Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 of 3 November 2011 laying down technical requirements and administrative procedures related to civil aviation aircrew pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council Text with EEA relevance

Article 1

Subject matter

• (a) different ratings for pilot licences, the conditions for issuing, maintaining, amending, limiting, suspending or revoking pilot licences, the privileges and responsibilities of the holders of pilot licences, as well as the conditions for the conversion of existing national pilot licences and of national flight engineer licences into pilot licences;

• (b) the certification of persons who are responsible for providing flight training or flight simulation training and for assessing pilots’ skills;

• (c) different medical certificates for pilots, the conditions for issuing, maintaining, amending, limiting, suspending or revoking medical certificates, the privileges and responsibilities of the holders of medical certificates as well as the conditions for the conversion of national medical certificates into mutually recognised medical certificates;

• (d) the certification of aero-medical examiners, as well as the conditions under which general medical practitioners may act as aero-medical examiners;

• (e) the periodical aero-medical assessment of cabin crew members, as well as the qualifications of persons who are responsible for that assessment;

• (f) the conditions for issuing, maintaining, amending, limiting, suspending or revoking cabin crew attestations, as well as the privileges and responsibilities of the holders of cabin crew attestations;

• (g) the conditions for issuing, maintaining, amending, limiting, suspending or revoking certificates of pilot training organisations and of aero-medical centres involved in the qualification and aero-medical assessment of civil aviation aircrew;

• (h) the requirements for the certification of flight simulation training devices and for organisations that operate and use those devices;

• (i) the requirements for the administration and management system to be fulfilled by the Member States, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (‘EASA’) and organisations in relation to the rules referred to in points (a) to (h).

Article 2

Definitions

For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply:

• (1) ‘Part-FCL licence’ means a flight crew licence which complies with the requirements of Annex I;

• (2) ‘JAR’ means joint aviation requirements adopted by the Joint Aviation Authorities as applicable on 30 June 2009;

• (3a) ‘Complex aeroplane’ means an aeroplane that meets either of the following characteristics:
• (i) with a maximum certificated take-off mass exceeding 5 700  kg;
• (ii) certificated for a maximum passenger seating configuration of more than nineteen;
• (iii) certificated for operation with a minimum crew of two pilots;
• (iv) equipped with a turbojet engine or turbojet engines or more than one turboprop engine;

• (3b) ‘Complex helicopter’ means a helicopter that meets either of the following characteristics:
• (i) with a maximum certificated take-off mass exceeding 3 175  kg;
• (ii) certificated for a maximum passenger seating configuration of more than nine;
• (iii) certificated for operation with a minimum crew of two pilots;

• (5) ‘Non-JAR-compliant licence’ means the pilot licence issued or recognised by a Member State in accordance with national legislation and not having been recommended for mutual recognition in relation to the relevant JAR;

• (6) ‘Credit’ means the recognition of prior experience or qualifications;

• (7) ‘Credit report’ means a report on the basis of which prior experience or qualifications may be recognised;

• (8) ‘Conversion report’ means a report on the basis of which a licence may be converted into a Part-FCL licence;

• (8a) ‘rotorcraft’ means a power-driven, heavier-than-air aircraft that depends principally for its support in flight on the lift generated by up to two rotors;

• (8b) ‘vertical take-off and landing (VTOL)-capable aircraft (VCA)’ means a power-driven, heavier-than-air aircraft, other than aeroplane or rotorcraft, capable of performing vertical take-off and landing by means of lift and thrust units used to provide lift during take-off and landing;

• (8c) ‘SEP aeroplane’ means a single-engine, single-pilot aeroplane for which no type rating is required and whose single centric propulsion unit is operated by a single thrust control and driven by either of the following types of engine:
• (a) a piston engine;
• (b) an electric engine system which, if so specified following the certification process in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 748/2012, may consist of more than one electric engine;
• (c) a hybrid engine system that consists of piston and electric engines, if so specified following the certification process in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 748/2012;

• (8d) ‘SEP helicopter’ means a single-engine, single-pilot helicopter which is powered by a piston engine;

• (11) ‘Cabin crew member’ means an appropriately qualified crew member, other than a flight crew or technical crew member, who is assigned by an operator to perform duties related to the safety of passengers and flight during operations;

• (12) ‘Aircrew’ means flight crew and cabin crew;

• (14) ‘Acceptable means of compliance (AMC)’ means non-binding standards adopted by the Agency to illustrate means to establish compliance with Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its implementing rules;

• (15) ‘Alternative means of compliance (AltMoC)’ means those means that propose an alternative to an existing AMC or those that propose new means to establish compliance with Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its implementing rules for which no associated AMC have been adopted by the Agency;

• (16) ‘Approved training organisation (ATO)’ means an organisation which is entitled to provide training to pilots on the basis of an approval issued in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 10a(1);

• (17) ‘Basic instrument training device (BITD)’ means a ground-based training device for the training of pilots representing the student pilot's station of a class of aeroplanes, which may use screen-based instrument panels and spring-loaded flight controls, and providing a training platform for at least the procedural aspects of instrument flight;

• (18) ‘Certification specifications (CS)’ mean technical standards adopted by the Agency indicating means to be used by an organisation for the purpose of certification;

• (19) ‘Flight instructor (FI)’ means an instructor with the privileges to provide training in an aircraft in accordance with Subpart J of Annex I (Part-FCL) to this Regulation, Subpart FI of Annex III (Part-BFCL) to Regulation (EU) 2018/395 ([^E0001]), or Subpart FI of Annex III (Part-SFCL) to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1976 ([^E0002]);

• (20) ‘Flight simulation training device (FSTD)’ means a device for the training of pilots which is:
• (a) in the case of aeroplanes, a full flight simulator (FFS), a flight training device (FTD), a flight and navigation procedures trainer (FNPT) or a basic instrument training device (BITD);
• (b) in the case of helicopters, a full flight simulator (FFS), a flight training device (FTD) or a flight and navigation procedures trainer (FNPT);

• (21) ‘FSTD qualification’ means the level of technical ability of an FSTD as specified in the certification specifications relating to the FSTD in question;

• (22) ‘Principal place of business’ of an organisation means the head office or registered office of the organisation within which the principal financial functions and operational control of the activities referred to in this Regulation are exercised;

• (22a) ‘ARO.RAMP’ means the Subpart RAMP of Annex II to the Regulation on Air Operations;

• (22b) ‘Automatically validated’ means the acceptance, without formalities, by an ICAO contracting State listed in the ICAO attachment of a flight crew licence issued by a State in accordance with Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention;

• (22c) ‘ICAO attachment’ means an attachment to an automatically validated flight crew licence issued in accordance with Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention, which is mentioned under item XIII of the flight crew licence;

• (23) ‘Qualification test guide (QTG)’ means a document established to demonstrate that the performance and handling qualities of an FSTD represent those of the aircraft, class of aeroplane or type of helicopter, simulated within prescribed limits and that all applicable requirements have been met. The QTG includes both the data of the aircraft, class of aeroplane or type of helicopter and FSTD data used to support the validation;

• (24) ‘Declared training organisation (DTO)’ means an organisation which is entitled to provide training to pilots on the basis of a declaration made in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 10a(1);

• (25) ‘DTO training programme’ means a document established by a DTO, describing in detail the training course provided by that DTO.

Article 3

Pilot licensing and medical certification

Article 3a

Transitional measures for medical assessment protocols applied in accordance with point ARA.MED.330 of Annex VI (Part-ARA) and medical certificates issued on the basis thereof

Article 4

Existing national pilots’ licences

• (a) the provisions of Annex II; or

• (b) the elements laid down in a conversion report.

• (a) be established by the Member State that issued the pilot licence in consultation with the European Aviation Safety Agency (the Agency);

• (b) describe the national requirements on the basis of which the pilot licences were issued;

• (c) describe the scope of the privileges that were given to the pilots;

• (d) indicate for which requirements in Annex I credit is to be given;

• (e) indicate any limitations that need to be included on the Part-FCL licences and any requirements the pilot has to comply with in order to remove those limitations.

• (a) the scope of the privileges shall be based on a safety risk assessment carried out by the Member State, taking into account the extent of training necessary for the intended level of pilot competence to be achieved;

• (b) the privileges shall be limited to the following:
• (i) the whole or part of the national territory of the authorising Member State;
• (ii) aircraft registered in the authorising Member State;
• (iii) SEP aeroplanes and SEP helicopters, both with a maximum take-off mass not exceeding 2 000  kg;

• (c) for training conducted under the authorisation, the holder of such an authorisation who applies for the issuance of a LAPL shall receive credits that are determined by the Member State on the basis of a recommendation from an ATO or a DTO;

• (d) the Member State shall submit periodical reports and safety risk assessments to the Commission and to the Agency every 3 years;

• (e) the Member States shall monitor the use of authorisations issued under this paragraph to ensure an acceptable level of aviation safety and take appropriate action in case of identifying an increased safety risk or any other safety concerns.

8 September 2021 , a Member State may issue an authorisation to a pilot to exercise specified limited privileges to fly aeroplanes under instrument flight rules before the pilot complies with all of the requirements necessary for the issue of an instrument rating in accordance with this Regulation, subject to the following conditions:

• (a) the Member State shall only issue these authorisations when justified by a specific local need which cannot be met by the ratings established under this Regulation;

• (b) the scope of the privileges granted by the authorisation shall be based on a safety risk assessment carried out by the Member State, taking into account the extent of training necessary for the intended level of pilot competence to be achieved;

• (c) the privileges of the authorisation shall be limited to the airspace of the Member State’s national territory or parts of it;

• (d) the authorisation shall be issued to applicants having completed appropriate training with qualified instructors and demonstrated the required competencies to a qualified examiner, as determined by the Member State;

• (e) the Member State shall inform the Commission, EASA and the other Member States of the specificities of this authorisation, including its justification and safety risk assessment;

• (f) the Member State shall monitor the activities associated with the authorisation to ensure an acceptable level of safety and take appropriate action in case of identifying an increased risk or any safety concerns;

• (g) the Member State shall carry out a review of the safety aspects of the implementation of the authorisation and submit a report to the Commission by 8 April 2017 at the latest.

Article 4a

Performance-based navigation instrument rating privileges

• (a) the pilot has successfully completed a course of theoretical knowledge including PBN, in accordance with FCL.615 of Annex I (Part-FCL);

• (b) the pilot has successfully completed flying training including PBN, in accordance with FCL.615 of Annex I (Part-FCL);

• (c) the pilot has successfully completed either a skill test in accordance with Appendix 7 to Annex I (Part-FCL) or a skill test or a proficiency check in accordance with Appendix 9 of Annex I (Part-FCL).

Article 4b

Upset prevention and recovery training

• (a) single-pilot aeroplanes operated in multi-pilot operations;

• (b) single-pilot non-high-performance complex aeroplanes;

• (c) single-pilot high-performance complex aeroplanes; or

• (d) multi-pilot aeroplanes;

in accordance with Annex I (Part-FCL).

• (a) CPL(A), ATP(A) or MPL training course is otherwise completed in accordance with Annex I (Part-FCL) and the skill test is completed in compliance with points FCL.320 (CPL), FCL.620 (IR) or FCL.415.A (MPL) of Annex I (Part-FCL) by 20 December 2021 at the latest; or

• (b) class or type rating training course for the aeroplanes is otherwise completed in accordance with Annex I (Part-FCL) and the skill test is completed in compliance with the second subparagraph of paragraph (c) of point FCL.725 of Annex I (Part-FCL) to this Regulation by 20 December 2021 at the latest.

For the purpose of paragraph 1, the competent authority may on its own assessment and pursuant to a recommendation from an ATO give credit for any upset prevention and recovery training completed before 20 December 2019 under national training requirements.

Article 4c

Transitional measures for holders of an en route instrument rating

• (a) be entitled to continue to exercise the privileges of their EIR;

• (b) continue to be entitled to receive revalidation or renewal of their EIR, in accordance with point FCL.825(g) of Annex I (Part-FCL);

• (c) be entitled to receive full credit towards the training requirements in point FCL.835(c)(2)(i) and (iii) of Annex I (Part-FCL), when applying for the issue of a basic instrument rating (BIR) in accordance with point FCL.835 of Annex I (Part-FCL); and

• (d) continue to be entitled to receive full credit as established for EIR holders in Annex I (Part- FCL).

Article 4d

Transitional measures for single-engine instrument rating privileges for helicopters

Without prejudice to point FCL.630.H of Annex I (Part-FCL) to this Regulation, all of the following shall apply:

• 1. instrument ratings for helicopters (IR(H)) issued in accordance with Annex I (Part-FCL) to this Regulation before 30 October 2022 shall be deemed as IR(H) for both single-engine and multi-engine helicopters and shall be reissued as such IR(H), when reissuing a helicopter pilot licence for administrative reasons.

• 1. Applicants who before 30 October 2022 commenced training for an IR(H) for either single-engine or multi-engine helicopters shall be allowed to complete that training and, in such a case, be issued with an IR(H) for both single-engine and multi-engine helicopters.

Article 4e

Transitional measures for training, testing and checking related to multi-pilot operations in single-pilot helicopters

• (a) hold an instructor or examiner certificate, as applicable, issued in accordance with Annex I (Part-FCL) to this Regulation, including the privileges to instruct or to examine, as applicable, in the relevant type of helicopter;

• (b) have completed the training specified in point FCL.735.H of Part-FCL;

• (c) have experience in multi-pilot operation in helicopters at a level that is acceptable to the competent authority of that Member State.

Article 4f

Type ratings for VCA

• (a) the prerequisites specified in the operational suitability data established in accordance with Annex I (Part 21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012;

• (b) Section 1 of Subpart H of Annex I (Part-FCL) and the provisions of this Article.

• (a) comply with the following requirements of Appendix 9 to Annex I (Part-FCL):
• (i) Section A;
• (ii) Sections B, C or D, as determined and unless otherwise specified in the operational suitability data established in accordance with Annex I (Part 21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012; and

• (b) under the conditions and to the extent specified in the operational suitability data established in accordance with Annex I (Part 21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012, include additional training and testing to allow applicants to obtain the competence to operate the relevant VCA.

• (a) they comply with the flight conditions for acting as test pilot in the relevant VCA type, as established in accordance with Annex I (Part 21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012;

• (b) they have completed either 50 hours of total flight time or 10 hours of flight time as pilot-in-command on test flights in the relevant VCA type;

• (c) they comply with the prerequisites referred to in paragraph 1(a).

• (a) in order to revalidate the type rating:
• (i) within the validity period of the rating, complete at least 2 hours of flight time as pilot of the relevant VCA type;
• (ii) within the 3 months immediately preceding the expiry date of the rating and in the relevant VCA type or an FSTD representing that aircraft, pass a proficiency check in accordance with paragraph 3, the duration of which may be counted towards the flight time specified in paragraph (a)(i). If applicants choose to pass the proficiency check earlier than within these 3 months, the new validity period shall commence from the date of the proficiency check;

• (b) in order to renew the type rating, comply with point FCL.740(b) of Annex I (Part-FCL).

• (a) they hold an IR(A) or an IR(H), as applicable;

• (b) they have, in the relevant VCA type, completed the skill test or the proficiency check, as applicable, in accordance with paragraph 3 including the content relevant for instrument flight.

• (a) hold a type rating as per paragraph 1 for the relevant VCA type;

• (b) unless otherwise specified in the operational suitability data established in accordance with Annex I (Part 21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012, have, within the 12 months preceding the application, completed at least 30 route sectors, including take-offs and landings, as pilot-in-command in the relevant VCA type, of which 15 route sectors may be completed in an FSTD representing that VCA type;

• (c) have completed, at an ATO, theoretical and practical training for extending instructor privileges to that VCA type, including mandatory training elements as specified in the operational suitability data established in accordance with Annex I (Part 21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012;

• (d) pass the relevant sections of the assessment of competence in accordance with point FCL.935 of Annex I (Part-FCL).

By way of derogation from paragraphs (b), (c) and (d), applicants that hold a TRI(A) certificate or a TRI(H) certificate and that were issued with a type rating for a VCA in accordance with paragraph 4, shall receive an extension of their TRI privileges to that VCA type.

• (a) complete, at an ATO, instructor refresher training that focuses on the privileges as per paragraph 7;

• (b) pass the relevant sections of the assessment of competence in accordance with point FCL.935 of Annex I (Part-FCL) in the relevant VCA type specified in paragraph 1 or an FSTD representing that type.

• (a) complete examiner standardisation in accordance with point FCL.1015 of Annex I (Part-FCL), including the conduct of at least one skill test or proficiency check;

• (b) pass the relevant sections of the assessment of competence in accordance with point FCL.1020 of Annex I (Part-FCL).

• (a) complete an examiner refresher course in accordance with point FCL.1025(b)(2) of Annex I (Part-FCL) that focuses on the privileges as per paragraph 9;

• (b) pass the relevant sections of the assessment of competence in accordance with point FCL.1020 of Annex I (Part-FCL) in the relevant VCA type or an FSTD representing that type.

Article 4g

Specific requirements for applicants for a gyroplane pilot licence

• (a) solely grant credits for flight time that applicants completed in gyroplanes that have a maximum take-off mass of at least 450 kg;

• (b) for the purpose of issuing a gyroplane pilot licence in accordance with this Regulation, solely grant credits the amount of which does not exceed the credit that may have been granted in accordance with point FCL.210.G(c) of Annex I. In such cases, applicants shall complete the additional flight training at an approved training organisation (ATO) or at a declared training organisation (DTO) in a gyroplane that has been certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 and the implementing and delegated acts adopted on the basis thereof, before being recommended by the ATO or the DTO for the skill test.

Article 4h

Transitional measures for holders of a mountain rating

Holders of a mountain rating which was issued before 13 August 2024 with an expiry date endorsed in accordance with point FCL.815 of Annex I shall, in order to continue to exercise their privileges after that date, take the following steps:

• (a) have their mountain rating re-issued by the competent authority without an expiry date;

• (b) comply with point FCL.815(d) of Annex I, unless, within the preceding 2 years, they have revalidated their mountain rating in accordance with point FCL.815(e) of Annex I applicable until 12 August 2024.

Article 6

Conversion of flight test qualifications

Article 7

Existing national flight engineers’ licences

Article 9

Credit for training commenced prior to the application of this Regulation

Article 9a

Type rating training and operational suitability data

Article 10

Credit for pilot licences obtained during military service

• (a) describe the national requirements on the basis of which the military licences, ratings, certificates, authorisations and/or qualifications were issued;

• (b) describe the scope of the privileges that were given to the pilots;

• (c) indicate for which requirements of Annex I credit is to be given;

• (d) indicate any limitations that need to be included on the Part-FCL licences and indicate any requirements pilots have to comply with to remove those limitations;

• (e) include copies of all documents necessary to demonstrate the elements above, accompanied by copies of the relevant national requirements and procedures.

Article 10a

Pilot training organisations

However, having regard to Article 24(6) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, organisations having their principal place of business in a Member State shall be entitled to provide the training referred to in point DTO.GEN.110 of Annex VIII to this Regulation without such approval inside the territory for which Member States are responsible under the Chicago Convention where they have made a declaration to the competent authority in accordance with the requirements laid down in point DTO.GEN.115 of that Annex and, where so required pursuant to point DTO.GEN.230(c) of that Annex, the competent authority has approved the training programme.

Article 10b

Flight simulation training devices

Article 10c

Aero-medical centres

Article 11

Cabin crew medical fitness

Article 11a

Cabin crew qualifications and related attestations

• (a) shall be deemed to be compliant with the initial training requirements of Annex V if they comply with the applicable training, checking and recency provisions of the JARs for commercial air transportation by helicopters; or

• (b) if they do not comply with the applicable training, checking and recency requirements of the JARs for commercial air transportation by helicopters, they shall complete all relevant training and checking required to operate on helicopter(s), except the initial training, before being deemed to be compliant with this Regulation; or

• (c) if they have not operated in commercial operations by helicopters for more than 5 years, they shall complete the initial training course and shall pass the related examination as required in Annex V before being deemed to be compliant with this Regulation.

Article 11b

Oversight capabilities

• (a) the areas of competence of each competent authority shall be clearly defined in terms of responsibilities and geographic limitation;

• (b) coordination shall be established between those entities to ensure effective oversight of all organisations and persons subject to Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its implementing rules within their respective remits.

• (a) examine the records, data, procedures and any other material relevant to the execution of the certification and/or oversight task;

• (b) take copies of or extracts from such records, data, procedures and other material;

• (c) ask for an oral explanation on site;

• (d) enter relevant premises, operating sites or means of transport;

• (e) perform audits, investigations, assessments and inspections, including ramp inspections and unannounced inspections; and

• (f) take or initiate enforcement measures as appropriate.

Article 11c

Transitional measures

Member States shall:

• (a) by 8 April 2021 at the latest, transfer to EASA all records related to the oversight of organisations that provide training for pilot licences in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/395 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1976 and for which EASA is the competent authority in accordance with Article 78 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 of the European Parliament and of the Council ([^E0007]);

• (b) in coordination with EASA, conclude, certification processes initiated before 8 April 2020 and issue the certificate following which EASA assumes all its responsibilities as a competent authority for those certified organisations.

Article 12

Entry into force and application

It shall apply from 8 April 2012.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

ANNEX I

[PART-FCL]

SUBPART A

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

FCL.001   Competent authority

For the purpose of this Part, the competent authority shall be an authority designated by the Member State to whom a person applies for the issue of pilot licences or associated ratings or certificates.

FCL.005   Scope

This Part establishes the requirements for the issue of pilot licences and associated ratings and certificates and the conditions of their validity and use.

FCL.010   Definitions

For the purposes of this Annex (Part-FCL), the following definitions shall apply:

‘Accessible’ means that a device can be used by:

• — the approved training organisation (ATO) under whose approval a training course for a class or type rating is being conducted; or

• — the examiner conducting the assessment of competence, skill test or proficiency check for the purpose of assessing, testing or checking.

‘Aerobatic flight’ means an intentional manoeuvre involving an abrupt change in an aircraft's attitude, an abnormal attitude, or abnormal acceleration, not necessary for normal flight or for instruction for licences, certificates, or ratings other than the aerobatic rating.

‘Aeroplane’ means an engine-driven fixed-wing aircraft heavier than air which is supported in flight by the dynamic reaction of the air against its wings.

‘Aeroplane required to be operated with a co-pilot’ means a type of aeroplane which is required to be operated with a co-pilot as specified in the flight manual or by the air operator certificate.

‘Aeroplane upset prevention and recovery training’ (UPRT) means training consisting of:

— aeroplane upset prevention training: a combination of theoretical knowledge and flying training with the aim of providing flight crew with the required competencies to prevent aeroplane upsets; and

— aeroplane upset recovery training: a combination of theoretical knowledge and flying training with the aim of providing flight crew with the required competencies to recover from aeroplane upsets.

‘Aircraft’ means any machine which can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the air other than the reactions of the air against the earth’s surface.

‘Airmanship’ means the consistent use of good judgement and well-developed knowledge, skills and attitudes to accomplish flight objectives.

‘Airship’ means a power-driven lighter-than-air aircraft, with the exception of hot-air airships, which are considered to be balloons in accordance with Article 2(7) of Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/395.

‘Available FSTD’ means any flight simulation training device (FSTD) that is vacant for use of the FSTD operator or of the customer irrespective of any time considerations.

‘Angular operation’ means an instrument approach operation in which the maximum tolerable error/deviation from the planned track is expressed in terms of deflection of the needles on the Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) or equivalent display in the cockpit.

‘Assessment of competence’ means the demonstration of skills, knowledge and attitude for the initial issue, revalidation or renewal of an instructor or examiner certificate.

‘Balloon’ means a lighter-than-air aircraft which is not engine-driven and sustains flight through the use of either gas or an airborne heater. For the purposes of this Part, a hot-air airship, although engine-driven, is also considered a balloon.

‘Category of aircraft’ means a categorisation of aircraft according to specified basic characteristics, for example aeroplane, powered-lift, helicopter, airship, sailplane, free balloon.

‘Class of aeroplane’ means a categorisation of single-pilot aeroplanes not requiring a type rating.

‘Commercial air transport’ means the transport of passengers, cargo or mail for remuneration or hire.

‘Competency’ means a combination of skills, knowledge and attitude required to perform a task to the prescribed standard.

‘Competency element’ means an action which constitutes a task that has a triggering event and a terminating event that clearly defines its limits, and an observable outcome.

‘Competency unit’ means a discrete function consisting of a number of competency elements.

‘Co-pilot’ means a pilot operating other than as pilot-in-command, on an aircraft for which more than one pilot is required, but excluding a pilot who is on board the aircraft for the sole purpose of receiving flight instruction for a licence or rating.

‘Cross-country’ means a flight between a point of departure and a point of arrival following a pre-planned route, using standard navigation procedures.

‘Cruise relief co-pilot’ means a pilot who relieves the co-pilot of his/her duties at the controls during the cruise phase of a flight in multi-pilot operations above FL 200.

‘Dual instruction time’ means flight time or instrument ground time during which a person is receiving flight instruction from a properly authorised instructor.

‘En route IFR flight’ means the phase of an IFR flight that commences after the completion of an IFR departure procedure and finishes when commencing an IFR approach procedure.

‘Error’ means an action or inaction taken by the flight crew which leads to deviations from organisational or flight intentions or expectations.

‘Error management’ means the process of detecting and responding to errors with countermeasures which reduce or eliminate the consequences of errors, and mitigate the probability of errors or undesired aircraft states.

‘Full Flight Simulator’ (FFS) means a full size replica of a specific type or make, model and series aircraft flight deck, including the assemblage of all equipment and computer programmes necessary to represent the aircraft in ground and flight operations, a visual system providing an out-of-the-flight deck view, and a force cueing motion system.

‘Flight time’:

for aeroplanes, touring motor gliders and powered-lift aircraft, it means the total time from the moment an aircraft first moves for the purpose of taking off until the moment it finally comes to rest at the end of the flight;

for helicopters, it means the total time from the moment a helicopter’s rotor blades start turning until the moment the helicopter finally comes to rest at the end of the flight, and the rotor blades are stopped;

for airships, it means the total time from the moment an airship is released from the mast for the purpose of taking off until the moment the airship finally comes to rest at the end of the flight, and is secured on the mast;

for VTOL-capable aircraft (VCA), it means the total time between the moment the lift and thrust units are powered on for the purpose of taking off until the moment the aircraft finally comes to rest at the end of the flight and the lift and thrust units are powered off.

‘Flight time under Instrument Flight Rules’ (IFR) means all flight time during which the aircraft is being operated under the Instrument Flight Rules.

‘Flight Training Device’ (FTD) means a full size replica of a specific aircraft type’s instruments, equipment, panels and controls in an open flight deck area or an enclosed aircraft flight deck, including the assemblage of equipment and computer software programmes necessary to represent the aircraft in ground and flight conditions to the extent of the systems installed in the device. It does not require a force cueing motion or visual system, except in the case of helicopter FTD levels 2 and 3, where visual systems are required.

‘Flight and Navigation Procedures Trainer’ (FNPT) means a training device which represents the flight deck or cockpit environment, including the assemblage of equipment and computer programmes necessary to represent an aircraft type or class in flight operations to the extent that the systems appear to function as in an aircraft.

‘Flown solely by reference to instruments’ means that the pilots fly the aircraft without any external visual references, in simulated or actual instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).

‘Gyroplane’ means a type of rotorcraft supported in flight by the reactions of the air on up to two rotors, which rotate freely on substantially vertical axes.

‘Helicopter’ means a type of rotorcraft supported in flight chiefly by the reactions of the air on up to two power-driven rotors on substantially vertical axes.

‘Instrument flight time’ means the time during which a pilot is controlling an aircraft in flight solely by reference to instruments.

‘Instrument ground time’ means the time during which a pilot is receiving instruction in simulated instrument flight, in flight simulation training devices (FSTD).

‘Instrument time’ means instrument flight time or instrument ground time.

‘Limited panel instrument flight’ means attitude interpretation by reference to standby instruments interpretation after the loss of main attitude and heading reference system.

‘Linear operation’ means an instrument approach operation in which the maximum tolerable error/deviation from the planned track is expressed in units of length, for instance nautical miles, for cross-track lateral deviation.

‘Line flying under supervision’ (LIFUS) means line flying after an approved zero flight time type rating training course or the line flying required by an operational suitability data (OSD) report.

‘LNAV’ means Lateral Navigation.

‘LPV’ means Localiser Performance with Vertical Guidance.

‘Multi-pilot operation’ means an operation requiring at least two pilots using multi-crew cooperation in either a multi-pilot or a single-pilot aircraft.

‘Multi-crew cooperation’ (MCC) means the functioning of the flight crew as a team of cooperating members led by the pilot-in-command.

‘Multi-pilot aircraft’:

— for aeroplanes, it means aeroplanes certificated for operation with a minimum crew of at least two pilots,

— for helicopters, airships and powered-lift aircraft, it means an aircraft which is certificated for operation with a minimum crew of at least two pilots or which is required to be operated with at least two pilots in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 965/2012.

‘Night’ means the period between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight or such other period between sunset and sunrise as may be prescribed by the appropriate authority.

‘OSD’ means the operational suitability data established in accordance with Annex I (Part-21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012.

‘Other training devices’ (OTD) means training aids other than FSTDs which provide means for training where a complete flight deck environment is not necessary.

‘Performance-Based Navigation (PBN)’ means area navigation based on performance requirements for aircraft operating along an ATS route, on an instrument approach procedure or in a designated airspace.

‘Performance criteria’ means a simple, evaluative statement on the required outcome of the competency element and a description of the criteria used to judge if the required level of performance has been achieved.

‘Pilot-in-command’ (PIC) means the pilot designated as being in command and charged with the safe conduct of the flight.

‘Pilot-in-command under supervision’ (PICUS) means a co-pilot performing, under the supervision of the pilot-in-command, the duties and functions of a pilot-in-command.

‘Powered-lift aircraft’ means any aircraft deriving vertical lift and in flight propulsion/lift from variable geometry rotors or engines/propulsive devices attached to or contained within the fuselage or wings.

‘Powered sailplane’ means a sailplane equipped with one or more engines that has, with engines inoperative, the characteristics of a sailplane.

‘Private pilot’ means a pilot who holds a licence which prohibits the piloting of aircraft in operations for which remuneration is given, with the exclusion of instruction or examination activities, as established in this Part.

‘Proficiency check’ means the demonstration of skill to revalidate or renew ratings or privileges, and including such oral examination as may be required.

‘Renewal’ (of, e.g. a rating or certificate) means the administrative action taken after a rating or certificate has lapsed for the purpose of renewing the privileges of the rating or certificate for a further specified period consequent upon the fulfilment of specified requirements.

‘Revalidation’ (of, e.g. a rating or certificate) means the administrative action taken within the period of validity of a rating or certificate which allows the holder to continue to exercise the privileges of a rating or certificate for a further specified period consequent upon the fulfilment of specified requirements.

‘RNP APCH’ means a PBN specification used for instrument approach operations.

‘RNP APCH operation down to LNAV minima’ means a 2D instrument approach operation for which the lateral guidance is based on GNSS positioning.

‘RNP APCH operation down to LNAV/VNAV minima’ means a 3D instrument approach operation for which the lateral guidance is based on GNSS positioning and the vertical guidance is provided either by the Baro VNAV function or by the GNSS positioning including SBAS.

‘RNP APCH operation down to LPV minima’ means a 3D instrument approach operation for which both lateral and vertical guidance are based on GNSS positioning including SBAS.

‘RNP AR APCH’ means a navigation specification used for instrument approach operations requiring a specific approval.

‘Route sector’ means a flight comprising take-off, departure, cruise of not less than 15 minutes, arrival, approach and landing phases.

‘Sailplane’ means a heavier-than-air aircraft which is supported in flight by the dynamic reaction of the air against its fixed lifting surfaces, the free flight of which does not depend on an engine.

‘Single-pilot aircraft’:

— for aeroplanes, it means an aircraft certificated for operation by one pilot,

— for helicopters, airships and powered lift aircraft, it means an aircraft which is certificated for operation by one pilot and which is not required to be operated with at least two pilots by Regulation (EU) No 965/2012.

‘Skill test’ means the demonstration of skill for a licence or rating issue, including such oral examination as may be required.

‘Solo flight time’ means flight time during which a student pilot is the sole occupant of an aircraft.

‘Student pilot-in-command’ (SPIC) means a student pilot acting as pilot-in-command on a flight with an instructor where the latter will only observe the student pilot and shall not influence or control the flight of the aircraft.

‘Threat’ means events or errors which occur beyond the influence of the flight crew, increase operational complexity and which must be managed to maintain the margin of safety.

‘Threat management’ means the process of detecting and responding to the threats with countermeasures which reduce or eliminate the consequences of threats, and mitigate the probability of errors or undesired aircraft states.

‘Three-dimensional (3D) instrument approach operation’ means an instrument approach operation using both lateral and vertical navigation guidance.

‘Touring motor glider (TMG)’ means, unless otherwise specified following the certification process in accordance with Annex I (Part 21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012, a specific class of powered sailplanes that has an integrally mounted, non-retractable engine and a non-retractable propeller. It shall be capable of taking off and climbing under its engine power according to its flight manual.

‘Two-dimensional (2D) instrument approach operation’ means an instrument approach operation using lateral navigation guidance only.

‘Type of aircraft’ means a categorisation of aircraft requiring a type rating as determined in the operational suitability data established in accordance with Part-21, and which include all aircraft of the same basic design including all modifications thereto except those which result in a change in handling or flight characteristics.

‘Type rating and licence endorsement list’ means a list published by the Agency based on the result of the OSD evaluation and containing classes of aeroplanes and types of aircraft for the purpose of flight crew licensing.

‘VNAV’ means Vertical Navigation.

‘Evidence based training (EBT) operator’ means an organisation that is holding an air operator certificate (AOC) in accordance with Annex III (Part-ORO) to Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 and that has implemented an EBT programme approved by the competent authority, in accordance with the provisions of that Regulation.

‘EBT practical assessment’ means a method for assessing performance that serves to verify the integrated performance of competencies. It takes place in either a simulated or an operational environment.

‘EBT programme’ means a pilot assessment and training programme in accordance with point ORO.FC.231 of Annex III (Part-ORO) to Regulation (EU) No 965/2012.

‘Mixed EBT programme’ means an operator’s recurrent training and checking programme provided for in point ORO.FC.230 of Annex III (Part-ORO) to Regulation (EU) No 965/2012, a portion of which is dedicated to the application of EBT but which does not replace proficiency checks provided for in Appendix 9 to this Annex.

FCL.015   Application and issue, revalidation and renewal of licences, ratings and certificates

• (a) An application for the issue, revalidation or renewal of pilot licences and associated ratings and certificates as well as any amendment thereto shall be submitted to the competent authority in a form and manner established by that authority. The application shall be accompanied by evidence that applicants comply with the requirements for the issue, revalidation or renewal of the licence or certificate as well as associated ratings or endorsements established in this Annex (Part-FCL) and in Annex IV (Part-MED).

• (b) Unless otherwise specified in this Annex, any limitation or extension of the privileges granted by a licence, rating or certificate shall be endorsed in the licence or certificate by the competent authority.

• (c) A person shall not hold at any time more than one licence per category of aircraft issued in accordance with this Part.

• (d) A licence holder shall submit applications in accordance with paragraph (a) to the competent authority designated by the Member State in which his or her licence was issued in accordance with this Annex (Part-FCL), Annex III (Part-BFCL) to Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/395 or with Annex III (Part-SFCL) to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1976, as applicable.

• (e) The holder of a licence that has been issued in accordance with this Annex (Part-FCL) may apply to the competent authority designated by another Member State for a change of competent authority relating to all licences held, as specified in point (d). Holders of an medical certificate issued in accordance with Annex IV (Part-MED) who do not yet hold a pilot licence shall be entitled to make such an application for a change of competent authority relating to all medical records kept by the competent authority.

• (f) For the issue of a licence, rating or certificate the applicant shall apply not later than 6 months after having succeeded at the skill test or assessment of competence.

• (g) Training completed in aircraft or in FSTDs in accordance with Annex III (Part-ORO) to Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 shall be taken into account for the experience and revalidation requirements established in this Annex (Part-FCL).

FCL.020   Student pilot

• (a) A student pilot shall not fly solo unless he or she meets the following conditions:
• (1) is authorised to do so and supervised by a flight instructor;
• (2) prior to receiving the authorisation specified in point (1), has acquired the competence to safely operate the relevant aircraft during the intended solo flight.

• (b) Before his or her first solo flight, a student pilot shall be at least 16 years of age.

FCL.025   Theoretical knowledge examinations for the issue of licences and ratings

(a) Responsibilities of the applicant

• (1)Applicants shall take the entire set of theoretical knowledge examinations for a specific licence or rating under the responsibility of the same Member State’s competent authority.

• (2)Applicants shall only take the theoretical knowledge examination when recommended by the declared training organisation (DTO) or the approved training organisation (ATO) responsible for their training, once they have completed the appropriate elements of the training course of theoretical knowledge instruction to a satisfactory standard.

• (3)The recommendation by a DTO or an ATO shall be valid for 12 months. If the applicant has failed to attempt at least one theoretical knowledge examination paper within this period of validity, the need for further training shall be determined by the DTO or the ATO, based on the needs of the applicant.

(b) Pass standards

• (1) A pass in a theoretical knowledge examination paper will be awarded to an applicant achieving at least 75 % of the marks allocated to that paper. No penalty marking shall be applied.

• (2) Unless otherwise determined in this Part, an applicant has successfully completed the required theoretical knowledge examination for the appropriate pilot licence or rating if he or she has passed all the required theoretical knowledge examination papers within a period of 18 months counted from the end of the calendar month when the applicant first attempted an examination.

• (3) If an applicant for the ATPL theoretical knowledge examination, or for the issue of a commercial pilot licence (CPL), or an instrument rating (IR) has failed to pass one of the theoretical knowledge examination papers within four attempts, or has failed to pass all papers within either six sittings or within the period mentioned in point (b)(2), he or she shall retake the complete set of theoretical knowledge examination papers.

• (4) If applicants for the issue of a light aircraft pilot licence (LAPL), a private pilot licence (PPL), a basic instrument rating (BIR) or a gyroplane pilot licence (GPL) have failed to pass one of the theoretical knowledge examination papers within four attempts or have failed to pass all papers within the period mentioned in point (b)(2), they shall retake the complete set of theoretical knowledge examination papers.

• (5) Before retaking the complete set of theoretical knowledge examination papers, applicants shall undertake further training at a DTO or an ATO. The extent and scope of the training needed shall be determined by the DTO or the ATO, based on the needs of the applicants.

(c) Validity period

• (1)The successful completion of the theoretical knowledge examinations will be valid:

• (i) for the issue of a light aircraft pilot licence, a private pilot licence or a gyroplane pilot licence, for a period of 24 months;

• (ii) for the issue of a commercial pilot licence, a multi-crew pilot licence or an instrument rating (IR), for a period of 36 months;

• (iii) for the issue of a basic instrument rating (BIR), for an unlimited duration. The periods in paragraphs (i) and (ii) shall be counted from the day on which the pilots have successfully completed the theoretical knowledge examination, in accordance with paragraph (b)(2).

• (2)The completion of the airline transport pilot licence (ATPL) theoretical knowledge examinations will remain valid for the issue of an ATPL for a period of 7 years from the last validity date of:

• (i) an IR entered in the licence; or

• (ii) in the case of helicopters, a helicopter’s type rating entered in that licence.

FCL.030   Practical skill test

• (a) Before a skill test for the issue of a licence, rating or certificate is taken, the applicant shall have passed the required theoretical knowledge examination, except in the case of applicants undergoing a course of integrated flying training.

In any case, the theoretical knowledge instruction shall always have been completed before the skill tests are taken.

• (b) Except for the issue of an airline transport pilot licence, the applicant for a skill test shall be recommended for the test by the organisation/person responsible for the training, once the training is completed. The training records shall be made available to the examiner.

• (c) For the issue of a BIR, the applicant for a skill test must first complete all training modules and be recommended for the skill test by an ATO. His or her training records shall be made available to the examiner, by the ATO.

FCL.035   Crediting of flight time and theoretical knowledge

(a) Crediting of flight time

• (1)Unless otherwise specified in this Part, flight time to be credited for a licence, rating or certificate shall have been flown in the same category of aircraft for which the licence, rating or certificate is sought.

• (2)PIC or under instruction.

• (i) An applicant for a licence, rating or certificate shall be credited in full with all solo, dual instruction or PIC flight time towards the total flight time required for the licence, rating or certificate.