What is a foreign aircraft exemption/permission?
A foreign aircraft exemption is an exemption/permission for owners and operators of foreign registered aircraft which are not compliant with specific requirements. It permits them to fly in UK airspace.
An exemption/permission only relates to the aircraft operating in UK airspace. These exemptions/permissions do not exempt the pilot flying the aircraft from holding a pilot's licence issued in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex I.
There is further information available on the acceptance of non-UK ICAO compliant pilots' licences.
If the pilot does not hold a licence issued in accordance with ICAO Annex 1, at this time, we are unable to authorise them to fly in UK airspace. It is the pilot’s responsibility to ensure they hold the correct licence before applying for an exemption/permission.
Owners of aircraft not registered in the UK, who are planning to fly to the UK or within UK Airspace, need to ensure they comply with Safety Directive SD-2024/001 Version 2: https://www.caa.co.uk/our-work/publications/documents/content/sd-2024-001/
You will need to apply for a foreign aircraft exemption/permission from us if:
- You are the owner or operator of a foreign registered aircraft with a temporary registration (and/or)
- You do not have a valid International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) compliant Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A)
Pre-Requisites
- Your aircraft must hold a registration (may be temporary) and an airworthiness certificate.
- Your aircraft must be insured.
What do I need to apply for?
Article 24 exemption
The aircraft has a non-ICAO compliant registration only.
Article 33 permission
The aircraft has ICAO compliant registration but not an ICAO compliant airworthiness certificate.
Article 24 & 33 exemption/permission
The aircraft has non-ICAO compliant registration and non-ICAO compliant airworthiness certificate.
The Air Navigation Order provides further information on Articles 24 and 33.
- For Article 33 or Article 24 and 33 exemptions/permissions, where there is no technical investigation required by the CAA, the current fee is £84.
- For Article 33 or Article 24 and 33 exemptions/permissions, where the CAA determine that an investigation is required, refer to the Official Record Series 5, CAA Scheme of Charges (Airworthiness, Noise Certification and Aircraft and Aircraft Engine Emissions), the Scheme of Charges.
- For Article 24 Exemption only, there is currently no fee.
In the event of a discrepancy between the information here and the Official Record Series 5, CAA Scheme of Charges (Airworthiness, Noise Certification and Aircraft and Aircraft Engine Emissions), the Scheme of Charges takes precedence.
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How much does it cost?
The following information needs to be supplied with your application:
- Aircraft Registration, Type and Serial Number
- You must supply a copy of the Certificate of Registration or equivalent.
- You must supply a copy of the airworthiness certificate, and if applicable, any associated Operating Limitations.
- The reason for flight.
- The start and end dates for the exemption/permission.
- The entry and exit locations if the flight involves landing in the UK.
- A copy of the valid insurance for the aircraft detailing compliance with UK Regulation (EC) No 785/2004.
In addition, you may be required to supply:
If the airworthiness certificate is non expiring:
- A copy of the latest maintenance statement for the aircraft.
For Flight Testing in the UK:
- Details of the flight crew.
- You need to include written confirmation from the aircraft State of Registry, that the named flight crew are acceptable for the test flight.
- Written confirmation from the State of Registry that the Flight Test Schedule is acceptable for the test flight.
- You may need to supply written confirmation from the TC/STC holder that the Flight Test Schedule is acceptable for test flight.
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What do I need to send with my application?
Upon receipt of a correctly completed application and fee the application shall be reviewed and if satisfactory, the exemption/permission issued within 5 working days.
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What happens next?
The exemption can be valid for up to 28 days in any 12-month period.
This may be a single block of 28 days or split into smaller periods.
If you need an exemption for more than 28 days submit an application including justification and we will review your case.
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How long is it valid for?
