus a few writtens and a flight test. If you came back before you finished the Canadian licence, currently none of the hours would count................

[India Four Two]

adnarm,

With regard to maintaining currency for a Canadian licence, it's pretty simple. The details are here:

https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviati...kefive-559.htm

but in summary, the minimum requirements are:

Every five years, pilots must fly as pilot-in-command or co-pilot at least once in a category of aircraft for which they are licensed.

Note there is no requirement for it to be a Canadian aircraft

complete the self-paced study program available each year in the Aviation Safety Letter;

I would also recommend that you maintain your Canadian Medical, but that can be done at minimal extra cost if you find an AME that can do both CAA and TC medicals. Here's the link for finding TC AMEs in the UK:

Civil Aviation Medical Examiners: Search Options

If you are going to be in Vancouver for a while, I strongly urge you to get your Canadian licence. You will be flying in an area of amazing scenery and you can gain experience in many aspects of flying that will not get in the UK: serious mountain flying, marginal weather decision making, busy terminal areas, over-water flying, bush flying, cross-border flying into the US. It will all stand you in good stead when you start flying in the UK, even though you will find procedures and regulations somewhat different.

Don't forget to get a few hours in a floatplane - it may make you want to stay on the West Coast for ever.

PS I gave up trying to find the licence conversion details on the CAA website!

[adnarm]

Thank you for the really helpful replies!

I am at a bit of a crossroads as my funds are relatively limited - I am 24 and I am self funding whilst working and travelling North America, my biggest fear is the cost involved converting the license when I get home to the UK (My GF wants to buy a house so my 'flying pocket money' will be enough for a few hours here and there of flying)

Do you know if I can fly G reg aircraft in the UK with a Canadian PPL? Most of the research I have done is inconclusive. If I can then I will happily keep the Canadian License current upon my return.

Again, I appreciate the help!

[Whopity]

Do you know if I can fly G reg aircraft in the UK with a Canadian PPL? Most of the research I have done is inconclusive.

If its an EASA aircraft you can until 8th April 2018. If its a UK Annex II aircraft you can fly it indefinitely on a valid Canadian licence; as stated in the UK Air Navigation Order.

[adnarm]

Originally Posted by Whopity

If its an EASA aircraft you can until 8th April 2018. If its a UK Annex II aircraft you can fly it indefinitely on a valid Canadian licence; as stated in the UK Air Navigation Order.

Thanks for the reply. Excuse my ignorance and lack of experience - how easy would it be to find an Annex II aircraft to rent in the UK? Are they commonplace?