Following the UK’s exit from the EU on 31 January, a transition period will apply until 31 December 2020. During this period, the UK and the aviation sector will continue to follow EU law and to participate in the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) system. As a result, businesses and individuals operating in the UK should see no change to existing conditions during the transition period, while the longer-term UK-EU relationship on aviation is determined. Please see the homepage for further details.
A fuller outline of the position as the UK enters the transition period is available here.
While the respective positions outlined in the UK Government and EU negotiating mandates indicate what both sides want in terms of future agreements on air transport and aviation safety and security, the conditions that will exist after the end of the transition period are still uncertain. Given this uncertainty, the FAQ information below should not be regarded as exhaustive and will be subject to change.
As the UK-EU negotiations move forward and more information becomes available, the CAA will update these FAQs and notify stakeholders of the updates through the SkyWise alert system. If you haven’t already done so, please subscribe to the EU exit category in the SkyWise system: skywise.caa.co.uk
After the UK’s membership of the EASA system ceases at the end of the transition period and if there is no mutual recognition of safety certificates between the UK and European systems, air navigation service providers (ANSPs) might need to take action to maximise continuity and stability for the aviation sector. Actions required would depend on individual circumstances and are a matter for each business and individual to consider. This page sets out what you need to consider in preparing for such an eventuality.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS
Would my UK basic training be recognised in the EU?
After the UK’s membership of the EASA system ceases at the end of the transition period and if there is no mutual recognition of safety certificates between the UK and European systems, UK air traffic control licences would not be able to be exchanged. If you had already exchanged your licence to the relevant national aviation authority, then there would be no impact on you.
I am currently studying with a non-UK approved initial training provider for my Part-ATCO licence, which will be issued by the UK. Will my training still be recognised?
Yes. After the UK’s membership of the EASA system ceases at the end of the transition period and if there is no mutual recognition of safety certificates between the UK and European systems, your training would be recognised for up to two years if you were training with an approved initial training provider located outside the UK which had its approval certificate issued prior to the date this scenario took effect and continued to be valid during the training period.