UK CPL

[clear to land]

Is there such a thing as a UK CPL without it being a fATPL? Looking through the regs I see reference to ATPL subjects but not to CPL subjects. Wondering if it’s feasible to convert an ICAO ATPL to a CPL without having to do 14 exams. I have no further interest in airline flying but would be very happy to fly a B200 or similar again.

[Genghis the Engineer]

I hope so, I've got one. I took the slightly reduced CPL exam load, have never done an MCC course, and took about ten years to get around to the IR as I didn't need one up to then. It all made sense at the time, and so far I've not regretted not having a (f)/ATPL and only CPL/IR.

To convert an ICAO CPL to a UK CPL, guidance here: https://www.caa.co.uk/commercial-industry/pilot-licences/non-uk-licences/third-country-cpl-and-atpl-licence-conversion-requirements-from-1-january-2023/

G

[rudestuff]

Wondering if it’s feasible to convert an ICAO ATPL to a CPL without having to do 14 exams.
Nope. You'd have to do the CPL exams instead of the ATPL exams. Hardly anyone does the CPL exams and there's not much in the way of exam prep, so ironically its probably easier to do the ATPL exams.

[Genghis the Engineer]

I know not many people do CPL writtens, but it is possible, and there are training providers (admittedly some years ago, but I used CATS).

Route 1 – ICAO CPL (& IR if applicable)Ground trainingUndertake Part-FCL CPL or ATPL theoretical knowledge instruction as determined by the Head of Training of a UK CAA approved training provider and pass all Part-FCL theoretical knowledge examinations at CPL or ATPL level.

Credit given to the applicant shall be determined by an approved training organisation. There is no requirement for the ATO to have the credit approved by the CAA.

Applicants who do not have ATPL theory credit on their ICAO licence that seek to attempt the ATPL examinations must undertake the full 650-hour course of approved theoretical knowledge instruction and pass all Part-FCL ATPL(A) examinations.Theoretical knowledge examsComplete all theoretical knowledge examinations with the UK CAA.Flight trainingComplete the minimum flight time under instruction in an Aeroplane at an ATO to comply with the requirements of UK Part-FCL, taking account of any credit given to the applicant as determined by the ATO. There is no requirement for the ATO to have the credit approved by the CAA.Skill testPass the CPL skill test (and IR(A) skill test if required) in accordance with UK Part-FCL, with UK CAA certificated examiner designated by Flight Test Bookings.

However in Clear_to_land's case, I'd have thought he could carry his ATPL credits over to avoid any compulsory groundschool, self study for the CPL writtens, then it's just training as agreed with an ATO and the CAA, then CPL and IR skill tests. If he has an ICAO IR and presumably 50+hrs PiC IFR, he can present straight for an IR skill test without any training for that. Not a big ask for somebody with the experience and skill level of a current or recently current ATPL.

G

[clear to land]

Thanks for replies. That's what I was hoping to avoid-written exams. You can take a UK/EASA licence to any ICAO contracting State and will receive the same with an Air Law Exam, (which makes sense) and then an IR Flight Test. The UK was like that before it went down the JAA/EASA path as long as you had 1500 PIC >55t. Such a shame that it is not reciprocated and the only logical reason is restrictive trade practices/protectionism. Oh well-one thing so many years in aviation has taught me is that things don't have to make sense. I have 3 x ATPL's, 2 of which were based on Air Law and IRT. Sad that the UK sees me as an 18 year old school leaver. Thank you all again for taking the time to respond.

[Genghis the Engineer]

I can't say that I blame you. The UK/EASA obsession with massively bloated TK syllabi, and written exam burder isn't helpful or elegant.

You can certainly dodge IR writtens, but I agree, I can't see that you can avoid CPL writtens, only the groundschool course.

G