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AOPA Response to CAP3094:GA Pilot Licensing & Training Simplification Phase 3 Consultation |
The AOPA response to CAP3094 has been submitted to the CAA as follows:
Q5 Do you agree with our proposed changes to the PPL(A) syllabus regarding partial loss of engine power?: Yes
Please share any comments you may have: Partial power loss should be discussed prior to first solo, but should be handled as total loss of power until completion of circuit consolidation. Students would be unlikely to be able to deal with partial power loss until completion of Ex 16.
Q6 Do you agree with our proposed changes to the PPL (A) and (H) syllabi regarding the use of moving map devices?: Yes
Please share any comments you may have:Training should also include action in the event of the failure of a moving map device in flight and the use of alternatives/back-ups.
Q7 Please enter any comments you may have on the NPPL(A) to PPL(A) theoretical knowledge bridging requirements.
Please share any comments you may have: NPPL(A) SEP/TMG students should normally sit the PPL(A) exams so that NPPL(A) theoretical knowledge is equivalent to EASA LAPL(A) requirements of EASA Part-FCL 'AMC1 FCL.115; FCL.120 LAPL training course and theoretical knowledge examination' in order that potential future mutual recognition of UK NPPL(A) and EU LAPL(A) is not compromised.
Q8 Do you agree with our proposed changes to the PPL (A) and (H) skill test schedules regarding the use of moving map devices? Yes
Please share any comments you may have: Skill Test should include action in the event of degradation / failure of optional moving map devices and the use of alternatives/back-ups.
Q9 Do you agree with our proposed AMC1 to the revised FCL.210.A regarding crediting previous aeroplane experience towards the PPL(A)? Yes
Q10 Do you agree with our proposed GM to the revised FCL.210.A regarding crediting previous aeroplane experience towards the PPL(A)? Yes
Q11 Do you agree with our proposed AMC to facilitate a 35-hour PPL(A) course? Yes
Please share any comments you may have: We agree, but consider it unlikely that many applicants will be able to cope successfully with a 35hr course.
Q12 Please enter any comments you may have on the proposed GM for differences training.
Please share any comments you may have: In GM1 FCL.710(b), delete 'training'.
Q13 Do you agree with our proposed AMC1 and GM1 to the revised FCL.740.A? No
Please share any comments you may have: We partly disagree:
3.2 first bullet point should be amended to ‘Six hours of flight time must be flown in the second year of validity’ for clarity and should be as stated in OID 157-1-12 FCL.740.A(b)(1)(ii).
AMC1 FCL.740.A(b)(1)(ii) is directly from EASA AMC and GM to Part-FCL Issue 1, Amendment 13 and is OK.
GM1 FCL.740.A is excessively verbose for inclusion in UK Part-FCL. The section from “It is recommended [...]” to “[...] from personal experience.” is directly from EASA AMC and GM to Part-FCL Issue 1, Amendment 13 and is OK; however the section from “The following is [...]” to “[...] TEM and decision making” should be deleted and moved to a suitable CAA Standards Document. The bullet point which starts “If the instructor considers [...]” should be amended so that “[...] does not need to[...]” reads “[...] should not [...]”.
Q14 Do you agree with our proposed AMC2 to the revised FCL.740.A? No
Please share any comments you may have: It should not be stated that refresher flight training should normally be conducted as a single flight. As flight time experience can now be spread over 24 months, it would be reasonable for pilots to elect to receive refresher flight training as suits them throughout the period. Both bullet points should be deleted and the following inserted:
- The refresher flight training for the purpose of refreshing knowledge and skills applicable to the privileges of the rating may be satisfied by receiving instruction totalling at least 1 hour, which may be over the course of several flights. In this case, the instructor may only certify the training in accordance with FCL.945 after the required flight time has been completed.
Q15 Do you agree with our proposed AMC3 to the revised FCL.740.A? Yes
Please share any comments you may have: We agree only as a temporary expedient pending formal amendment of FCL.740.A(b)(1)(ii) to include the IMCR/IRR exemption introduced over 15 years ago in LASORS2010, so that it will then read:
“— refresher training of at least 1 hour of total flight time with a flight instructor (FI) or a class rating instructor (CRI). Applicants shall be exempted from this refresher training if they have passed a class or type rating proficiency check, skill test or assessment of competence in any other class or type of aeroplane or by a flight test for the issue/revalidation or renewal of a UK IMC / IR(R) rating.”
This exemption is widely applied throughout the industry and it is imperative that it remains so. If it is not possible to include it in the forthcoming 1st October 2025 SI release, then an ORS4 exemption should be issued.
Q16 Do you agree with our proposed AMC and GM to the revised DTO.GEN.240 and ORA.ATO.135? Yes
Please share any comments you may have: To avoid any confusion regarding the alternative use of non-Part 21 training aircraft issued with a national permit to fly, ORA.ATO.135/DTO.GEN.240(aa)(1) should be amended to include the word ‘or’ as follows:
(1) hold a certificate of airworthiness issued in accordance with Annex 8 to the Chicago Convention; or
Q17 Please enter any comments you may have on the proposed removal of the AMC/GM listed above.
Please share any comments you may have: We agree with the proposals.
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Ban on personal imports of meat and dairy products extended to cover all EU countries |
The Government has taken measures to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD) following a rising number of cases across Europe.
From Saturday 12th April 2025, travellers will no longer be able to bring cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use, to protect the health of British livestock, the security of farmers, and the UK’s food security.
This includes bringing items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk into Great Britain – regardless of whether it is packed or packaged or whether it has been bought at duty free.
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ETA Travel Requirement for eligible European visitors to the UK from 2nd April 2025 |
Following the opening of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme to eligible Europeans on 5th March, from the 2nd April they will now need an ETA to travel to the UK.
This means that all non-visa national visitors who do not need a visa will need an ETA. More information about eligibility and when individual nationalities will need an ETA is available at GOV.UK.
Eligible visitors should apply for their ETA through the UK ETA app, which is quick and simple to use and enables most applicants to receive a decision within hours. For more information see: Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA).
Please note: as you are aware, during the current pre-enforcement period, visitors from countries whose citizens currently do not require a visa for short-term visits will still be permitted to travel to the UK even if they do not hold an ETA and must not be refused carriage on this basis. You will not be liable for a penalty charge related to ETA checks (permission to travel), and passengers will not be refused at the border solely for failure to hold an ETA.
People who require a visa to visit the UK will continue to do so and should not obtain an ETA. Those who are exempt from immigration control will not require an ETA.
The introduction of the UK ETA is a significant change for many travellers who previously did not need to interact with the Home Office prior to travelling. The UK Government continues to work closely with the travel industry, international businesses, short-term education providers and other organisations that attract visitors to the UK, to ensure visitors understand the steps they need to take before they travel to the UK.
Please refer to the sGAR Knowledge Hub for more information.
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FAA US AGENT FOR SERVICE - AOPA/IAOPA Registered Agent |
Individuals who have a foreign address and no U.S. physical address of record on file with the FAA are now required to designate a U.S. agent for service if they apply for a certificate, rating, or authorization issued under 14 CFR part 47, 61, 63, 65, 67, or 107 or hold a certificate issued under any of these parts. This requirement applies only to individuals (not entities).
AOPA US has been working on a Registered Agent for FAA Mail Service and we are pleased to inform you that the service is now available here:
https://www.aoparegisteredagent.com/
Please have your AOPA member number to hand.
This new AOPA service will provide:
- A U.S. Agent address in the United States for FAA correspondence
- Everything you will need to provide the FAA to designate us as your U.S. Agent for Service
- Scans of your FAA correspondence sent directly to your email
- Access your account and documents on a secure website
- Forwarding documents such as replacement certificates or aircraft registrations to an address of your choice, at home or abroad
- Special discounted pricing for IAOPA affiliate members in good standing of $79.
While you might shop around and find a lower price for the service, by using the AOPA/IAOPA service you know that you will be in safe hands and have support if you have any issues with the FAA. Be careful not to get scammed - since the FAA made this ruling a large number of "FAA US Agents for Service" have appeared on web searches with a wide range of costs for the service. If the offer looks too good to be true then maybe it is.
Please be aware of the FAA Definitions. The following terms are defined in § 3.302:
- U.S. agent for service (U.S. agent): An entity or an adult (individual who is 18 or older) with a U.S. address who a certificate, rating, or authorization holder or applicant designates to receive FAA service on their behalf.
- U.S. agent address: An address in the States of the United States, the District of Columbia, or any U.S. territory or possession. If the agent is an entity, the address must be the U.S. agent’s office address. If the agent is an individual, the address must be the agent’s usual place of residence or, if applicable, the individual’s U.S. military office address. If the U.S. agent is serving as a U.S. agent in their official capacity with the military, the address may be a military office address. A U.S. agent address may not be a post office box, military post office box, or a mail drop box; and
- U.S. physical address: An address in the States of the United States, the District of Columbia, or any U.S. territory or possession, but excludes post office boxes, military post office boxes, mail drop boxes, and commercial addresses that are not also residential addresses.
See: https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_3-1.pdf
When you have appointed an Agent for Service you will need to advise the FAA. See their Help Guide here: https://usas.faa.gov/documentation-external-designate
If you do not currently have a U.S. physical address of record and are able to provide one, you may do so through the standard processes for Airmen or Aircraft Owners in lieu of designating a U.S. Agent for Service.
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GA Pilot Licensing & Training Simplification Phase 3 Consultation: Detailed Policy Proposals |
Following the completion of CAP2335 – General Aviation (GA) Pilot Licensing & Training Simplification Phase 2 in Spring 2024, and the submission of the Opinion and Instruction documents to the Department for Transport, we are now publishing a suite of three consultation papers setting out the detailed changes to AMC and GM across three of the regulations: Aircrew, Part-BFCL and Part-SFCL.
The consultations close on 6 May 2025 and this is your opportunity to provide any comments.
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Home Office Future Border and Immigration Systems – ETA & EVISA Awareness Session 10 March 2025 |
From 8th January 2024, all non-European national visitors require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to or transit through the UK. We will expand the ETA scheme to eligible Europeans, who will be able to apply from 5th March 2025 and will need an ETA to travel to or transit through the UK from 2nd April 2025. This means that by April 2025 all non-visa national visitors who do not need a visa will need an ETA.
Our UK border and immigration system is becoming digital. The way that those who have physical immigration documents prove their immigration status is changing. Beginning with Biometric Residency Permits, physical documents are being replaced by eVisas.
This event is aimed at pilots, operators and agents within the General Aviation sector to understand the new requirements as the ETA and eVisa rollout continues and are prepared for these changes, this event will cover:
An overview of the UK Electronic Travel authorisation (ETA) including who needs one and when
- An overview of eVisa including who needs one and when
- UPT Digital Permission Checks
- An opportunity to ask any questions you may have
Please register and sign up to the event via the link below:
GA ETA and eVisa Awareness session – 10th March 10:00am – 11:00 am (GMT)
Please note: unfortunately, the session will not be recorded, however all sGAR users will be provided with an updated Knowledge Hub link following the event where you will be able to view the presentation slides along with the info pack and resources.
Useful Links:
Access the sGAR Knowledge Hub here
Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) – GOV.UK
Online immigration status (eVisa) – GOV.UK
If you have any queries, please do reach out to:
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Home Office Letter: Crew Requirements in the General Aviation Sector – February 2025 |
You may have received a recent communication regarding the implementation of Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs). This was intended for carriers in the scheduled aviation industry and so may have caused a degree of confusion for GA carriers and operators.
This communication is to clarify and confirm the following points in case of any such confusion.
British and Irish citizens do not need to apply for any additional permission to travel to the UK and should continue to travel using their valid British or Irish passports.
Crew employed or engaged to bring aircraft, passengers, or cargo to the UK and who are operating into and out of the UK as crew do not require an ETA as they are exempt from the requirement to obtain leave to enter. This only applies where crew members are departing from the UK within 7 days.
Crew members are defined as ’all people who are employed in the working or service of an aircraft, including the captain’. This does not include ground crew or security guards.
Non-visa nationals intending to visit the UK and who are not employed or engaged to bring aircraft, passengers, or cargo to the UK will require an ETA.
Visa nationals will continue to require a visit visa.
More information about ETAs, including which nationalities currently require an ETA, can be found here: Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) – GOV.UK.
You can find out if you require an ETA or visa here: Check if you need a UK visa – GOV.UK.
I hope this helps to clarify the position with respect to General Aviation and permission to travel requirements.
If you have any queries, please contact our team:
Kind regards,
Carrier Integration Team
Future Border & Immigration System (FBIS) Programme
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Channel Islands General Aviation Exemptions |
The Director of Civil Aviation for the Channel Islands is publishing a list of current General Aviation Exemptions for both Jersey and Guernsey. They replace the General Exemptions written into previous Aviation Journals which did not provide a single list of in force documents. Both the Guernsey and Jersey versions are now on the DCA website -
News - Director of Civil Aviation
The current exemptions for the UK PMD and IR(R)/IMCr are retained.
The DCA is keen to ensure that local AOPA members are aware and have an opportunity to comment should they wish to highlight other General Exemptions that they may be using that are not shown by contacting:
Please note these lists only show General Exemptions, and are quite separate to individual Exemptions issued to individuals or organisations which would be specific to that applicant and as such are confidential.
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University of Birmingham - Student Pilots Wanted |
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sGAR Home Office Notification: Temporary acceptance of expired BRPs and EUSS BRCs |
The majority of UK biometric residence permits (BRPs) and biometric residence cards (BRCs) will expire on 31st December 2024, and passengers who currently hold BRP/Cs will be travelling on eVisas.
Carriers and operators will receive a ‘0A – Valid Permission to Travel Found’ message when the Home Office is able to automatically confirm a valid digital permission (whether an eVisa or an ETA) for the passenger. Carriers and operators should rely on this message as satisfactory evidence that a passenger has a valid UK immigration permission, and no further visa checks are necessary to establish the passenger’s permission to travel.
However, we are keen to ensure that travel is not disrupted for passengers with eVisas. Therefore, we announced that, as a transitional measure, biometric residence permits (BRPs) and EU Settlement Scheme biometric residence cards (EUSS BRCs) which expire on or after 31st December 2024 can also be accepted as evidence of permission to travel to the UK provisionally until 31st March 2025. This will be kept under review. Other expired immigration products are not acceptable proof of permission to travel.
In the first instance, carriers and operators should rely on the ‘0A – Valid Permission to Travel Found’ as satisfactory evidence that a passenger has a valid UK eVisa or ETA. Where a ‘0A – Valid Permission to Travel Found’ message is not received, the passenger may still have a valid immigration status and carriers and operators will need to perform alternative checks to satisfy themselves that the individual has a permission to travel to the UK.
- If a passenger holds a valid visa or other physical document evidencing a permission to travel, these can still be used to evidence their permission to travel, when boarding UK-bound services.
- If the passenger has a newly issued passport, they may not have linked it to their UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) account. The passenger may be able to self-resolve and update their new passport details in their UKVI account using the Update my Details service if they have a biometric passport.
- If a passenger has no physical document evidencing a permission to travel, they can use the online View and Prove immigration status service, by issuing a Share Code to the carrier or operator who can then check their permission via the online ’Check someone's immigration status'
- If the passenger has a biometric residence permit (BRP) or EU Settlement Scheme biometric residence card (EUSS BRC) which expires on or after 31st December 2024 this can also be accepted as evidence of permission to travel to the UK provisionally until 31st March 2025. This will be kept under review.
- Carriers and operators can contact the 24/7 UK Border Force Carrier Support Hub on +44 300 369 0610 or +44 204 619 6020.
Please see a FAQ document within the Knowledge Hub folder here, which provides answers to questions about the temporary acceptance of expired BRPs and EUSS BRCs as evidence of permission to travel to the UK. Example BRP/C documents can be found within the sGAR Information pack on slide 63.
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London CTRs’ SVFR Weather Minima Review |
To maintain high standards of flight safety within the London and London City Control Zones (the London CTRs), the CAA intends to change the weather minima applicable to Special Visual Flight Rules operations.
Our proposal is to introduce a required cloudbase limit and to increase the minimum visibility allowed. We are conducting stakeholder engagement, from 5 December 2024 to 12 February 2025, to seek your feedback on this proposal.
The engagement document, Revision of Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR) Weather Minima Criteria for Operations Within the London & London City CTRs details the rationale behind our proposal, and includes links to online Citizen Space consultation to provide your views, comments and feedback.