Skill tets UK CAA CPL MEP IR
 

Hello members.
I am doing training in an EASA member state but not in UK.
I did all the english tests to obtain FRTOL in order to get my license issued by the UK CAA 2 years ago.
I will do skill tests in 1 month.
Schools is telling me to do one skill test for 2.5 hours for CPL/MEP and one other skill test for 2 hours for IR.
I heared some roumors that in UKCAA it was like this(2 skill tests) but they changed that and they require 3 skill tests from now on. one for CPL, one for MEP and one other for IR.
is that true or its just roumors? The examiner is certified from UKCAA so thats not a problem but i want to be sure for what i am doing since we are not in UKCAA and the examiner might not be updated..
Thank you guys

If you pass the CPL Skill Test on a MEP then you'll get both the CPL and the ME class rating. However, you must complete, separately, the CPL course, the MEP class rating course and the IR course (for minimum course hours see part-FCL); the only concession is that the Basic Instrument Flight Module counts for 10 hours towards both CPL and IR courses.

On another point, the UK CAA still individually designates examiners for all CPL skills tests and initial IR skills tests where the applicant holds a UK issued licence. They will not designate an examiner from the school where you have trained and may well not designate a local examiner, even if he's the most 'convenient' choice.

Not quite. There are some items in the MEP test that are not tested on the CPL. Rejected take-off and actual engine shutdown. (This might have been done in approved FNPT 11). The examiner has to agree to do the extra items, but most will not. However you do get a free MEP issue with the CPL.

Of course it's cheaper to just not do the MEP test!

True. This avenue closes off in January though, as the UK enters full EASA compliance by not issuing an IR without the requisite Class Rating valid. I don't believe anyone has yet had the debate about precisely which Class Rating is required for an IR endorsed as IR-SP-ME Class/SE!

It's a thorny one isn't it - 6(d) of the CPL ST does require a full shutdown and restart, but there's at least one UK ATO that bans full shutdowns under its Ops Manual due to performance issues with one particular type occasionally operated. Personally I'm also happy that Section 6 allows a RTO in the MEP as a relevant CR item, but other FEs may have different experiences. I suspect you and I conduct enough live shutdowns with students to be reasonably aware of the TEM implications!

Perhaps a revised FEH will guide us all...