The UK CAA has released an Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) concerning the switch from the JAA to EASA. As it appears so far, there will not be any significant changes to those who are already in the process or are about to start the process of converting their FAA license.

In plain and simple text, pilots will need to complete the EASA written examinations and then pass a flight test or tests after completing training as required. This step will be dependent upon experience and rating held.

The new exam syllabus for the EASA exams was delivered in June 2011 for those candidates sitting exams for the first time. Any candidates who are on the old syllabus (those who first sat exams prior to June 2011) will only have until the exam sitting of March 2012 to complete all 14 subjects. If there are any exams not passed prior to that date, the candidate may be required to re-sit some of those exams already passed.

The new syllabus exams also bring changes to the physical exams. The duration of the exams has changed in some cases as has the number of questions.

This is not a consideration for the customers of Gulf Coast Training Solutions, who have all been advised of this and plans have been in place for some time to deal with the changeover.

However, there are some significant changes which pilots need to be aware of regarding the validation of a foreign license conversion.

From 8th April 2012, any validations for an EASA flight crew license will only be valid for one year. After that point all applicants will have to prove to the authorities that they have made significant progress towards obtaining the full EASA license. What exactly will be accepted as proof of this is not certain, however it is expected that the pilot will have to at least have some of the 14 EASA written exams passed to be able to continue flying in Europe.

The method of taking two subjects, Air Law and Human Performance, to obtain a ‘National License’ has already ceased. This means that no matter what your experience, you will need to have passed all the written examinations for the EASA license.
For more information on these changes, please contact us at 1-888-966-5875