banner-desktop banner-mobile

Note 1: Whenever it is mentioned in the following FAQs that you must submit an application form; ensure that the payment details are complete and valid, otherwise the application cannot be processed and may be returned.

Note 2: The following FAQs relate to all 3rd Country ICAO Annex I compliant licence holders but the following special notes apply to UK CAA licence holders.


UK CAA issued licences not transferred before 31 December 2020 are now 3rd Country licences and shall comply with all conversion requirements in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2020/723.

From 01 January 2021 UK CAA issued licences are 3rd Country licences and all conversion requirements for an ICAO licence conversion in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2020/723 shall be met.


TCQ.1.  I want to convert an ICAO Annex I compliant ATPL?

Go to here


TCQ.2.  I want to convert my ICAO CPL to an EU Part-FCL CPL Licence

The information below assumes that you have never held a pilot licence issued by an EASA Member State - if you have, contact the EASA Member State Competent Authority who issued the licence and they will advise you further.

There is no automatic conversion of an ICAO Annex 1 compliant CPL to an EU Part-FCL CPL, but training credits can be given to the holder of an equivalent non-EU licence, towards meeting the Part-FCL licence requirements.

The conditions for the acceptance of licences from third countries is laid down in Article 3 of COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2020/723, amending EU Aircrew Regulation (Commission Regulation (EU) No. 1178/2011.

Medical: You must hold a valid EU Part-MED Class 1 medical certificate. 

Important:

Under the EU Part-FCL regulations, the location of your medical records dictates the State to which you MUST apply for licence issue, regardless of which EU State(s) you subsequently complete any/all of the requirements in. 

If you specifically want an IAA-issued EU Part-FCL licence, and assuming that you have not previously held an EU Part-MED (or JAR-FCL) medical certificate issued by another EASA Member State, you must complete the initial Class 1 medical examination at an EASA approved Aeromedical Centre (AMC) in Ireland - there are two such AMCs in Ireland (both in Dublin - see https://www.iaa.ie/personnel-licensing/aero-medical-section/aero-medical-centres  for contact details). 

If you have previously held an EU Part-MED (or JAR-FCL) medical certificate of any Class, issued by another EASA Member State, then your medical records are deemed to be held by that State and you must either apply to that State for licence issue or arrange for the transfer of your medical records from that State to Ireland. 

The IAA strongly recommends that you complete the medical requirements before you commence any training, and particularly before you start incurring costs associated with the conversion.

Exams: Future career aspirations determine the level of examinations you must pass. 

If your intention is to work for an airline, then you will have to pass the Part-FCL ATPL examinations in all 14 subjects.  You shall complete a course of theoretical knowledge instruction (min. 650 hours – no reduction for your ICAO ATPL theory course) at an EASA Approved Training Organisation (ATO) prior to entering for the exams. 

Fewer examinations are required for a lower level Pilot licence (CPL, CPL IR etc.) and the requirements for this should be discussed with an ATO to determine which suite of exams best suits your intended career path.

Flight Training and ELP:

Flying experience; you shall meet the experience requirements set out in the ‘Aircrew Regulation’ – see Annex 1, Appendix 3, Section E, para. 12, as amended.

Flight training and testing, it will be determined by the Head of Training at an EU Member State ATO what/any credit will be allowed against the CPL modular flying course. 

You shall pass an acceptable EASA English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessment – the IAA cannot recognise ELP endorsements on your ICAO licence. 

There are two options for meeting the ELP requirement;

  1. Completed during the type rating skill test subject to the examiner holding a specific EASA ELP assessor qualification acceptable to the IAA. 
  2. Completed with ground-based options in Ireland and in other EASA Member States.

Instrument Rating: To convert an ME/IR, it is for the Head of Training of an ATO to determine any credit against an IR modular flying course. If it is intended to do the IR on a Multi-engine aircraft, you may be credited course hours by the Head of Training if you have in excess of 100 hours flying experience on that class of aircraft. 

Multi-Crew Co-operation (MCC): You will have to complete an MCC course if you intend to add a multi-pilot aircraft type rating to a CPL in the future.  This is a standalone modular course that can be completed at your leisure provided you hold a ME/IR on the part-FCL CPL. No recognition is available of your ICAO MCC course completed.

The cost of training is not determined by the IAA and your chosen ATO’s will advise regarding this.


TCQ.3.  I want to convert my 3rd Country PPL into an EU Part-FCL licence what must I do?

Regulation (EU) 2020/723: Article 9 Sets out the conditions for conversion of licences but basically the authority may convert a licence for the relevant aircraft category into a PPL, a BPL or an SPL, where the original licence is issued in compliance with the requirements of Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention by a third country and the licence is:

(a) an equivalent licence to the licences referred to above; or

(b) a CPL or an ATPL.

You need to choose an ATO or DTO as applicable to obtain further guidance and assistance but the holder of the licence to be converted shall comply with the following minimum requirements for the relevant aircraft category:

  1.    pass a written examination in Air Law and Human Performance;
  2.    pass the PPL, BPL or SPL skill test, as applicable;
  3.    fulfil the requirements for the issue of the relevant class or type rating, in accordance with Subpart H;
  4.    hold a medical certificate, as applicable;
  5.    demonstrate language proficiency in accordance with FCL.055;
  6.    have completed at least 100 hours of flight time as a pilot.


TCQ.4.  Can I fly EI registered aircraft on my 3rd Country PPL in Ireland?

Regulation (EU) 2020/723: Article 7 Sets out the conditions for non-commercial activities without an instrument rating, which does permit holders of private pilot licences, or CPL and ATPL licences issued in compliance with the requirements of Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention by a third country and without an instrument rating where the pilot intends only to exercise private pilot privileges, where the holder complies with all of the following requirements:

  1. demonstrate knowledge of Air Law and Human Performance;
  2. pass the private pilot licence (‘PPL’) skill test as set out in point FCL.235 of Annex I (Part-FCL) to Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011;
  3. fulfil the relevant requirements of Subpart H of Annex I (Part-FCL) to Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011, for the issuance of a type or class rating as relevant to the privileges of the licence held;
  4. hold at least a Class 2 medical certificate issued in accordance with Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention;
  5. demonstrate language proficiency in accordance with FCL.055 of Annex I (Part-FCL) to Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011;
  6. have a minimum experience of at least 100 hours as pilot in the relevant category of aircraft.

Those wishing to exercise these privileges should also read P21 and P28


TCQ.5.  Can I fly IFR in EI registered aircraft on my 3rd Country PPL/IR in Ireland?

Regulation (EU) 2020/723: Article 6 - Sets out the conditions for non-commercial activities with an instrument rating which does permit holders of private pilot licences with an instrument rating, or Commercial Pilot Licences (‘CPL’) and Airline Transport Pilot Licences (‘ATPL’) with an instrument rating issued in compliance with the requirements of Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention by a third country where the pilot intends only to exercise private pilot privileges. holders shall comply with all of the following requirements:

  1. complete the skill test for instrument rating and the type or class ratings relevant to the privileges of the licence held, in accordance with Appendix 7 and Appendix 9 of Annex I (Part-FCL) to Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011;
  2. demonstrate knowledge of Air Law, Aeronautical Weather Codes, Flight Planning and Performance (IR) and Human Performance;
  3. demonstrate language proficiency in accordance with FCL.055 of Annex I (Part-FCL) to Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011;
  4. hold at least a valid Class 2 medical certificate issued in accordance with Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention;
  5. have a minimum experience of at least 100 hours of instrument flight time as pilot in command (‘PIC’) in the relevant category of aircraft.

TCQ.6.  I have an UK Part-FCL Licence with instructor privileges. Which steps I need to take to be able to keep using those instructor privileges, after December 31, 2020, in a training organisation approved by an EASA Member Stater or EASA?

See also FAQ TCQ.19 & TCQ.20

If you cannot transfer your licence and associated instructor certificate to an EASA Member State before January 1, 2021 then in in order to exercise the instructor privileges in an EASA Member State, or in an ATO located in UK and approved by EASA, after December 31, 2020 you should either:

  1. apply for the conversion of your UK issued licence, ratings or certificate to an EASA Member State competent authority in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2020/723; or 
  2. in case you intend to provide instruction only in an EASA approved training organisation located in the UK, apply to an EASA Member State competent authority for an initial issue of an instructor certificate in accordance with the procedure laid down in point FCL.900(c) of Annex I to Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011. 

TCQ.7.  I am a holder of a UK issued ATPL and would like to convert that license into a license from an EASA Member State. How should I proceed?

See also TCQ.1

The UK has left the EU and is now deemed to be a ‘third country’ for EU Part-FCL licensing purposes.  As such, a UK-issued ATPL is no longer valid to operate an aircraft registered in an EASA Member State as of January 1, 2021. 

If the UK licence was not transferred to another EASA Member State before 01 January 2021, you should refer to Article 3 of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2020/723 which sets out the conditions for the acceptance of licences from third countries, be that in the form of a licence conversion or a validation (short-term and activity specific).  For licence conversion, a UK-issued ATPL pilot licence, whether issued as an EU Part-FCL compliant licence (initial issue date before 01/01/2021) or a UK Part-FCL licence compliant licence (initial issue date after 31/12/2020) is considered to be an ICAO Annex I compliant licence.

For ICAO ATPL holders, the general requirements for a licence conversion can be found here.   However, for previous holders of an EU Part-FCL ATPL issued by the UK CAA before 01/01/2021, the European Commission/EASA has agreed that certain credits for training/testing completed before 01/01/2021 whilst the UK remained an EU Member State, can be given.  Primarily, these credits relate to theoretical knowledge examinations (which would normally have a 36 month validity for licence issue purposes), but also to standalone MCC (FCL.735.A / FCL.735.H) and advanced UPRT (FCL.745.A) courses, as the course completion certificates for these courses do not expire.  In the case of MCC and/or UPRT courses, the course completion certificate and ATO approval certificate must be submitted with the licence application in due course 

So, in respect of theoretical knowledge examination credits, the following applies;

  1. The EASA ATPL examinations must have been passed entirely under the responsibility of the UK CAA, and final examination pass achieved before 01/01/2021
  2. For previous holders of a UK-issued EU Part-FCL ATPL(A) licence, with an initial issue date before 01/01/2021, the EASA ATPL theoretical knowledge examination certificate will be accepted for the issue of an EU Part-FCL ATPL(A) by the IAA, for seven years from the last IR expiry date entered in that licence or 31st December 2020, whichever date is the earlier. 

For previous holders of a UK-issued EU Part-FCL ATPL(H) licence, with an initial issue date before 01/01/2021, the EASA ATPL theoretical knowledge examination certificate will be accepted for the issue of an EU Part-FCL ATPL(H) by the IAA, for seven years from the last expiry date of a helicopter type rating entered in that licence or 31st December 2020, whichever date is the earlier. 


TCQ.8.  I am holder of a Part FCL PPL licence issued by UK. My license includes a night rating and I am currently enrolled at an ATPL integrated course in an ATO approved by one of the EASA Member States. Will my UK PPL be recognised for training credits after December 31, 2020?

Under the EU Aircrew Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 a student may be admitted to training either as an ab-initio entrant or as a holder of a PPL(A) or PPL(H) issued in accordance with Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention. In the case of a entrant already holding a PPL(A) or PPL(H), 50% of the hours flown prior to the course can be credited, up to a maximum of 40 hours flying experience, or 45 hours if an aeroplane night rating has been obtained, of which up to 20 hours may count towards the requirement for dual instruction flight time.

Therefore, you may benefit of credits up to the above mentioned limits. As student pilot enrolled in an ATPL integrated course, you will also need a Part-MED medical certificate issued by an EASA Member State competent authority before your first solo flight (Point MED.A.030 (a) of Aircrew Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011).


TCQ.9.  I am holder of an examiner certificate issued by the UK CAA. Can I exercise the privileges associated to my examiner certificate to conduct skill test and proficiency check for Part-FCL licence holders?

See also FAQ TCQ.19 & TCQ.20

From the January 1, 2021 the UK issued examiner certificates will be no longer accepted in the EU to conduct skill test/proficiency check or assessment of competence for the issue, re-validation or renewal of Part-FCL licence, rating or certificate.


TCQ.10.  The UK CAA is developing a simplified application and validation procedure for recent holders of UK-issued Part FCL licenses. Does EASA plan to implement a similar application and validation procedure for recent holders of EASA licenses?

Source: UK CAA

For the time being, there is no plan to develop a simplified application and validation procedure. Accordingly, any validation or conversion of a UK issued license should be done in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2020/723.


TCQ.11.  I am planning to enrol in an ATPL integrated course in a UK approved ATO after December 31, 2020. Will I be able to obtain a Part-FCL licence valid in EASA Member States on the basis of such course?

After December 31, 2020 training for the issuance of a Part FCL license must be conducted in a training organisation under oversight of an EASA Member State or EASA. Accordingly, after that date training for the issue of such a license in a UK approved ATO is no longer possible.

Students who started their courses in a UK approved ATO before January 1, 2021 have a possibility, before that date, to transfer their training to a training organisation under oversight of an EASA Member State or EASA.  In such a case the student wishing to transfer the training must apply to the competent licensing authority of an EASA Member State for a formal assessment of the further hours of training required. 


TCQ.12.  I am holder of an UK issued ATPL. Can I operate an aircraft of a commercial operator certified by an EASA Member State after December 31, 2020?

As of January 1, 2021, licenses and certificates issued by UK will no longer be valid in EASA Member States and will be treated as a third country licences and certificates. Accordingly, as of that date a UK issued ATPL cannot be used to operate aircraft of commercial operators under oversight of EASA Member States.

As of January 1, 2021, in order to obtain a Part-FCL licence from an EASA Member State, UK licence holders must follow a conversion process as per Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2020/723.


TCQ.13.  Can you please advise me: Will a PPL or a LAPL issued in the UK be recognized in an EASA Member State after the end of 2020?

As of January 1, 2021, licenses and certificates issued by UK will no longer be valid in EASA Member States and will be treated as a third country licences and certificates. As of that date the holder of a UK issued licence must apply for its conversion in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2020/723.  The conversion process will require you to undertake additional training, theoretical and flight examination again. Please note that as a LAPL licence is not an ICAO Annex 1 compatible licence, these licences may not be converted. 


TCQ.14.  Under which conditions can a holder of a UK issued pilot licence operate an aircraft registered in an EASA Member State?

After December 31, 2020, holders of Part FCL licence previously issued by the UK CAA cannot be longer considered holders of a Part-FCL licence issued in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 subject to mutual recognition within the EASA Member States. Such licenses become considered as third country licences in the EU after that date. 

If a pilot was not able to transfer his/her license to an EASA Member State before January 1, 2021, the pilot still has an option to convert a UK issued license into  a Part-FCL licence in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2020/723 laying down detailed rules regarding the acceptance of third-country certification of pilots.

In accordance with that Delegated Regulation an EASA Member State may issue Part-FCL licences to applicants who already hold an equivalent licence, rating, privilege or certificate issued in accordance with Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention by a third country, provided that those applicants comply with certain additional requirements and taking account of any credit based on a recommendation from an approved training organisation or a declared training organisation under oversight of an EASA Member State or EASA.


TCQ.15.  I am a student pilot in an CPL/ATPL integrated course, and I successfully completed my ATPL theoretical exams in the UK by December 31, 2020. Can I complete, after that date, the flight training in an ATO approved by an EASA Member State or EASA? Will my UK ATPL theory certificate of completion be accepted by EASA Member States for the licence issue after December 31, 2020?

The certificate of completion of the ATPL theoretical knowledge examination issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority before the end of the transition period is valid and recognised in the EU under the normal validity period as specified in FCL.025(c) of (EU) 1178/2011 as amended.

In order to continue relying on that ATPL theoretical knowledge examination issued by the UK for the purpose of obtaining a Part-FCL license the student should transfer his/her training before January 1, 2021 to a training organisation under oversight of an EASA Member State or EASA. In such case the student should also apply to the competent licensing authority of an EASA Member State for a formal assessment of the further hours of training required. The new EU competent authority will be the one to whom the student will apply for the licence issue.


TCQ.16.  I am holder of a Cabin Crew Attestation issued by the UK CAA. Can I exercise the privilege of that attestation in a commercial air transport operator certified by an EASA Member State?

From the January 1, 2021 Cabin Crew Attestation issued by the UK will no longer be valid and mutually recognized for use on an aircraft operated by a commercial air transport operator certified by an EASA Member State. Until that date holders of cabin crew attestation issued by the UK CAA or by UK approved organisations have an option of transferring that attestation to an EASA Member State.


TCQ.17.  I am a student pilot and I have successfully completed the theoretical examination and the skill test for the issue of a CPL/IR(A) in the UK. Can I apply for the issue of a Part-FCL CPL/IR to a competent authority of an EASA Member State?

Students who completed the training and examination for the licence issue in the UK before December 31, 2020 can apply before that date to any competent authority of an EASA Member State for the issue of the licence. However, after that date the recommendations for the theoretical and/or flight examination made by UK approved training organisations (ATOs) or declared training organisations (DTOs) as well as theoretical knowledge examination certificates issued by the UK CAA and the skill test with a UK certified examiner become invalid in EASA Member States.


TCQ.18.  I have a valid SFI certificate obtained, before January 1, 2021, based on training in an ATO certified by an EASA Member State with instructors and examiners certified by the same EASA Member State competent authority. However, my SFI certificate was issued by the UK CAA based on my expired UK issued ATPL. Can I continue to deliver training course in accordance with Part-FCL based on my SFI certificate in an ATO certified by an EU Member State or EASA after December 31, 2020?

See also TCQ.19.

Holders of instructor and/or examiner certificates, such as synthetic flight instructor (SFI), synthetic flight examiner (SFE) and certificates issued under FCL.900(c) and FCL.1000(c), issued by the UK CAA should apply for a change of competent authority to an EASA Member State before January 1, 2021. The privileges and the end of validity of these instructor and/or examiner certificates should remain in accordance with their former UK CAA instructor and/or examiner certificate.

In order to continue to exercise the privileges of the SFI certificate in accordance with Part FCL, you should transfer your licence and associated certificate to an EASA Member State before January 1, 2021.

The SFI certificate alone cannot be transferred. In accordance with FCL.915.SFI an applicant for an SFI certificate shall hold or have held a CPL, MPL or ATPL in the appropriate aircraft category. Namely, a Part FCL CPL, ATPL, MPL. In this case it is not required for the licence to contain valid ratings.


TCQ.19.  How do I get an FCL.900.c or an FCL.1000.c issued by the IAA?

The issue of an FCL.900.c.2 Instructor Certificate and an FCL.1000.c.2 Examiner Authorisation is limited to individuals providing flight instruction during a training course approved by EASA in accordance with the Part-FCL Annex I and where the training is provided outside the territory for which Member States are responsible under the Chicago Convention.

Applications may be accepted from instructors or examiners who are nominated by an EASA Approved Training Organisation (ATO) and listed as being subjected to the conditions of  ORA.GEN.200 under the management system of the nominating ATO.

Nominating ATOs shall provide a list of instructors or examiners that they are supporting for the application and agree to oversight access to the ATO management system by the IAA should it be deemed necessary by the IAA to conduct an oversight audit of the management system.


TCQ.20.  I hold an FCL.900.c or an FCL.1000.c issued by an EU member State, will the IAA accept training or testing completed on the basis of my certificates?

All instruction or examining conducted on the basis of your FCL.900.c and/or FCL.1000.c as applicable shall only be conducted in accordance with Annex I Part-FCL and outside of EU Member States territories. Such training or testing is acceptable to the IAA.

Instruction or examining conducted at a facility or using equipment not EASA approved or conducted within EU Member States territories will not be accepted as part of an application for the issue, revalidation and renewal of an EU Part-FCL licence, rating or certificate.


TCQ.21.  I have a XXXX type rating on my SFI and SFE on my UK license. Would you be able to tell me how I can add these to my IAA FCL.900.c and FCL.1000.c certificates?

If you wish to extend the privileges of your FCL.900.c and FCL.1000.c certificates you shall meet the training requirements in accordance with Annex I Part-FCL Subpart J and provide the appropriate form for the privileges sort.

 

To extend the FCL.900.c certificate privileges use the RPPL-F-FCL.935 form the fees can be found in the current Fees Schedule.

To extend the FCL.1000.c certificate privileges use the RPPL-F 400 B form the fees can be found in the current Fees Schedule.

 


 

TCQ.22.  What must I do to obtain a validation of my ICAO Annex I compliant licence?

You may apply for a validation of your ICAO professional pilot licence for employment in commercial air transport (CAT) or commercial operations (Aerial Work) or for a specific task of limited duration (NON-CAT) through the operator that is your employer, and if you are either;

  • residing within the territory of an EU27 Member State and you apply to the competent authority of the Member State where you reside or are established, or
  • if you do not reside within the territory of an EU27 Member State, you shall apply through the competent authority of the Member State where the operator for which you are flying or intend to fly has its principal place of business, or where the aircraft on which they are flying or intend to fly is registered

If a validation of a licence is granted, the validation shall have a validity period, which does not exceed one year, and its privileges shall only be exercised as long as the licence remains valid.

The competent authority that validated the licence may extend the validity only once and only by a maximum of one year, if during the validity period the pilot has applied for a licence in accordance with Annex I (Part-FCL) to Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 or is undergoing training for the issuance of such a licence. In that last case, the extension shall cover the period of time necessary for the licence to be issued in accordance with Annex I (Part-FCL) to Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011.

For the validation of pilot licences for commercial air transport and other commercial activities, the holders shall comply with Regulation (EU) 2020/723 Article 5 as applicable, for the privileges sought.

Validation of pilot licences for specific tasks of limited duration within the scope or purpose of Regulation (EU) 2020/723 Article 8. Article 8 is very specific as to what the purpose of the validations and durations are, as summarised below;

  1. Para 1 applies only to manufacturer flights; 
  2. Para 2 applies only to competition or display flights under PPL privileges;
  3. Para 3 applies only to non-commercial tasks (e.g. para-dropping etc.) under PPL privileges – max 28 days per calendar year

A pilot obtaining a validation under Article 8 will not be granted any additional or future validations

If you are the holder an ICAO non-professional pilot licence and depending on your circumstances you should consider a conversion under Regulation (EU) 2020/723 Article 9 which may actually be the more suitable option.

To apply for a validation, submit the following;

  • Completed application form. No. RPPL.F.126E
  • Copy of last two pages of log-book, showing an up-to-date summary of relevant flight experience.
      • For electronic logbooks, please print the summary page and sign and date it to certify it as a true copy. (Note: The IAA reserves the right to require all original flying logbooks and to require independent verification, if deemed necessary.)
      • Copy of ICAO ATPL or CPL and valid accompanying ICAO Class 1 Medical Certificate.
      • Copy of last aircraft Type Rating & Instrument Rating Licence Proficiency Check(s) (LPC)
      • Copy of your valid EU Part-MED Class 1 Medical Certificate(s).(Not for applications under Section 1.5. of the Application Form)
      • Copy of the photograph page of your Passport or National Identity card as evidence of identity.
      • Copy of ATPL(A) examination results (if applicable – refer Section 6. of the Application Form).
      • Copy of ELP Assessment Form - refer Section 8 of the Application Form).
      • Copy EU-OPS and EU Part-FCL course Training Certificate – refer Section 11 of the Application Form.)
      • Completed payment form.

      Please note that your application may be returned if you fail to submit all required documentation. Also, if an application is sent by Email, all scanned documents must be in Adobe Acrobat .PDF file format. The original Application Form & supporting documents must be submitted by post as soon as possible thereafter. A Validation will not be issued until the original Application Form & supporting documents are received in the IAA.


      TCQ.23.  I hold a 3rd country licence and want to convert to an IAA EU Part-FCL Licence; do I have to complete all the theoretical examinations for the licence level I wish to convert to?

      See also TCQ.1, TCQ.2, TCQ.3, TCQ.7, TCQ.15, TCQ.17 and Conversion of an ICAO Annex I Compliant ATPL web page.

      Anyone wishing to convert a 3rd country licence shall comply with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/723 and pass the entire set of FCL.025 theoretical examinations in all subjects required by the licence level.

      Special Provision for Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011: ANNEX I (Part-FCL) FCL.025 Theoretical Knowledge Examinations;

      The current EASA guidance and policy stipulates only theoretical knowledge examinations within the validly period of FCL.025(c)(1) only are acceptable for conversion purposes.

      Regardless of which Member State the examinations are completed in; the validity period shall be counted from the day when the pilot successfully completes the theoretical knowledge examination, in accordance with FCL.025(b)(2).

      If your examinations are within the 36 months validity period from the day when you successfully completed the theoretical knowledge examination, then the theoretical knowledge examinations will be accepted for the purposes of conversion under  Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/723

      If your date of completion is greater than 36 months from the date of passing all examinations, you shall in accordance with  Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/723 complete and pass an entire set of FCL.025 theoretical examinations in all subjects required by the licence level.

      At this time no other period or interpretation shall be considered.

      You are recommended to regularly visit the EASA website for changes. This FAQ will be updated in accordance with EASA policy and guidance.


      TCQ.24.  I hold a 3rd country ATPL with over 1500 hours flying experience and a current type rating and want to convert to an IAA EU Part-FCL Licence; do I have to attend an approved ground school course and what documents will I need as evidence when applying for the conversion?

      See also TCQ.1, TCQ.2 TCQ.7 and Conversion of an ICAO Annex I Compliant ATPL web page.

      If you have greater than 1500 hours total pilot time and have a current multi type rating, you are exempt from attending a ground course at an EASA approved ATO.  Evidence of this will need to be submitted with your initial exam application form. 

      To apply for the theoretical knowledge examinations complete the RPPL.F.255E form and attached evidence the evidence of time in excess of 1500 hours total pilot time if not applying through an ATO.

      Please include the following paperwork with your initial exam application:

      1. a copy of your ICAO ATPL licence, ensure you include the page showing your current Type Rating,
      2. copies of the last pages of your log book showing that you have in excess of 1500 hours (minimum 500 hours multi pilot required)

      If you do not meet these minimum requirements you must be recommended for the exams by an EASA ATO on completion of a course of Ground Studies.

      We will accept EASA Part-FCL TK Exams if completed through another EASA Member State CA.  Verification of these results is required from that CA.  Copies of your documents should be submitted with your initial exam application form.

      When applying for the issue of the licence, you must attach the following documents;

      • copy of medical (your medical records must be with the IAA)
      • copy of the 3rd country licence
      • Completed RPPL 120A (Release of information form)
      • Certified copies of the last 4 pages of your log book – clearly showing the total flight time and at least 500 hours multi-pilot hours.
      • photo ID
      • copy of exams – request made to licensing@iaa.ie  to be verified at least 1 month before you apply for your licence
      • Notification of test
      • copy of Examiner licence, medical and authorisation
      • All original flight test reports
      • copy of Simulator qualification (EASA or EU27 Member State approved device)