Lots of pilots in Ireland continue to fly on EASA Private Pilot Licences issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Post Brexit, whenever that may be, there will be some significant changes to licence privileges so it’s important that any pilots flying light aircraft in Ireland on a UK issued licence understand what they can and can’t fly. The full guidance from the CAA is published here, but we’ve produced the main points below. It’s worth noting that this only applies to EASA licences, other licences such as the NPPL already fall outside EASA and are not affected.
Would I be able to continue operating EU-registered aircraft?
The European Commission has said that it would not recognise UK-issued licences. To continue operating EU registered aircraft, you could seek a licence validation from any EASA Competent Authority, which would valid for aircraft registered in any EASA member State. The European Commission has said you cannot seek this until after the UK has formally withdrawn from the EU. Alternatively, you could undertake a State of Licence Issue transfer before the UK leaves the EU. This means transferring your licence and medical from the UK to another EASA member state prior to EU exit. Further guidance on State of Licence Issue transfers.
Would I be able to continue operating UK-registered aircraft?
Yes, as a signatory state to the Chicago Convention, UK private pilot licences would continue to be legally valid for the operation of UK-registered aircraft. The CAA will continue to issue and reissue pilots’ licences when they are lost, damaged, when details need to be changed or pilots’ privileges updated as we do now. Over time, this would include removing references to EASA.
Would I be able to fly my UK-registered aircraft to Europe?
Yes, as a signatory state to the Chicago Convention, UK private pilot licences would continue to be legally valid for the operation of UK-registered aircraft.
Would UK pilots’ medicals remain valid?
Yes. Medical certificates issued before the UK’s exit from the EU would remain valid, even if issued by a non-UK EASA Aeromedical Examiner (AME) or Aeromedical Centre (AeMC).
At the first medical after Brexit and thereafter, medicals would have to be issued by UK AMEs and Aeromedical Centres, both would retain their permissions and approvals under UK law. No action required.
For UK pilot licences, existing medical certificates would retain validity and UK AMEs and Aeromedical Centres would retain their permissions and approvals under UK law. No action required.
