CLASS 1. Do I HAVE to renew ?

[GASH !]

I have a JAR class 1 that has just expired. I also have a JAR class 2 which is fine for private flying.

Could someone tell me, do I have to renew the class 1 now so as to avoid another trip down to the Belgrano or can I just renew it whenever ? As I`m still studying for the ATPL exams I have no commercial use for the class 1 and would like to avoid forking out again if possible.

[152]

My class 1 has expired also, its been two years. I contacted the CAA Medical advice and they said I just had to go to my local AME and they will renew it. This is their e-mail address if you want to contact them directly. [email protected]

152

[Whirlybird]

You can let it expire; I finally found this out after phoning the CAA several times. You have up to about two years to renew before having to go back to the Belgrano; might be longer, I can't quite remember. Also, you can now use a Class 1 as a Class 2 for the length of time a Class 2 would be valid, as was true in the past pre-JAR. The trouble is, not a lot of AMEs know that. I had to persuade mine to phone the CAA to get this confirmed; then all he had to do was stick a label on my Class 1 saying it could be used for Class 2 privileges and validity.

[Docfly]

You have 5yrs from date of expiry before you have to renew at Gatwick. Between 2 and 5yrs the AME has to check with Gatwick before he can renew.

[GASH !]

Many thanks folks, I knew someone would know.