Training in Portugal, want UK-issued licence.
 

Hi, I'm on a modular course right now in Portugal, about to start my ATPL theory ground school. I currently have a Class 1 Medical Certificate and PPL(A), both issued by the UK CAA.

Thanks to a recent post I found, I know that my ATPLs will be valid in any EASA member state.

But if I decide to get my CPL here in Portugal following my ATPLs, do I have to transfer my medical over here? Or can I still train towards a CPL issued by the UK CAA? I'm at an EASA ATO, but does this school have to be specifically recognised by the UK CAA?

If I weren't to train for a CPL, but only Night and/or Instrument Ratings, would that be any different? Following CPL, what about JOC and MCC?

Finally, if I can train towards a UK-issued CPL here in Portugal, can I renew my UK Class 1 medical here as well?

I'd rather keep everything tied towards the UK CAA for simplicity's sake, but if I can't can anyone give me an idea what I'll have to do to get this sorted?

Thanks in advance.

Hi

Your licence will be issued by the country where you got your Class 1... so, yes, you can train in Portugal and then get your UK licence. All the ATO has to do is file your licence in the UK.
In practical terms this could cause some delays to obtain your licence but it can be done.
I run an ATO in Spain and we have similar queries form people from the UK, Ireland...

Also note that you can transfer your licence... Ryanari and easyJet demand you to transfer your lincences to Ireland and the UK when working for them...

Hope it helps

Cheers
Alex

If you have a Class 1 medical, you can renew it anywhere there is a suitably qualified AME.

Night or Instrument Ratings are just that - ratings, not licences, so you can do them anywhere.

You will need a copy of your school's ATO certificate with your application.

Phil