ATPL(A) to (H) Conversion - clarification of the rules

[Alex Whittingham]

The CAA have agreed that, once you get an IR and assuming you don't let it lapse by more than seven years, your ATPL(A) exams become frozen for all purposes. The implication of this is, for people converting ATPL(A) to ATPL(H), that you should only need to sit a Principles of Flight (H) exam and will not be required to do either bridging exams, Performance or Operational Procedures papers as is implied by LASORS.

I don't imagine this will affect many people but it is a clarification, anyway.

[helimutt]

What about those who hold an IR(H) and cpl(h) and wish to convert to an atpl(a)? Can it be done?

[Alex Whittingham]

Yes, but only in two cases.

(1) If you used the interim procedure. Your ATPL(A) passes should still count with this new ruling so you'll need to do fixed wing Performance and Principles of Flight.

(2) If you are an ex-service pilot who did the Military Bridging course. From memory you need to take two normal papers, I think the two above, and a bridging exam. You should be exempt Ops Procedures because you took it with the Military bridging course.

Otherwise, you'll need to get an ATPL(H) IR before you can convert, from memory this involves three ATPL(A) papers and the special (H) to (A) bridging paper. There is no other conversion from CPL(H) to ATPL(A). LASORS Section J has the details, but I don't have it with me.

[paco]

Thanks Alex - it was always just POF for the CPL(H) (LASORS Sect J) but at least that composite paper is out of the way!

[Bubi352]

Let me use this opportunity to ask this question also. I tried to get a clear answer from the CAA but without success.

I have an FAA ATP with a A320 type rating but under 500 hours of jet time. I did convert my FAA ATP to a CAA CPL but am still missing my IR conversion.

Can I do my skill test during a proficiency check in the A320 sim without meeting the 500 hours of jet time? OR can a CAA examiner observe me on a line flight in the A320 after I get 500 hours of jet time? Is this what it really means below or am I missing something hidden behind it.

For those having more than 500 hours multi-crew experience on a multi-crew simulator or aircraft candidates may elect to be observed by a CAA Flight Operations Training Inspector on the multi-crew aircraft type on which they are rated

[HF13]

Hello Alex,
Would you kindly tell me where can I find any documentations speaking about this procedure and if anything has been changed since you posted?
I checked trough the CAA website with no luck, I found only the one related to Helo to Airplane conversion.
We are a bunch of guys with a frozen ATPL (A) (some have the full ATPL (A)) and CPL/IR (H) willing to get it for helicopters too.
Any idea if you need to get trough a class or can directly apply to take the test.
Any info is more than appreciated.
Thanks

[paco]

This is the current workaround as I understand it:

Convert to CPL(H) - requires POF(H) plus necessary flying training.

When you have enough hours to get ATP (not forgetting type rating on large helicopter), claim an exemption for the IR(H) based on the fact you already have the ATPL(A) Theoretical Knowledge, and presumably multi-crew. This works because the only difference between the CPL(H) and ATPL(H) TK is the IR. It doesn't work the other way because the fixed wing CPL is of a lower academic standard.

phil

[HF13]

Thank you Phil for your reply.
I apologize but I m not really familiar with the CAA procedures as I have got all my licence in an other EU country, would you please give me a hint on what should I do with my situation.
At the moment I hold a Full JAA ATPL (A) and a JAA CPL/IR (H) with a B412 rating and MCC rated.
Now in my country they are asking me to take a "Bridging CLass" and then 4 exams as stated on the JAR.
After I read this thread I thought would have been easier to obtain it in UK where I will probably move anyway in a little bit.
If you or anyone else would tell me what's the best way to follow I will appreciate it.
Thanks
HF13

[paco]

That's nonsense. The CPLH/IR combination is the equivalent of ATPL(H) TK. You're best doing it in the UK.

In any case, your CPL(H) should at least be an ATPL(VFR) if they are on the latest amendment.

[HF13]

Ok, I guess I will contact CAA asap to see what's the procedure for the emission of the licence.
thanks