Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what support the Government is offering to UK pilot licence holders in the five year transfer period for registering for an EASA licence.

Under the EASA Aircrew Regulation pilots of EASA aircraft are required to hold an EASA licence. However, certain non EASA aeroplane and helicopter licences remain valid until 8 April 2018 to enable a smooth transition to the new requirements. The CAA publicised the requirement when the Aircrew Regulation was adopted and has been actively advising licence holders of this requirement through a variety of channels. Those seeking further information will find it on the CAA website.

All pilots who hold a licence issued under the Joint Aviation Requirements that preceded the Aircrew Regulation and who have a valid medical certificate, without which they cannot fly an EASA aircraft, have now been issued with an EASA licence. This is the vast majority of pilots who hold such licences.

The holders of other licences that wish to fly EASA aircraft will need to convert their licence to an EASA licence. However, there is no obligation on pilots to convert their licences. Those that do not convert their licences will still be able to fly non-EASA aircraft such as historic, homebuilt or very light aircraft.