2012-08-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — The processing of personnel licence and rating applications will be affected by a major IT systems upgrade, taking place ahead of the introduction of EASA pilot licences on 17 September, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced today. The CAA’s Licensing and Medical Departments will be unable to process any applications on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 September 2012. The counter service at the CAA’s Gatwick headquarters will be unavailable, while telephone enquiries will only be handled during the mornings on both days.
The systems upgrade is necessary to enable the CAA to begin issuing the new EASA licence formats from the 17 September. The CAA said it would keep disruption to a minimum, but that normal Licensing and Medical services would not be available on the 13 and 14 September 2012.
Anyone wishing to apply for a new UK National or JAR licence, or make a change to an existing UK National or JAR licence (e.g. adding a rating), will need to submit their application by 7 September 2012 to ensure it is processed before the upgrade. After the 17 September 2012 only EASA and National licences will be issued. The CAA has issued an with more details Information Notice with more details.
The implementation of new rules for pilot licensing (including medical certification) across the EU is part of a process that has already seen EASA take responsibility for other areas of aviation policy, such as flight operations and airworthiness. Most UK pilots, private and commercial, will be affected by the switchover on 17 September 2012 and will have to obtain new EASA licences to continue to fly aircraft that have EASA airworthiness certificates. However, some pilots, such as those who fly microlights, ex-military and kit built aircraft, will be able to continue to use their existing licences. This is because EASA does not regulate these categories of aircraft.
The new EASA licences will be valid for the owner’s lifetime. Pilots are advised to read the detailed information on the CAA website – www.caa.co.uk/eupilotlicensing.
For updates follow the CAA on www.twitter.com/UK_CAA
For further media information contact the CAA Press Office on: 00 44 (0)207 453 6030; press.office@caa.co.uk
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Notes to Editors:
The CAA is the UK’s specialist aviation regulator. Its activities include: making sure that the aviation industry meets the highest technical and operational safety standards; preventing holidaymakers from being stranded abroad or losing money because of tour operator insolvency; planning and regulating all UK airspace; and regulating airports, air traffic services and airlines and providing advice on aviation policy from an economic standpoint.