On 12 February the CAA published without fanfare General Exemption E 4843, which allows holders of ‘legacy’ national licences to continue to fly UK registered TMGs (touring motor gliders), helicopters and aeroplanes certified by EASA or operating on an EASA Permit to Fly
Specifically, PPL holders will still be able to fly, as the CAA puts it ‘within the exercise of the privileges of a Part-FCL LAPL (even though [they do] not hold [an] LAPL), whilst holding, and exercising the privileges of, an appropriate licence granted under an Air Navigation Order (and which entitles the holder to perform the functions being undertaken by that person in relation to the aeroplane or helicopter or TMG)’.
‘This exemption provides an equivalent operational and safety assurance outcome to Aircrew Regulation amendment, Regulation (EU) No 2018/1119, Article 1, Paragraph 3) allowing Member States to derogate from the provisions of Subpart B of Annex I (LAPL) until 8 April 2020,’ says the CAA.
All this will be welcome news to all those faced with the prospect of having to obtain an EASA LAPL to continue flying. It should be noted that relevant licensing arrangements after 2020 have not yet been decided by EASA – another body that risks being seen to be ‘running down the clock’ perhaps?
For full detail of the exemption, see: http://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/ORS4No1293.pdf
