ATPL TK exams expiry - extensions?

[rudestuff]

So just go and get an FAA medical then fly as much as you like in the states on a 61.75 conversion.

You can get a sport pilot certificate in a few hours - you can fly up to 1320lbs with no medical - (just a US driver's licence can be got in a few hours) so a Piper cub would be ok.

Or can get a recreational certificate - and fly the usual 4 seaters (only one passenger day VFR) - with no medical.

Flights and accommodation will cost about £500.

[2close]

I have been through a Reg.6 appeal with the CAA on medical grounds and the 'impartial' board was made up of 2 x CAA executive directors. I am not questioning their professional judgement in any way but it is quite laughable that any professional body would even consider having their own executive directors form any impartial board. However honestly impartial the executive directors are it cannot help but stink of conspiracy.

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

As for judicial review, a lengthy and very expensive conference was held with legal counsel in London and we were informed of the huge costs involved in bringing an action for judicial review. Counsel was very confident of the merits of the case and even pointed out an alternative approach, aimed at discrimination. Following consultation with the CAA the considered verdict was they've got more money and time than us, they'll bury us in paperwork and bankrupt us in the process and by the time we get a judgement, EASA will be in charge and we'll have to start again in the European Courts. Project got canned!

[2close]

Can't you self certify to fly light sports aircraft in the UK, the hours of which count towards hour building?

The more realistic option is to stop any thoughts of potentially pouring good money after bad, until you have your Class One medical in your hand.

Resign yourself to the fact that you are probably going to have to retake your ATPLs. You will probably take a lot of pressure off yourself. Start studying now. You've done it before. You've probably still got your notes so you should only have to pay for brush-ups and exams.

Do your hour building at a leisurely pace and find yourself a good instructor to 'mentor' you to CPL standards. Burning holes in the sky is only good for that!

[CrazyScientist]

Thanks again for the continued advice guys.

I am considering all my options at the moment, including US based (although the most accessible spots seem to require FAA PPLs and Class 2 certificates).

The option that looks most promising for the time being is to self-certify as you suggested 2close. That would allow me to hold an NPPL, which allows me to hour build in a PA28 until 8th April 2018. That might just save my skin if my appeal is successful as I can continue to progress slightly while I wait for the CAA's decision. I'm just trying to find out if my current medical problems preclude me from taking this route. As far as I can tell, it shouldn't be an issue.

I actually started another thread in the medical forum looking for feedback. Similar to your experiences 2close, I've not heard anything positive about the way the CAA operate either in that thread or from others I've spoken to. It is very disheartening, but I will try my very best to get this sorted prior to my exams expiring. I do agree however that at this stage paying for and beginning either a CPL or IR course (subject to somehow meeting the hour requirements) is probably best put off.

Nothing further from the CAA yet in terms of getting an extension. Will update this thread as soon as I hear anything else.

[KayPam]

Why did you do your ground school before your hour building in the first place ?

I planned my training so that both ended at approx. the same time.

[CrazyScientist]

I had to balance the ground school with my academic studies, so the period I sat the exams in was the only time I could really do them unfortunately!