EASA ATPL to UK ATPL after 31st Dec 2022

[maxed-out]

Hello everyone,

I used to hold a UK CPL and SOLI'd out to an EASA member state as I operate on a large bizjet for an EU operator. I have since upgraded to an EASA ATPL as well. Have the option to regain my UK licence (only at cpl level due to CAA regs) before the end of this year. However, I would not be able to keep my rating valid on a UK licence as the sim rates are eye watering on this particular aircraft type.

Assuming I keep my UK medical going each year in parallel to my EASA one, does anyone know what the arrangements would be to regain a UK professional licence post the EU/UK transition date? My big concern being the ATPL theory which i sat at Gatwick in 2007/2008 under JAR.

My thinking was, that should I need to return to the uk job market, I could then start the process. I can't seem to find anything on the CAA website as to whether previous UK atpl theory holders would be exempt from having to redo them.

Many thanks
mo

[deltahotel]

Fwiw, my advice is get a UK licence while it’s simple. If your rating on the UK licence lapses so be it but the whole thing will be a whole lot easier to do it now. Like tomorrow! The worst that could happen in the future is a licence with no valid rating - easier to fix than possibly having to do all the exams etc.

good luck

[maxed-out]

hi deltahotel,

ok thank you.

[G-GOLF]

Hi, I am in the exact same situation as you described. I won’t be able to keep my current rating onto a UK licence, crazy money!! So I am just going through the process now to at least get back my UK CPL while there’s a chance. At least to have something.
What an absolute mess the whole thing was!

[deltahotel]

Good luck - suggest you get moving! Even if you can’t keep the rating valid on your uk licence it will stay on there and renewal is always easier than doing the rating again.

[McMax]

Hi,
I’ll tag on to this thread if I may.

Thinking about transferring my EASA ATPL to a UK CAA, just for the sake of it.
it’s easy enough at the moment, but who knows what the future looks like.

Is there an expiry date on the license itself if I don‘t keep my ratings current?

What about the medical, sort of difficult to keep it valid where I am at the moment.
Does is hurt to let it expire and do a fresh one should I wish to use the UK ATPL?

Many thanks

[deltahotel]

The licence is a Part FCL with no expiry date. You’ll need a valid uk medical to apply for the uk licence, if you then let it lapse you’ll need to renew the medical when you want to use the licence which is a whole lot easier than starting again with a new licence. Not sure when the cut off date for applications is, but I wouldn’t hang around!

[McMax]

Thanks deltahotel.
Already spoke to CAA and they are happy for me to apply now and do the medical in the new year. Seems initials are fully booked until the next year.