dublinpilot:
Do we know if the aeros rating will require revalidation? I presume it will, given that it's a rating and not a qualification
No it won't. Although to prevent the idiotic €urocrats inventing yet more rules (e.g. defining the content of the revalidation training flight), we will probably make 'recommendations' for pilots who haven't committed aerobation for a while.
Rod1:
I assume provided I fly a none EASA aircraft I can keep my CAA PPL and ignore all this Cr@p?
Correct. But even if you decide to change to an EASA part-FCL pilot licence, you will still be able to fly non-EASA aerobatic aircraft on that licence AND conduct aerobatics on them WITHOUT an Aerobatic Rating!
Yes, it is indeed all complete and utter bolleaux!