Third Country CPL and ATPL licence conversion requirements from 1 January 2023

Route 1 – ICAO CPL (& IR if applicable)

Ground training

Undertake Part-FCL CPL or ATPL theoretical knowledge instruction as determined by the Head of Training of a UK CAA approved training provider and pass all Part-FCL theoretical knowledge examinations at CPL or ATPL level. 

Credit given to the applicant shall be determined by an approved training organisation. There is no requirement for the ATO to have the credit approved by the CAA.

Applicants who do not have ATPL theory credit on their ICAO licence that seek to attempt the ATPL examinations must undertake the full 650-hour course of approved theoretical knowledge instruction and pass all Part-FCL ATPL(A) examinations.

Theoretical knowledge exams

Complete all theoretical knowledge examinations with the UK CAA.

Flight training

Complete the minimum flight time under instruction in an Aeroplane at an ATO to comply with the requirements of UK Part-FCL, taking account of any credit given to the applicant as determined by the ATO. There is no requirement for the ATO to have the credit approved by the CAA.

Skill test

Pass the CPL skill test (and IR(A) skill test if required) in accordance with UK Part-FCL, with UK CAA certificated examiner designated by Flight Test Bookings.

Route 2 – ICAO ATPL (with valid type rating)

Ground training

Full credits as regards the requirements to undergo a training course prior to undertaking the theoretical knowledge examinations and the skill test to holders of an airline transport pilots licence (‘ATPL’) issued by or on behalf of a third country in accordance with Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention provided that those holders have completed the experience requirements for the issue of an ATPL in the relevant aircraft category as set out in Subpart F of UK Part-FCL and provided that the third country licence contains a valid type rating for the aircraft to be used for the ATPL skill test.

Theoretical knowledge exams

Complete all theoretical knowledge examinations with the UK CAA.

Flight training

N/A

Skill test

Pass the ATPL skill test on type in accordance with UK Part-FCL (UK CAA Certificated Examiner on UK CAA approved simulator).

EASA MPL(A) licence holders will need to use the equivalent CPL/IR route.

Route 3 – EASA CPL (& IR if applicable)

UK licence previously held

Yes – must have been a CPL

Ground training

N/A (unless theory exam validities have expired).

Theoretical knowledge credits

Theoretical knowledge examinations credited if valid IR on UK, EASA, or ICAO licence in last 7 years.

Theoretical knowledge examinations

To regain ATPL or IR theory credits, if no valid IR held on UK, EASA, or ICAO licence in last 7 years must retake ATPL or IR (as applicable) examinations with UK CAA.

If claiming credit based on an IR on an ICAO licence, this licence will also need to be verified using the Third Country Verification process.

Flight training

As determined by UK CAA approved ATO unless credited as detailed below. 

Applicant must meet class or type rating requirements for the aircraft used for the test.

• If the rating was previously held on the UK licence and valid on the EASA licence, no training is required before the class/ type rating proficiency check.
• If the rating was previously held on the UK licence and is expired on the EASA licence, renewal requirements must be met at a UK CAA approved ATO before completing the class/ type rating proficiency check.
• If the rating was not previously held on the UK licence and is valid on the EASA licence, the transfer of Class or type requirements detailed in Article 10 must be met prior to completing the class/type rating skill test (no training is required). 
• If the rating was not previously held on the UK licence and the transfer of class/ type requirements detailed in Article 10 have not been met, the requirements of Article 3 must be met prior to completing the class/type rating skill test i.e. discretionary training as determined by a UK ATO.

Skill test

Pass a class or Type rating (and IR if applicable) proficiency check/ skill test in accordance with UK Part-FCL with a UK CAA certified Examiner.

Additional info

Pilots with a valid unrestricted multi pilot type rating on their EASA licence seeking to ‘reactivate’ UK Part-FCL licence with a multi pilot type rating which was not previously held on their UK licence, are required to complete a type rating skill test in accordance with UK Part-FCL (UK CAA certified Examiner on a UK CAA approved simulator). 

Individuals who have less than 500 hours on type (as detailed in Article 10), will need to meet the requirements of Article 3 and complete discretionary training as determined by a UK ATO.

If multi pilot rating on the EASA licence is restricted, for example to a specific airline or State of Registry, the pilot will need to have the restriction removed on the EASA licence prior to the conversion.

In the future if the pilot wants to obtain another class or type rating they would be able to use the Transfer of Class/Type route detailed in Article 10 (if eligible). If the transfer of class/ type requirements detailed in Article 10 have not been met, the requirements of Article 3 would need to be met i.e. discretionary training as determined by a UK ATO prior to completing a skill test in accordance with UK Part-FCL.

Supporting documentation required:

• Application form SRG1183 including payment as per the Scheme of Charges
• Examiners report form SRG1157/ SRG2199
• Course Completion Certificate SRG1107 or ATO equivalent (if applicable)
• Logbook evidence of over 500 hours on type (if applicable)
• Proof of your ID (This can be a certified copy of your valid passport/full UK photographic driving licence, or a close-up photo of you holding your ID in which your face and ID are clearly visible)
• Form SRG2142 including payment as per the Scheme of Charges
• Copy of EASA licence and medical
• Evidence of valid IR on UK, EASA or ICAO licence in last seven years (if applicable)

Route 4 – EASA CPL (& IR if applicable)

UK licence previously held

No (or held UK issued EASA PPL previously only)

Ground training

As determined by UK CAA approved ATO. There is no requirement for the credit to be approved by the CAA.

Theoretical knowledge credits

There are no longer any theoretical knowledge examinations credits.

Theoretical knowledge examinations

Complete all theoretical knowledge examinations with the UK CAA (unless credited as above).

Flight training

As determined by UK CAA approved ATO (unless licence being opened with a multi pilot type and the Article 10 requirements have been met). There is no requirement for the credit to be approved by the CAA.

Skill test

Pass the CPL skill test (and IR skill test if required) in accordance with UK Part-FCL, with UK CAA certified examiner designated by Flight Test Bookings.

Additional info

Pilots with a valid unrestricted multi pilot type rating on their EASA licence seeking to open their UK Part-FCL licence with a multi pilot type rating only who have met the Article 10 requirements are required to complete a type rating skill test in accordance with UK Part-FCL (UK CAA certified Examiner on a UK CAA approved simulator). This is in place of a CPL and IR skill test.

Individuals who have less than 500 hours on type (as detailed in Article 10), will need to meet the requirements of Article 3 and complete discretionary training as determined by a UK ATO, prior to completing the multi pilot type rating skill test. There is no requirement for the credit to be approved by the CAA.

The licence issued would be a UK Part-FCL CPL with a multi pilot type rating and the IR restricted to multi pilot operations.

In the future if single pilot IR privileges are required, a proficiency check must be passed in accordance with UK Part-FCL (i.e., with a UK CAA certified Examiner).

If multi pilot rating on the EASA licence is restricted, for example to a specific airline or State of Registry, the pilot will need to have the restriction removed on the EASA licence prior to the conversion.

In the future if the pilot wants to obtain another class or type rating they would be able to use the Transfer of Class/Type route detailed in Article 10 (if eligible). If the transfer of class/ type requirements detailed in Article 10 have not been met, the requirements of Article 3 would need to be met i.e. discretionary training as determined by a UK ATO prior to completing a skill test in accordance with UK Part-FCL.

Supporting documentation required:

• Application form SRG1183 including payment as per the Scheme of Charges
• CPL Report Form SRG2130 
• IR Report Form (if applicable) SRG2131
• Alternatively, if you hold a valid unrestricted multi pilot type rating on your EASA licence, you can choose to open the licence with the multi-pilot type, instead of undertaking a CPL and IR skill test, as detailed on our webpage. In this instance we will require a completed SRG2199
• Logbook evidence of over 500 hours on type (if applicable)
• Copy of theoretical knowledge examinations if sat with an EASA Member State prior to 1 January 2021 and still valid.
• Course Completion Certificate SRG1107 or ATO equivalent (if applicable)
• Proof of your ID (This can be a certified copy of your valid passport/full UK photographic driving licence, or a close-up photo of you holding your ID in which your face and ID are clearly visible)
• Form SRG2142 including payment as per the Scheme of Charges
• Copy of EASA licence and medical

Route 5 – EASA ATPL(A)

UK licence previously held

Yes – CPL(A) or ATPL(A)

This is not applicable to current holders of a UK Part FCL CPL(A) wishing to upgrade to an ATPL, they should follow the normal CPL to ATPL upgrade requirements.

Ground training

N/A

Theoretical knowledge credits   

Theoretical knowledge examinations fully credited, as long as valid IR on UK, EASA or ICAO licence in last 7 years.

Theoretical knowledge examinations

To regain ATPL or IR theory credits, if no valid IR held on UK, EASA or ICAO licence in last 7 years must retake ATPL or IR (as applicable) examinations with UK CAA.

If claiming credit based on an IR on an ICAO licence, this licence will also need to be verified using the Third Country Verification process.

Flight training (if applicable)

Applicant must meet type rating requirements for the aircraft used for the skill test.

• If the rating is expired on the EASA licence, renewal requirements must be met at a UK CAA approved ATO before completing the type rating skill test.

Skill test

Pass a proficiency check/ skill test on type in accordance with UK Part-FCL (UK CAA certified Examiner on a UK CAA approved simulator).

• Individuals who previously held a UK CAA issued ATPL and the multi pilot type rating being used to open the licence will need to pass a type rating proficiency check.
• Individuals who previously held a UK CAA issued ATPL but have not held the multi pilot type rating being used to open the licence with the UK CAA will need to pass a type rating skill test.
• Individuals who previously held a UK CAA issued CPL only will need to pass an ATPL skill test.

Additional info

If multi pilot rating on the EASA licence is restricted, for example to a specific airline or State of Registry, the pilot will need to have the restriction removed on the EASA licence prior to the conversion.

In the future if the pilot wants to obtain another class or type rating they would be able to use the Transfer of Class/Type route detailed in Article 10 (if eligible). If the transfer of class/ type requirements detailed in Article 10 have not been met, the requirements of Article 3 would need to be met i.e. discretionary training as determined by a UK ATO prior to completing a skill test in accordance with UK Part-FCL.  There is no requirement for the credit to be approved by the CAA.

Supporting documentation required:

• Application form SRG1183 including payment as per the Scheme of Charges
• Examiner Report Form SRG2199 
• Course Completion Certificate SRG1107 or ATO equivalent (if applicable)
• Proof of your ID (This can be a certified copy of your valid passport/full UK photographic driving licence, or a close-up photo of you holding your ID in which your face and ID are clearly visible)
• Form SRG2142 including payment as per the Scheme of Charges
• Copy of EASA licence and medical
• Evidence of valid IR on UK, EASA or ICAO licence in last seven years (if applicable)

Route 6 – EASA ATPL(A)

UK licence previously held

No

Ground training

N/A

Theoretical knowledge credits

Theoretical knowledge examinations completed prior to 1 January 2021 may be credited within the validity of FCL.025 (i.e. for 7 years from last validity date of the IR on the EASA licence as of 31 December 2020, subject to you submitting application to us within that 7 year time period of this IR. We are unable to provide any credit toward the examinations, where an instrument rating on an EASA licence, was initially issued after 31 December 2020 or was renewed after this date. In all instances, we will require evidence of valid IR on EASA licence on or before 31 December 2020

Theoretical knowledge examinations

Complete all theoretical knowledge examinations with the UK CAA (unless credited as above).

Flight training (if applicable)

Applicant must meet type rating requirements for the aircraft used for the skill test.

• If the rating is expired on the EASA licence, renewal requirements must be met at a UK CAA approved ATO before completing the ATPL skill test.

Skill test

Pass the ATPL skill test on type in accordance with UK Part-FCL (UK CAA certified Examiner on a UK CAA approved simulator).

Additional info

If multi pilot rating on the EASA licence is restricted, for example to a specific airline or State of Registry, the pilot will need to have the restriction removed on the EASA licence prior to the conversion.

In the future if the pilot wants to obtain another class or type rating they would be able to use the Transfer of Class/Type route detailed in Article 10 (if eligible). If the transfer of class/ type requirements detailed in Article 10 have not been met, the requirements of Article 3 would need to be met i.e. discretionary training as determined by a UK ATO prior to completing a skill test in accordance with UK Part-FCL.  There is no requirement for the credit to be approved by the CAA.

Supporting documentation required:

• Application form SRG1183 including payment as per the Scheme of Charges
• ATPL skill test Report Form SRG2199
• Course Completion Certificate SRG1107 or ATO equivalent (if applicable)
• Proof of your ID (This can be a certified copy of your valid passport/full UK photographic driving licence, or a close-up photo of you holding your ID in which your face and ID are clearly visible)
• Form SRG2142 including payment as per the Scheme of Charges
• Copy of EASA licence and medical
• Evidence of valid IR on EASA licence on or before 31 December 2020

Route 7 – ICAO CPL (& IR if applicable)

Ground training

Undertake Part-FCL CPL or ATPL theoretical knowledge instruction as determined by the Head of Training of a UK CAA approved training provider and pass all Part-FCL theoretical knowledge examinations at CPL or ATPL level.

Credit given to the applicant shall be determined by the CAA on the basis of a recommendation from an approved training organisation.

Applicants who do not have ATPL theory credit on their ICAO licence that seek to attempt the ATPL examinations must undertake the full 650-hour course of approved theoretical knowledge instruction and pass all Part-FCL ATPL(H) examinations.

Theoretical knowledge examinations

Complete all theoretical knowledge examinations with the UK CAA.

Flight training

Complete the minimum flight time under instruction in a Helicopter at an ATO to comply with the requirements of UK Part-FCL, taking account of any credit given to the applicant as determined by the CAA on the basis of a recommendation from an ATO. There is no requirement for the ATO to have the credit approved by the CAA.

Skill test

Pass the CPL skill test (and IR(H) skill test if required) in accordance with UK Part-FCL, with UK CAA certificated examiner designated by Flight Test Bookings.

Route 8 –  ICAO ATPL (with valid type rating)

Ground training

Full credits as regards the requirements to undergo a training course prior to undertaking the theoretical knowledge examinations and the skill test to holders of an airline transport pilots licence (‘ATPL’) issued by or on behalf of a third country in accordance with Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention provided that those holders have completed the experience requirements for the issue of an ATPL in the relevant aircraft category as set out in Subpart F of UK Part-FCL and provided that the third country licence contains a valid type rating for the aircraft to be used for the ATPL skill test.

Theoretical knowledge examinations

Complete all theoretical knowledge examinations with the UK CAA.

Flight training

N/A

Skill test

Pass the ATPL skill test on type in accordance with UK Part-FCL (UK CAA Certificated Examiner on UK CAA approved simulator).

Route 9 – EASA CPL (& IR if applicable)

UK licence previously held

Yes – must have been a CPL

Ground training

N/A (unless theory exam validities have expired)

Theoretical knowledge credits

Theoretical knowledge examinations credited as long as valid type rating on UK, EASA or ICAO licence in last 7 years.

Theoretical knowledge examinations

To regain ATPL or IR theory credits, if no valid type rating held on UK, EASA or ICAO licence in last 7 years must retake ATPL or IR (as applicable) examinations with UK CAA.

Flight training

As determined by UK CAA approved ATO unless credited as detailed below.

Applicant must meet type rating requirements for the aircraft used for the test.

• If the rating was previously held on the UK licence and valid on the EASA licence, no training is required before the type rating proficiency check.
• If the rating was previously held on the UK licence and is expired on the EASA licence, renewal requirements must be met at a UK CAA approved ATO before completing the type rating proficiency check.
• If the rating was not previously held on the UK licence and is valid on the EASA licence, the transfer of Class or type requirements detailed in Article 10 must be met prior to completing the type rating skill test (no training is required). 
• If the rating was not previously held on the UK licence and the transfer of type requirements detailed in Article 10 have not been met, the requirements of Article 3 must be met prior to completing the type rating skill test i.e. discretionary training as determined by a UK ATO.

Skill test

Pass a type rating (and IR if applicable) proficiency check/ skill test in accordance with UK Part-FCL with a UK CAA certified Examiner.

Supporting documentation required:

• Application form SRG1183 including payment as per the Scheme of Charges
• Examiners report form SRG2138 
• Course Completion Certificate SRG1107 or ATO equivalent (if applicable)
• Logbook evidence of over 100/350 hours on type (if applicable)
• Proof of your ID (This can be a certified copy of your valid passport/full UK photographic driving licence, or a close-up photo of you holding your ID in which your face and ID are clearly visible)
• Form SRG2142 including payment as per the Scheme of Charges
• Copy of EASA licence and medical
• Evidence of valid type on UK, EASA or ICAO licence in last seven years (if applicable)

Route 10 – EASA CPL (& IR if applicable)

UK licence previously held

No (or held UK issued EASA PPL previously only)

Ground training

As determined by UK CAA approved ATO. There is no requirement for the credit to be approved by the CAA.

Theoretical knowledge credits

Theoretical knowledge examinations completed prior to 1 January 2021 may be credited within the validity of FCL.025 (i.e. for 36 months from the date last exam successfully passed for issue of CPL/IR)

Theoretical knowledge examinations

Complete all theoretical knowledge examinations with the UK CAA (unless credited as above).

Flight training

As determined by UK CAA approved ATO. There is no requirement for the credit to be approved by the CAA.

Skill test

Pass the CPL skill test (and IR skill test if required) in accordance with UK Part-FCL, with UK CAA certified examiner designated by Flight Test Bookings.

Additional info

In the future if the pilot wants to obtain a class rating they would be able to use the Transfer of Class/Type route detailed in Article 10 (if eligible). If the transfer of class/ type requirements detailed in Article 10 have not been met, the requirements of Article 3 would need to be met i.e. discretionary training as determined by a UK ATO prior to completing a skill test in accordance with UK Part-FCL.

Supporting documentation required:

• Application form SRG1183 including payment as per the Scheme of Charges
• CPL Report Form SRG2197
• IR Report Form (if applicable) SRG2135 
• Copy of theoretical knowledge examinations if sat with an EASA Member State prior to 1 January 2021 and still valid
• Course Completion Certificate SRG1107 or ATO equivalent (if applicable)
• Logbook evidence of over 100/350 hours on type (if applicable)
• Proof of your ID (This can be a certified copy of your valid passport/full UK photographic driving licence, or a close-up photo of you holding your ID in which your face and ID are clearly visible)
• Form SRG2142 including payment as per the Scheme of Charges
• Copy of EASA licence and medical

Route 11 – EASA ATPL(H)

UK licence previously held

Yes – CPL(H) or ATPL(H)

This is not applicable to current holders of a UK Part FCL CPL(H) wishing to upgrade to a UK Part FCL ATPL(H), they should follow the normal CPL to ATPL upgrade requirements.

Ground training

N/A

Theoretical knowledge credits

Theoretical knowledge examinations fully credited, as long as valid type rating on UK, EASA or ICAO licence in last 7 years.

Theoretical knowledge examinations

To regain ATPL or IR theory credits, if no valid type rating held on UK, EASA or ICAO licence in last 7 years must retake ATPL or IR (as applicable) examinations with UK CAA.

Flight training (if applicable)

Applicant must meet type rating requirements for the aircraft used for the skill test.

• If the rating is expired on the EASA licence, renewal requirements must be met at a UK CAA approved ATO before completing the type rating skill test.

Skill test

Pass a proficiency check/ skill test on type in accordance with UK Part-FCL (UK CAA certified Examiner on a UK CAA approved simulator).

• Individuals who previously held a UK CAA issued ATPL and the multi pilot type rating being used to open the licence will need to pass a type rating proficiency check.
• Individuals who previously held a UK CAA issued ATPL but have not held the multi pilot type rating being used to open the licence with the UK CAA will need to pass a type rating skill test.
• Individuals who previously held a UK CAA issued CPL only will need to pass an ATPL skill test.

Additional info

In the future if the pilot wants to obtain an addition type rating they would be able to use the Transfer of Class/Type route detailed in Article 10 (if eligible). If the transfer of type requirements detailed in Article 10 have not been met, the requirements of Article 3 would need to be met i.e. discretionary training as determined by a UK ATO prior to completing a skill test in accordance with UK Part-FCL.

Supporting documentation required:

• Application form SRG1183 including payment as per the Scheme of Charges
• Examiner Report Form SRG2138, an ATPL skill test is required if you previously held a CPL with us.
• Course Completion Certificate SRG1107 or ATO equivalent (if applicable)
• Proof of your ID (This can be a certified copy of your valid passport/full UK photographic driving licence, or a close-up photo of you holding your ID in which your face and ID are clearly visible)
• Form SRG2142 including payment as per the Scheme of Charges
• Copy of EASA licence and medical
• Evidence of current type rating on UK, EASA or ICAO licence in last seven years (if applicable)

Route 12 – EASA ATPL(H)

UK licence previously held

No

Ground training

N/A

Theoretical knowledge credits

Theoretical knowledge examinations completed prior to 1 January 2021 may be credited within the validity of FCL.025 (i.e. for 7 years from last validity date of the type rating on the EASA licence as of 31 December 2020, if the type rating was not valid on that date the examinations are valid for 7 years from the last type rating entered on the EASA licence).

Theoretical knowledge examinations

Complete all theoretical knowledge examinations with the UK CAA (unless credited as above).

Flight training (if applicable)

Applicant must meet type rating requirements for the aircraft used for the skill test.

• If the rating is expired on the EASA licence, renewal requirements must be met at a UK CAA approved ATO before completing the ATPL skill test.

Skill test

Pass the ATPL skill test on type in accordance with UK Part-FCL (UK CAA certified Examiner on a UK CAA approved simulator).

Additional info

In the future if the pilot wants to obtain a class rating they would be able to use the Transfer of Class/Type route detailed in Article 10 (if eligible). If the transfer of class/ type requirements detailed in Article 10 have not been met, the requirements of Article 3 would need to be met i.e. discretionary training as determined by a UK ATO prior to completing a skill test in accordance with UK Part-FCL.

Supporting documentation required:

• Application form SRG1183 including payment as per the Scheme of Charges
• ATPL skill test Report Form SRG2138 
• Course Completion Certificate SRG1107 or ATO equivalent (if applicable)
• Proof of your ID (This can be a certified copy of your valid passport/full UK photographic driving licence, or a close-up photo of you holding your ID in which your face and ID are clearly visible)
• Form SRG2142 including payment as per the Scheme of Charges
• Copy of EASA licence and medical
• Evidence of valid type rating on EASA licence on or before 31 December 2020.

For the routes to obtain a UK Part-FCL PPL based on a third country licence, please see

Third Country Licence conversion requirements from 1 January 2023.