From CAA's website here (my bold)...
Please note that you must have a current and valid EASA part-MED medical certificate of the appropriate level (with medical records held by the CAA); a current and valid language proficiency level acceptable to the CAA and potentially current and valid type or class ratings appropriate to the privileges of the licence you wish to convert to.
Refer to CAP 1441 (https://www.caa.co.uk/cap1441) for further information regarding medical declaration.
Step 1: application form, using the online conversion form (https://apply.caa.co.uk/CAAPortal/terms-and-conditions.htm;jsessionid=8-VN9zGfk+r3-CZ8YScDsIqt?formCode=PCO) or application form SRG 1104 (https://www.caa.co.uk/srg1104).
Holders of professional licences can apply using e-Licensing (https://www.caa.co.uk/elicensing) for the conversion of a JAR/UK, CPL or ATPL. They can also apply for the addition of the aerobatic, banner and sailplane towing ratings using e-Licensing.
Step 2: proof of identity, using a certified copy of one of: passport; EU photographic driving licence; EU identity card.
Step 3: copies of your current licence. We require a certified copy of the Certificate of Tests page or Certificate of Revalidation page of your current licence.
Step 4: proof of meeting requirements. We require a copy of your current medical certificate and proof of your language proficiency
Step 5: payment, made by BACS, cheque, cash or card. More detailed information can be downloaded.
The above requirements are the same regardless of whether your licence is current or has lapsed.
You can also convert as part of another application. When you apply for a licensing change such as the issue or renewal of a rating, you must apply to convert to an EASA licence at the same time by including the additional application form and conversion fee. Conversion may be compulsory depending on the type of licence and type of application.
Compulsory conversion will occur with the following actions if you hold a JAR licence:
Renewing your licence or changing the details on your licence
Applying for issue of an EASA rating
Renewing or revalidating an EASA rating
Applying for a new language proficiency level to be printed on your licence
Please send your completed application form and supporting documentation to the following address:
Shared Service Centre
Licensing and Assessment
Aviation House
Gatwick Airport South
West Sussex RH6 0YR
Alternatively, you can submit your application by email to
[email protected]
If I read this argument correctly, and this lapsed licence versus lapsed rating argument holds water, you'd appear to be okay if you renew the licence without a rating (is that possible? this seems to suggest so), then do the rating second, but have a problem if you try to do them together.
Which if true, is really rather silly, but seems to present a solution.
G