EASA/JAR MEIR Renewal

[V1 VR V2]

Hi,

I am looking for some advice on the EASA/JAR ME IR and its renewal.

I currently hold a JAR CPL MEIR and will be converting it from the HCAA to the UK CAA to gain an EASA Licence.

My MEIR has currently lapsed so I want to renew it before licence conversion to avoid additional paperwork costs!

I have access to a group share MEP but its on a N reg based in the UK, would I be able to conduct my MEIR renewal on this N reg under my JAR licence or is this not permitted as its on a N reg and must be G?

Any help appreciated.

[ifitaintboeing]

Assuming you're a owner or part-owner, then you will need CAA permission (used to be DfT permission) to receive remunerated training/testing in a N-reg aircraft as per ANO Article 225. The CAA fee is £75 and the form is here.

Yes, an examiner can conduct your MEP/IR renewal in a N-reg in the UK. There are a few dual-rated EASA/FAA instructors who are also EASA IR examiners such as myself. However, in the UK a EASA licence is rendered valid on a N-reg in any case via ANO Article 61A so you can use any EASA examiner, assuming they are aware of these privileges. CAA Flight Examiners Handbook, para 2.14 refers.

[V1 VR V2]

Thank you for the reply and clarification on the question i had its been a great help

[V1 VR V2]

Just adding to this, as my MEP rating has lapsed for longer than 3 years I have been advised by a UK FTO that I must complete the MEP course again which is all 7 hours plus test!

In all fairness I will not be flying a MEP privately anytime soon so my question is can I just renew my SEP IR which keeps me under the 7 year limit or would I have to renew my MEIR within 7 years as I completed this course originally?

I am quite happy just renewing a SEIR for SEP flying but wanted to know if I have to renew my MEIR before the 7 year limit or I will lose it and have to do the MEIR course again?

Thanks

[Linda Mollison]

You were advised incorrectly by the ATO.

AMC1 FCL.740(b)(1) Validity and renewal of class and type ratings reads:

a 3 (iv) expiry longer than 3 years: the applicant should again undergo the training required for the initial issue of the rating

The word 'should' does not mean mandatory, it is only advisory. If you have held an MEP in the past you should not need 6 hours flying and 7 hours ground school. However you will need some training. If it has been that long since a person held an MEP rating we do an abbreviated course (ground and flying) but for duty of care we ensure that all the items are covered during that training.

The currency of the MEP rating does not affect the ATPL ground credits in any way. The only reason to renew it is if you want to fly an MEP aircraft.

An SEIR will keep the ATPL ground credits current (although if you are applying for a flight crew position or want to start a type rating you will need an MEIR.

You can always upgrade it later by doing an MEIR test.

[V1 VR V2]

Hi Linda,

Thank you for your answer to my problem and for clarifying the situation.

I am pleased that I can choose to only renew the SEIR and still maintain my ATPL credits and CPL status until I decide to upgrade to MEIR when its required.

Thank you for your help.

[Odai]

Can I just add that I think you can keep your MEIR current without renewing your MEP?

You would obviously lose MEP privileges but so long as you keep renewing your MEIR in a MEP aircraft (or sim every other year) you can technically still keep your MEIR without letting it drop down to an SEIR - although I have no idea how hard it would be to pass the MEIR renewal if you're not flying MEP aircraft in between tests.

[ifitaintboeing]

The word 'should' does not mean mandatory, it is only advisory

The word 'should' rather than 'must' is used in all AMCs since there may be a number of alternative AMCs from which you could choose in order to comply with the requirement; it does not mean you can choose to ignore the requirement. The reality is that there is currently only one AMC for this, so you 'must' comply.

a 3 (iv) expiry longer than 3 years: the applicant should again undergo the training required for the initial issue of the rating

The CAA have chosen to pragmatically interpret this as the content of the course (not the specified duration). As stated above, essentially this amounts to training as required to include revision of all elements from the course.

[BillieBob]

The word 'should' rather than 'must' is used in all AMCs since there may be a number of alternative AMCs from which you could choose in order to comply with the requirement; it does not mean you can choose to ignore the requirement.

It is not the word 'should' that is significant in this case but the word 'can'. The AMC states that the amount of training 'should' be determined on a case-to-case basis by the ATO taking into account a number of factors, including the time lapsed since the expiry of the rating (fair enough). It goes on to state that, when determining the needs of the pilot, "the following items can be taken into consideration" - not 'must', not 'should' but 'can'. The clear inference is that the ATO may also determine the needs of the pilot without taking into account the suggestions in paragraph 3 of the AMC.

A classic example is the case of a pilot who has allowed his MEP class rating to expire by more than 3 years but has been flying small MET aeroplanes (e.g. BN2T) regularly. It is unlikely to be necessary for such a pilot "to again undergo the training for the initial issue of the rating" in order to "reach the level of proficiency necessary to safely operate an MEP aeroplane". Indeed, it might well be that the ATO decides that no flight training is necessary at all, although experience indicates that it is more likely that an ATO will over-estimate the training required, purely to generate revenue.

In short, the determination of the amount of training (if any) required is entirely at the discretion of the ATO irrespective of the suggestions contained in the AMC.

[Piripi]

What about pilots currently flying for an airline in USA. I am flying EMB145, its been 5 1/2 years since last JAA renewal. I know I have to renew before 7 years. I understand why they added this training requirement for pilots that have not flown in many years, but they should of included some provision to make it cheaper and easier for pilots currently flying for airlines overseas. Is there any loophole or I am just destined to spend eur4000 train and fly a PA34 and learn almost nothing from it.

[Linda Mollison]

Piripi

Information Notice 2013-098 allows the seven years to be based on the currency of your non-EASA IR, i.e. if you keep that current and valid, you do not lose your EASA ATPL ground credits.