Flight training required for CPL conversion

[gfunc]

Hi folks,

I have just returned to the UK after many years overseas and I'm getting started converting my Aussie CPL to the UK equivalent. I've approached one large flying school who have told me that I have to undertake their ENTIRE CPL course from scratch (40+ hours).

I'm not sure if they misunderstood my situation or are trying it on. My spidey-sense is tingling, given that (i) I hold an instructors ticket in Oz and can legally instruct CPL students myself, and (ii) CPL flying is nothing more than a tidier version of PPL flying with a wobbly prop.

I've tried to get in touch with the CAA, but nothing heard as yet - common sense would suggest I need sufficient training to reach test standard (although I've learnt that aviation authorities and common sense aren't always good bedfellows). Could anyone with experience of such things point me in the correct direction?

Many thanks!

[BigGrecian]

The school must have a course described in their TM which allows credit.

Article 8 of Part FCL states :
The credit given to the applicant shall be determined by the Member State to which the pilot applies on the basis of a recommendation from an approved training organisation.

However the UK has recognised that due to the large number of requests that they cannot provide approval for every single request so has an AltMoc on this issue which is based on total flying hours at CAP 804: Flight Crew Licensing | Publications | About the CAA (http://www.caa.co.uk/cap804) in Part Q Subpart 2 Para 3.2.3

If you apply for anything less the wait is around 6-8 weeks for approval from policy and then the ATO must have that section described in their TM of items to be covered when a reduction is given.

It is cost prohibitive to provide individual courses so it makes sense to group people into categories. Also many school can't justify the effort of creating the relevant sections in the TM on a cost basis so may not be approved for anything less than the full course.

[gfunc]

Thanks BigGrecian,

That is exactly what I was looking for, buried down near page 600! It looks like I am allowed to shave a fair bit off the training - those minima look about right for someone to get use the proper way of doing things. I'll take this back to the school and have a word. Just for reference for others:

CAP804 Part 1, Section 4 Part Q, Subpart 2, 3.2.4

Minimum instruction depending upon total hours as pilot of aeroplanes:
Level 1: Experience > 1000 hrs: Min 7 hrs (18 hrs credit)
Level 2: Experience 500 – 999 hrs: Min 10 hrs (15 hrs credit)
Level 3: Experience 250 – 499 hrs: Min 15 hrs (10 hrs credit)
Level 4: Experience 185 – 249 hrs: Min 20 hrs (5 hrs credit)
Level 5: Experience 155 – 184 hrs: Min 25 hrs (no credit)