Testing from Un-Licensed Aerodromes?

[Level Attitude]

Do all/any Flight Tests need to be conducted from Licensed Aerodromes?

Is there a difference between Skill Tests and Proficiency Checks?

Reference(s) appreciated

[Curtis E Carr]

Try Article 208A of the ANO 2009.

[Level Attitude]

Curtis,
Many thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

It would seem that if Acft has MTW > 2730kg then any Tests must
be done from Licensed Aerodrome.

If MTW < 2730kg then Tests can be done from Un-Licensed Airfields,
provided that both aerodrome operator and Examiner agree that
"facilities are adequate for flight to be safe".

From ANO August 2012


Flights which must use licensed or Government aerodrome
208 (1)Subject to paragraph (5), article 207 applies to any aeroplane which has a
maximum total weight authorised of more than 2730kg flying on a flight:

(a) for the purpose of the commercial air transport of passengers or the public
transport of passengers;

(b) for the purpose of instruction in flying given to any person for the purpose of
becoming qualified for the grant of a pilot's licence or the inclusion of an aircraft
rating, a night rating or a night qualification in a licence; or

(c) for the purpose of carrying out flying tests for the grant of a pilot's licence or the
inclusion of an aircraft rating or a night rating in a licence.


Aerodromes– use for purposes of flying instruction and testing
208A (1) The operator of an aerodrome which is not a licensed aerodrome must not
permit an aircraft flying or intended to fly for a purpose specified in paragraph (3) to
take off from or land at the aerodrome unless satisfied on reasonable grounds that the
aerodrome has adequate facilities for the safe conduct of such flights.

(2) The commander of an aircraft must not take off from or land at an aerodrome which
is not a licensed aerodrome on a flight for a purpose specified in paragraph (3) unless
satisfied on reasonable grounds that the aerodrome has adequate facilities for the safe
conduct of such flights.

(3) A flight is for a purpose specified in this paragraph if it is for the purpose of—

(a)instruction in flying given to any person for the purpose of becoming qualified for
the grant of a pilot’s licence or the inclusion of an aircraft rating, a night rating or
a night qualification in a licence; or

(b)carrying out flying tests for the grant of a pilot’s licence or the inclusion of an
aircraft rating, a night rating or a night qualification in a licence.

[ifitaintboeing]

It would seem that if Acft has MTW > 2730kg then any Tests must be done from Licensed Aerodrome.

That's not quite correct as it is not any test under ANO Art 208, but a test MTWA >2730kg which is for the purpose of becoming qualified for a licence or rating, i.e. a skill test.

A proficiency check is conducted to renew or revalidate a rating, and does not require a licensed airfield.

EASA FCL.010 Definitions
‘Proficiency check’ means the demonstration of skill to revalidate or renew ratings, and including such oral examination as may be required.
...
‘Skill test’ means the demonstration of skill for a licence or rating issue, including such oral examination as may be required.

[Level Attitude]

A proficiency check is conducted to renew or revalidate a rating, and does not require a licensed airfield

That's how I interpret rules but
becoming qualified for
the grant of a pilot’s licence or the inclusion of an aircraft rating,

It does depend on whether "inclusion" means only Initial Test (so that Rating can be included for first time) or also means
subsequent Revalidation/Renewal Tests (so that Rating can continue to be included)

[Whopity]

To renew or revalidate you must already be qualified!