About this JAR-EASA transition...again

[Zero G]

Thanks Phil

I am still unclear which exams I need to do, is it the IR exams minus Met and HP or the 4 in my last post?

My CPL(H) was issued in 2010 if that helps.

Thanks
ZG

[paco]

Well the final authority is the CAA, but it sounds like you will need to do the 5 if your licence is Amendment 6

phil

[Zero G]

Thanks Phil

I will see if I can get it in writing as to want I need to do, then I will maybe give you a shout for a G/S course.

Cheers
ZG

[Marc123]

I sat 14 JAA ATPL exams in 2009 that have since lapsed. I am aware that to get these current again I must retake certain exams again ( at Bristol GS or wherever...)

However, now that they are 'EASA' exams...do I maintain the credits for my previous 'JAA' exams, or do I need to take all 14 'EASA' exams again?

I.E can I use my old JAA exams that are valid, and only retake the 'EASA' ones I need to retake, or I need a whole new set?

[paco]

You can refresh it with the IR exams - in your case exempt Met and HF by the look of it.

Phil

[Aucky]

For anyone who has sat ATPL(H) exams in the past, and holds a CPL looking to upgrade in the future to ATPL this may be of some clarification. It's a few questions to the CAA on the issue with their responses.

In reference to your email regarding the validity periods for ATPL(H) and IR(H) theoretical knowledge examinations, firstly and in clarification JAR-FCL 2 ceased in the UK on 17th September 2012 and has been superseded by the EASA Aircrew Regulation (EU Reg 1178/2011) which is now law. The requirements of JAR remain mostly unchanged but there are some minor differences.

I have set out the responses to your queries but am using the current Part-FCL requirements which are applicable;

FCL.025 Theoretical knowledge examinations for the issue of licences
(c) Validity period
(1) The successful completion of the theoretical knowledge examinations will be valid:
(i) for the issue of a light aircraft pilot licence, a private pilot licence, a sailplane pilot licence or a balloon pilot licence, for a period of 24 months;
(ii) for the issue of a commercial pilot licence or instrument rating (IR), for a period of 36 months;
(iii) the periods in (i) and (ii) shall be counted from the day when the pilot successfully completes the theoretical knowledge examination, in accordance with (b)(2).

(2) The completion of the airline transport pilot licence (ATPL) theoretical knowledge examinations will remain valid for the issue of an ATPL for a period of 7 years from the last validity date of:
(i) an IR entered in the licence; or
(ii) in the case of helicopters, a helicopter’s type rating entered in that licence.

1. I completed the full ATPL(H) exams in 2005 - and subsequently was granted my CPL(H) in 2007.

I interpret FCL as saying, that my ATPL(H) theory is now valid indefinitely towards the grant of ATPL(H) because I was granted a CPL within the 36 months, and have since continued to maintain my CPL and a valid type rating.

Correct but only for the ATPL(H), this is not applicable to the IR which must be maintained within its own validities.

Am I still assured that under JAR-FCL 2.495 (b) my ATPL(H) exams will remain valid indefinitely towards the grant of the ATPL(H) provided that I have a valid type rating entered in the CPL(H)"

As above, yes, however this is conditional on you having held a valid type rating within the 7 year period prior to application.

3. People have suggested that the exams only have a 7 year validity for the issue of ATPL(H) (not whats suggested if you comply with JAR-FCL 2.495 (b)) - am I reading this incorrectly or are they are referring to what is found in JAR-FCL 2.495 (c)

Yes, for ATPL(H), however the IR must be obtained within the 36 month period from passing the final ATPL(H) (under amendment 3 of JAR-FCL 2 or ATPL(H)IR exams under Part-FCL). As you have passed the IR exams in 2011, these remain valid for 36 month for the addition of an IR to your current CPL(H).

It must understood that for Helicopters, the ATPL and the IR are no longer conjoined as in the past. It is possible to hold an ATPL(H) VFR and add the IR at a later point if required.

JAR-FCL 2.495 (c) states - Provided that an IR(H) is obtained in accordance with (a) above, a pass in the ATPL(H)[/IR] theoretical knowledge examination will remain valid for a period of 7 years from the last validity date of the IR(H) entered in the CPL(H) for the issuance of an ATPL(H)

Correct.

There are a number of people in the same situation as me asking for clarification on this, and whether new EASA regulations have changed this or if the JAR FCL 2 still applies to us, given it was in effect when we sat our exams and were granted our licenses.

The text of FCL.025 (above) applies, although it is the same as the provisions of JAR-FCL.

The main question for me is - in my case does my ATPL credit still remain valid indefinitely, so following the completion of the IR I simply need to meet the other hourly/MCC requirements and assuming my CPL and IR remain valid there is no time-frame in which I must be presented for the ATPL test?

Yes. Although you may want to re-sit the ATPL exams again in the future purely for the pleasure and to refresh your knowledge?? He has a sense of humour

if you could confirm whether all of the above is true then I will be able to pass on that information to my colleagues who are asking so we all have a better idea of what should apply.

Confirmed, with the clarifications as above.
I hope this information satisfactorily answers your query.

[ThomasTheTankEngine]

Hi, I will say sorry now for what will be a long post.

I have a slightly different situation to Auchy and I have asked my questions to the CAA but I'm still waiting for a reply. Can anyone please help.

1998 I passed the old UK National ATPL(H) exams and in 1999 I had a UK National CPL(H) issued with out an IR.

2001 I had a JAA CPL(H) issued on the basis of my national CPL(H)

2005 I wrote to the CAA and explained I wanted to add an IR to my JAA CPL(H) but I also needed an ATPL(H) theory credit as one day I would like to fly offshore.

The CAA told me if I completed the IR(H) theory exams, IR(H) flight training and flight test thus adding an IR(H) to my JAA CPL(H) I would under ammendment 3 of JAR FCL2 have an ATPL(H) theory credit. This was confirmed again in early 2007.

2007 - 2009 I completed the IR theory, flight training etc and had my IR(H)issued on my JAA CPL(H) in late 2009.

I have always had a valid type rating on my JAA CPL(H) and my IR has not lapsed for more than 7 years, in fact it is still valid.

So my questions are;

1) Is my ATPL(H) theory credit still valid now the UK CAA have changed to EASA?

2) If my ATPL(H) theory credit is no longer valid, which theory exams do I need to sit to revalidate it.

I have looked at CAP 804 Sec 4, part L Ap1 which refers to theory credits.

I can only find theory credits for CPL(H) holders wanting to gain an ATPL(H)

I can not find any theory credits for CPL(H) IR(H) holders wanting an ATPL(H)

Thanks TTTE.

[Curtis E Carr]

I am unable to answer your first question.

With regard to your second question, the reason that you cannot find the theoretical knowledge requirements for the holder of a CPL(H)/IR to ATPL(H) is that an ATPL(H) can be issued without an IR(H). It is my opinion that, if you have to retake any exams it will be all the ATPL(H) subjects less Air Law, P of F (H) and VFR Communications.

[paco]

1. Yes. You have an amendment 3 CPL(H) + an IR. The CPL(H) is the equivalent of the ATPL(H) VFR. When it runs out you should be issued with an EASA licence.

2. I believe - Law & ATC Procedures, IFR Comms, RNAV, Flight Planning. You may also have to do instruments, but unlikely (these are the IR refresh exams).

Phil

[[email protected]]

So what about someone who has held a UK ATPLH (without IR) since 1991 and renewed it last year?

I don't have a valid type rating (original licence was issued on Gazelle and R22) but renewed last year as a QSP.

I know I need a type rating and IR to get an EASA licence but is that it or do I have to sit all the exams again?

[Adroight]

I would not have thought that an EASA ATPL(H) and IR was a requirement to fly SH in Afghanistan?

[[email protected]]

Not enough time left to serve to amortize the cost of a Chinook conversion - sorry to disappoint

[ThomasTheTankEngine]

ATPL theory credit

Ref my post above (Post 27) I had some very good news from the CAA today that my ATPL(H) theory credit is still valid.

Thanks for your help guys, TTTE.