***Article updated on 23/03/2023. Flying In Ireland has seen correspondence from the UK CAA correcting an error made in this clarification. The UK CAA has confirmed that Article 150 of the UK ANO 2016 deems an EASA licence valid for non-Part 21 G reg aircraft (private purposes only). This means that an EASA licence can be used to fly G- reg permit aircraft in Ireland ***
The UK’s exit from the EU and EASA changed Flight Crew Licensing requirements, particularly in relation to what licences need to be held in order to fly certain aircraft. The UK CAA would like to remind pilots of the following:
All pilots must hold a UK licence (Part FCL or ANO) or UK validation, to fly G-registered aircraft internationally.
- From 01 January 2023, all pilots must hold a UK licence (Part FCL or ANO) or UK validation, to fly Part 21 certified G-registered aircraft within UK airspace (EASA licenses will no longer be acceptable).
- Pilots wanting to fly G registered Permit to Fly aircraft, need to confirm with the state of registry, what the legal requirements are to operate them within their airspace.
- Pilots wanting to fly non-G registered aircraft resident within the UK, need to be aware that Article 2 of UK Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, requires the pilot to hold a UK licence, if the aircraft would be certified to Part 21 if on the UK register.
- Pilots must hold an EASA licence or validation to fly EASA-participant state registered aircraft (this cannot be done with a UK issued licence regardless of when it was issued).
In relation to point number 3, G registered Permit to Fly aircraft are allowed to operate in Ireland subject to the conditions specified in IAA Aeronautical Notice A.19.
The intent of the A.19 exemption is to allow aircraft enter or overfly Irish airspace without the need to apply for an individual exemption, subject to the “Conditions of Exemption” of A19. It is to facilitate short-term visits, not to accommodate aircraft intended to be based or resident in Ireland. Such aircraft would be required to transfer onto the Irish register.
This exemption allows such an aircraft to operate in Irish airspace for a maximum period of 28 days per visit unless otherwise agreed by the IAA. Where there is a need for the aircraft to be in Ireland for a continuous period of more than 28 days, specific permission from the IAA will be required. Aircraft which remain in Ireland beyond the 28-day limit may be excluded from availing of the A.19 exemption.
UK-issued licences, ICAO and non-ICAO compliant, may be used to fly Irish-registered Annex 1 aircraft (i.e. those issued with a Flight Permit or National CofA). ICAO-compliant licences are validated by the IAA Personnel Licensing Order, S.I. 333 of 2000. For UK licences not issued in accordance with ICAO standards, they may be permitted for use in Ireland subject to the conditions laid out in IAA Aeronautical Notice P.21. For pilots taking advantage of the privileges of P.21, please note that a declaration must be completed annually on the IAA website.
For more information about the recent changes to pilot licensing, please read this article – EASA Pilot Licencing Requirements Changes Coming into Effect 20th June 2022.
