Licensing Query (Night Rating)
 

Hi,

I wonder could someone shed some light on this?

My licensing as it stands is: EASA CPL (SEP expired), FAA CPL ME/IR GV type rating, approx 1450hrs, mainly jet time. 14 ATPL exams ( agonisingly taken again).

I’m in the process of converting my license by doing a MEP course and 15hr instrument conversion in the U.K. however I’ve got a bit of a snag.

I don’t have a night rating on my EASA CPL despite the fact I did the required 5hrs etc. night training before the CPL skill test a number of years ago and have 300hrs night flying time. I can’t find any reference online ( CAP 804) and waiting for the CAA to respond.

Can I apply for a night rating with a valid CPL (but expired SEP)?
Could I apply for it after completing the MEP course?
Would I have to do further ‘night training’?

Not the most exciting post I know but if you have a solution..? Thanks.

For the CPL you need 5 hours of night. It doesn't say you need a night rating. Your FAA certificate grants you night privileges, so all you need is 5 in the logbook. It worked for me.

Ah - thanks Rudestuff.

This one rears its head from time to time - was your CPL a relatively early EASA one, ie not long after September 2012? The early ones did not contain Night Ratings since they were issued shortly after the transition from CPLs automatically containing night privileges (as opposed to the actual FCL requirement to have night privileges as a prerequisite for CPL issue), this among a few other anomalies was corrected in later issue CPLs, in much the same way that the MEP rating on my first EASA CPL had NIL restrictions/remarks, whereas a later issue one has Single Pilot as a remark. I am assured in writing that this is a remark rather than a restriction, as part of compliance!

You should in any case find that when you apply for your MEP rating and IR-SP-ME that Night mysteriously pops back onto your licence - worth ensuring you mention Night in "Ratings Held" on the application form for either. Given that you have logbook evidence it is not significant at this stage for either your MEP or IR courses/tests. I assume you have found an ATO who are happy to apply for a reduced MEP course on the basis of your previous experience and ICAO ratings held?

Are you current on type? Why not just build the 50 hours and get an ATPL with type rating?

The night rating is applied only to an LAPL, SPL or PPL for aeroplanes (FCL.810(a)(1)). The CPL includes night privileges and should not include a separate night rating.

Indeed. Although it does open up the debate about ATPL or CPL holders operating on a Class 2, and therefore exercising PPL privileges. A minor area with an attempt to clarify in the most recent TrainingCom, perhaps with muddier waters.