Reflection on my visit to the CAA Aviation facility at Gatwick airport

[worldpilot]

As part of the process of re-issuing my FAA licence due to the renumbering of my UK Licence (JAR to EASA), I had to fly from Munich to Gatwick for a physical appearance in person at the CAA facility.

It is my appreciation to point to the competent customer service representatives that attended to me and assisted in addressing and resolving my issues.

It was an experience worth mentioning. The whole process (registration at the helpdesk, waiting time, contact by CAA customer service representative, and departing the CAA facility) took less than 45 minutes. Now that's really impressive though.

There were 6 individuals ahead of me at my arrival at the facility and the CAA customer service representative was really working hard to quickly contact waiting clients and swiftly address the respective issues.

I was on a very tight schedule. I had under 3 hours after landing at Gatwick airport to travel to the CAA facility, get my issues resolved, and then get back to the airport to catch a flight back to Munich.

I'm really happy that the customer service process and the concerted efforts of CAA customer service representative helped me attain my goal within this tight time frame.

Based on my experience, both remotely and in person at the CAA facility, in dealing with the CAA, I would advice prospective clients to approach the CAA in the following manner:

1: Be clear and concise about your problem or issue at hand

2: Gather information upfront (via the CAA website) about the option(s) available to address the issue(s) at hand

3: Choose the option most suitable for you to get your issue appropriately addressed and resolved.

4: Have all required documentation in place that are required and would help in getting the issue(s) addressed and resolved

5: Be ready to take care of the associated fees.

6: Be polite and patient when interacting with CAA customer service representative (They are there to help address and resolve issues)

Following the aforementioned procedure help me effectively and efficiently address my issues.

WP

[soaringhigh650]

Great stuff and thank you for the "advice to prospective clients".

[worldpilot]

With pleasure!

WP

[Kestrel]

FAA

I hold the old paper FAA licence.

Am I correct in thinking I can pitch up at CAA LGW and exchange it for the newer credit card type FAA licences.?

Any info appreciated.

[Zulu Alpha]

As part of the process of re-issuing my FAA licence due to the renumbering of my UK Licence (JAR to EASA), I had to fly from Munich to Gatwick for a physical appearance in person at the CAA facility.

I'm pleased that the process was as painless as possible.

However, what a waste of time and money. Its just like paying one person to dig a hole in your garden and then another to fill it in. Everyone is very busy doing useless work.

Because some bureaucrats have decided that we need to change one piece of paper for another, you have had to spend money on a ticket and the CAA fees. This whole process keeps people employed but does nothing for air safety and provides no benefit at all.
It is pleasing that this highway robbery was performed by pleasant staff who smiled at you while they took your money.

[md 600 driver]

world pilot
its a english thing we always are very nice to visitors did they give you free housing,council tax benefits ,passport,pension,social security ect

steve

or are you an escapee that we are trying to entice back?

[worldpilot]

@Kestrel

If your FAA license was issued based on your UK license and for whatever reason your UK license number has changed, then you can pitch up at the CAA facility and submit an application for re-issuing your FAA license.

Follow the process as depicted in my narrative.

@md 600 driver

It is nice to be funny.

NO, i'm neither a refugee nor an escapee.

@Zulu Alpha

The alternative is to fly across the pond to the US and get the license reissued at an FSDO.

WP

[piperboy84]

If it's an FAA license why can't ya just apply online to the FAA Oklahoma City, give them your old pilot license number and I think it's about 5 bucks and they mail you the credit card type?

http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certific...e_replacement/

Edit. It's 2 bucks

[BEagle]

Because if 'ya' read the note in your reference, 'ya' will see that:

If your airman certificate or special purpose pilot authorization was or will be issued on the basis of on a foreign license you must first apply for a verification of the authenticity of your foreign license. You may visit our website for more information and to obtain the verification form. Your foreign license must first be verified with the CAA prior to making application with the IFO or FSDO to replace your paper pilot certificate or to apply for an airman certificate or rating.

[worldpilot]

The reference here in on "FAR 61.75 Certificate"

The issue here is not about replacing FAA paper pilot certificate
It is irrelevant whether it is FAA paper or credit card size certificate.

It is about FAR 61.75 Certificate

Here is a quote from the CAA website.

The renumbered licenses have render FAA pilot certificates (validation) issued on the basis of a foreign license (14 CFR Part 61.75) invalid since the FAA certificates(validation) were originally issued on the basis of the individuals existing pilot license number issued under UK national or JAR-FCL requirements .

Under current standard procedures, pilots who wish to have their FAA certificates reissued are required to travel to an FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) in the United States to comply with the FAA requirement for verifiable identification of each certificate holder or applicant. Recognising the difficulties that this will present to European pilots, the FAA’s Flight Standards Service has decided to grant a deviation from its standard reissuance practice. This allows the pilot to attend the UK CAA in person with the required documentation and fee. The UK CAA will then verify your information to the FAA, who will then issue a new FAA pilot certificates (validation).

I chose the option of going to Gatwick instead of flying to the US.

WP

[BEagle]

WP - yes, you've got it 100% correct!

I'm sure the folk at the UK CAA will be very heartened to note your kind comments! It just goes to show how much more 'can-do' and GA-friendly the UK CAA is fast becoming.

[PompeyPaul]

Full English?

You forgot to mention the delights of the full English in the cafe there? It was always a spectacle to see rows of suited middle age men gnashing down on heaps of bacon.

Just thinking about it now is making me hungry....

[FC80]

PP, plebeians no longer have access to the cafe.

If you go to the Belgrano you are now enclosed in an MDF holding pen and forced to purchase poor quality overpriced sandwiches.

[Lowmick]

Is there any other place in EU that can re-issue FAA licence (based on foreign) due to renumbering EASA one? I am not UK holder.

[worldpilot]

Lowmick,

You're best advised to verify this possibility with the aviation authority that issued you your license. You could as well check the FAA website for any pointers in this respect.

WP

[Lowmick]

Thanks WP. I expect answer from our authority something like a "solve this problem directly with FAA". And from the FAA "come here to USA to any FSDO to issue new one" :-)

[Zulu Alpha]

There is a designated FAA examiner at Old Buckenham.

It cost about £400 to have a US licence issued on the back of an Italian EASA licence.

[PompeyPaul]

Sad times

PP, plebeians no longer have access to the cafe.

That's a shame. It was the only good thing about going to the CAA.

[Liam_Mulholalnd]

I was looking forward to the cafe when I went as someone said it overlooks the 26 threshold, but instead I was confined to the ground floor drinking expensive Costa coffee.

[Kestrel]

Paper to credit card type

At LGW if I simply want to change it to the credit card type does one have to make an appointment prior to going plus does anyone have an email address when I can send them a quick question. By email ?

Thanks in advance for any info