UK CAA and EASA Approved ATOs

EASA and UK CAA Approved Schools Flight Training

Intro

As of January 1st 2021 the United Kingdom left the European Union. For aviation the most notable impact from this was the the competent authority for the United Kingdom, the UK CAA, is no longer a part of European Aviation Safety Agency, EASA. This means that for future pilots and those who have already committed to a 'competent authority' their licence will restrict them to becoming either an EASA or UK CAA issued licence holder.

This directly impacts employment opportunities as certain airlines will only be able to recruit certain licence authority holders - depending on their AOC/Aircraft. A prime example of this being Ryanair who require an Irish EASA Licence for their flight crew. Therefore someone who has trained towards a UK CAA issued licence will not be able to work for Ryanair in the future - as it stands.

While there is on-going discussion about mutual recognition and possible conversion methods there is nothing set in stone from either party. We recommend to stay up to date on the latest you visit our partners at UKFlying or the CAA website.

Information updated 06/03/2021

What does this mean for flight schools in the UK

As of January 1st 2021 all ATOs in the UK are no longer able to train pilots towards the issue of an EASA Licence, unless they have received Third Country Organisation Approval from EASA. ATOs with third country approval are able to train towards either the UK CAA or EASA issued licences - however the cadet must still choose which authority they wish to train towards at the start of their course. We recommend you discuss this carefully with your flight school.

A list of UK based ATOs who are capable of offering training towards both UK CAA and EASA licences can be found here, or you can use our directory below.

Please note although third country approved these ATOs may not be offering all their courses towards both UK CAA and EASA licences, please contact the specific ATO to find out more.