The Air Navigation Order 2009

SECTION 1 United Kingdom Licences

SUB-SECTION 1 Aeroplane pilots

Private Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes)

Minimum age – 17 years

No maximum period of validity

Privileges:

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the holder of a Private Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes) is entitled to fly as pilot in command or co-pilot of an aeroplane of any of the types or classes specified or otherwise falling within an aircraft rating included in the licence.

(2) The holder may not—

(a) fly such an aeroplane for the purpose of commercial air transport, public transport or aerial work except in accordance with paragraph (3);

(b) receive any remuneration for services as a pilot on a flight except in accordance with paragraph (4);

(c) unless the licence includes an instrument rating (aeroplane) or an instrument meteorological conditions rating (aeroplanes), fly as pilot in command of such an aeroplane—

(i) on a flight outside controlled airspace if the flight visibility is less than three km;

(ii) on a special VFR flight in a control zone in a flight visibility of less than 10 km except on a route or in an aerodrome traffic zone notified for the purpose of this sub-paragraph; or

(iii) out of sight of the surface;

(d) unless the licence includes a night rating (aeroplanes) or a night qualification (aeroplane) fly as pilot in command of such an aeroplane at night;

(e) unless the licence includes an instrument rating (aeroplane), fly as pilot in command or co-pilot of such an aeroplane flying in Class A, B or C airspace in circumstances which require compliance with the Instrument Flight Rules;

(f) unless the licence includes an instrument rating (aeroplane) or an instrument meteorological conditions rating (aeroplanes), fly as pilot in command or co-pilot of such an aeroplane flying in Class D or E airspace in circumstances which require compliance with the Instrument Flight Rules; or

(g) fly as pilot in command of such an aeroplane carrying passengers unless—

(i) within the preceding 90 days the holder has made at least three take-offs and three landings as the sole manipulator of the controls of an aeroplane of the same type or class; and

(ii) if such a flight is to be carried out at night and the licence does not include an instrument rating (aeroplane), at least one of those take-offs and landings has been at night.

(3) (a) The holder may fly such an aeroplane for the purpose of aerial work which consists of instruction or testing in a club environment provided that, in the case of instruction, the licence includes a flying instructor’s rating, class rating instructor rating, flight instructor rating or an assistant flying instructor’s rating.

(b) The holder may fly such an aeroplane for the purpose of aerial work which consists of—

(i) towing a glider in flight; or

(ii) a flight for the purpose of dropping of persons by parachute,

in either case in an aeroplane owned, or operated under arrangements entered into, by a flying club of which the holder of the licence and any person carried in the aircraft or in any glider towed by the aircraft are members.

(4) The holder may receive remuneration for services as a pilot on a flight if—

(a) the licence includes a flying instructor’s rating, a flight instructor rating or an assistant flying instructor’s rating which entitles the holder to give instruction in flying microlight aeroplanes or SLMGs; and

(b) the remuneration is for the giving of such instruction or the conducting of such flying tests as are specified in sub-paragraph (3)(a) in a microlight aeroplane or a SLMG.

Basic Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes)

Minimum age – 18 years

Maximum period of validity – 10 years

Privileges:

(1) The holder of a Basic Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes) is entitled to exercise the privileges of a United Kingdom Private Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes).

(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (7), the holder is entitled to fly as pilot in command of an aeroplane of a type or class on which the holder is so qualified and which is specified in an aircraft rating included in the licence when the aeroplane is flying on a flight for any purpose whatsoever.

(3) The holder may not—

(a) fly such an aeroplane on a flight for the purpose of commercial air transport or public transport if the holder has less than 400 hours of flying experience as pilot in command of aeroplanes other than SLMGs or microlight aeroplanes;

(b) fly such an aeroplane on a flight for the purpose of commercial air transport or public transport if its maximum total weight authorised exceeds 2300kg;

(c) fly such an aeroplane on any scheduled journey;

(d) fly such an aeroplane on a flight for the purpose of commercial air transport or public transport except a flight beginning and ending at the same aerodrome and not extending beyond 25 nautical miles from that aerodrome;

(e) fly such an aeroplane on a flight for the purpose of commercial air transport or public transport after attaining the age of 60 years unless the aeroplane is fitted with dual controls and carries a second pilot who has not attained the age of 60 years and who holds an appropriate licence under this Order entitling the second pilot to act as pilot in command or co-pilot of that aeroplane;

(f) unless the licence includes a night rating (aeroplanes) or a night qualification (aeroplane) fly such an aeroplane at night;

(g) unless the licence includes an instrument rating (aeroplane) or an instrument meteorological conditions rating (aeroplanes), fly as pilot in command of such an aeroplane—

(i) on a flight outside controlled airspace if the flight visibility is less than three km;

(ii) on a special VFR flight in a control zone in a flight visibility of less than 10 km except on a route or in an aerodrome traffic zone notified for the purposes of this sub-paragraph; or

(iii) out of sight of the surface;

(h) unless the licence includes an instrument rating (aeroplane), fly as pilot in command or co-pilot of such an aeroplane flying in Class A, B or C airspace in circumstances which require compliance with the Instrument Flight Rules;

(i) unless the licence includes an instrument rating (aeroplane) or an instrument meteorological conditions rating (aeroplanes), fly as pilot in command or co-pilot of such an aeroplane flying in Class D or E airspace in circumstances which require compliance with the Instrument Flight Rules; or

(j) fly as pilot in command of such an aeroplane carrying passengers unless—

(i) within the preceding 90 days the holder has made at least three take-offs and three landings as the sole manipulator of the controls of an aeroplane of the same type or class; and

(ii) if the flight is to be undertaken at night and the licence does not include an instrument rating (aeroplane), at least one of those take-offs and landings has been at night.

(4) Subject to paragraph (5), the holder is entitled to fly as pilot in command of an aeroplane of a type or class specified in an instructor’s rating included in the licence on an aerial work flight which consists of instruction or testing in a club environment.

(5) The holder may exercise the privileges specified in paragraph (4) only in an aeroplane which the holder is entitled to fly as pilot in command on a private flight, an aerial work flight, a public transport flight or a commercial air transport flight under the privileges set out in paragraph (1) or (2).

(6) (a) Subject to sub-paragraph (b) and paragraph (7) the holder is entitled to fly as co-pilot of any aeroplane of a type specified in an aircraft rating included in the licence when the aeroplane is flying on a flight for any purpose whatsoever.

(b) The holder is not entitled to fly as co-pilot of an aeroplane which is flying on a flight for the purpose of commercial air transport or public transport unless—

(i) the holder has more than 400 hours of flying experience as pilot in command of aeroplanes other than SLMGs and microlight aeroplanes; and

(ii) the aeroplane is certificated for single pilot operation.

(7) The holder must not at any time after attaining the age of 65 years act as pilot in command or co-pilot of any aeroplane on a flight for the purpose of commercial air transport or public transport.

Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes)

Minimum age – 18 years

Maximum period of validity – 10 years

Privileges:

(1) The holder of a Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes) is entitled to exercise the privileges of a United Kingdom Private Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes) which includes an instrument meteorological conditions rating (aeroplanes) and a night rating (aeroplanes) or night qualification (aeroplane).

(2) The holder is entitled to fly as pilot in command of an aeroplane—

(a) on a special VFR flight notwithstanding that the flight visibility is less than three km;

(b) when the aeroplane is taking off from or landing at any place notwithstanding that the flight visibility below cloud is less than 1800 metres.

(3) Subject to paragraphs (4) and (8), the holder is entitled to fly as pilot in command of an aeroplane of a type or class on which the holder is so qualified and which is specified in an aircraft rating included in the licence when the aeroplane is flying on a flight for any purpose whatsoever.

(4) The holder may not—

(a) unless the licence includes an instrument rating (aeroplane), fly such an aeroplane on any scheduled journey;

(b) fly as pilot in command of an aeroplane carrying passengers unless the holder has carried out at least three take-offs and three landings as pilot flying in an aeroplane of the same type or class or in a flight simulator, approved for the purpose, of the aeroplane type or class to be used, in the preceding 90 days;

(c) as co-pilot serve at the flying controls in an aeroplane carrying passengers during take-off and landing unless the holder has served as a pilot at the controls during take-off and landing in an aeroplane of the same type or class or in a flight simulator, approved for the purpose, of the aeroplane type or class to be used, in the preceding 90 days;

(d) if the licence does not include an instrument rating (aeroplane), fly as pilot in command of an aeroplane carrying passengers at night unless during the previous 90 days at least one of the take-offs and landings required by sub-paragraph (b) has been at night;

(e) unless the licence includes an instrument rating (aeroplane), fly any such aeroplane which has a maximum total weight authorised exceeding 2300kg on any flight for the purpose of commercial air transport or public transport, except a flight beginning and ending at the same aerodrome and not extending beyond 25 nautical miles from that aerodrome;

(f) fly such an aeroplane on a flight for the purpose of commercial air transport or public transport unless it is certificated for single pilot operation;

(g) fly such an aeroplane on any flight for the purpose of commercial air transport or public transport after attaining the age of 60 years unless the aeroplane is fitted with dual controls and carries a second pilot who has not attained the age of 60 years and who holds an appropriate licence under this Order entitling the second pilot to act as pilot in command or co-pilot of that aeroplane; or

(h) unless the licence includes an instrument rating (aeroplane), fly as pilot in command or co-pilot of such an aeroplane flying in Class A, B or C airspace in circumstances which require compliance with the Instrument Flight Rules.

(5) Subject to paragraph (6), the holder is entitled to fly as pilot in command of an aeroplane of a type or class specified in an instructor’s rating included in the licence on a flight for the purpose of aerial work which consists of instruction or testing in a club environment.

(6) The holder may exercise the privileges specified in paragraph (5) only an aeroplane which the holder is entitled to fly as pilot in command on a private flight, an aerial work flight, a public transport flight or a commercial air transport flight under the privileges set out in paragraph (1) or (2) of these privileges.

(7) Subject to paragraph (8) the holder is entitled to fly as co-pilot of any aeroplane of a type specified in an aircraft rating included in the licence when the aeroplane is flying on a flight for any purpose whatsoever.

(8) The holder must not at any time after attaining the age of 65 years act as pilot in command or co-pilot of any aeroplane on a flight for the purpose of commercial air transport or public transport.

Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes)

Minimum age – 21 years

Maximum period of validity – 10 years

Privileges:

The holder of an Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes) is entitled to exercise the privileges of a United Kingdom Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes) except that the restriction at sub-paragraph (4)(f) of those privileges does not apply.

SUB-SECTION 2 Helicopter and gyroplane pilots

Private Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters)

Minimum age – 17 years

No maximum period of validity

Privileges:

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the holder of a Private Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters) is entitled to fly as pilot in command or co-pilot of any helicopter of a type specified in an aircraft rating included in the licence.

(2) The holder may not—

(a) fly such a helicopter for the purpose of public transport or aerial work except in accordance with paragraph (3);

(b) receive any remuneration for services as a pilot on a flight other than remuneration for the giving of such instruction or the conducting of such flying tests as are specified in paragraph (3);

(c) fly as pilot in command of such a helicopter at night unless the licence includes a night rating (helicopters) or a night qualification (helicopter);

(d) unless the licence includes an instrument rating (helicopter) fly as pilot in command or co-pilot of such a helicopter in circumstances which require compliance with the Instrument Flight Rules—

(i) in Class A, B or C airspace at any time; or

(ii) in Class D, E, F or G airspace unless remaining clear of cloud and with the surface in sight; or

(e) fly as pilot in command of such a helicopter carrying passengers unless—

(i) within the preceding 90 days the holder has made at least three circuits, each to include take-offs and landings, as the sole manipulator of the controls of a helicopter of the same type; or

(ii) if the privileges are to be exercised by night and the licence does not include an instrument rating, within the preceding 90 days the holder has made at least three circuits, each to include take-offs and landings by night as the sole manipulator of the controls of a helicopter of the same type.

(3) The holder may fly such a helicopter for the purpose of aerial work which consists of instruction or testing in a club environment provided that, in the case of instruction, the licence includes a flying instructor’s rating, a flight instructor rating or an assistant flying instructor’s rating.

Private Pilot’s Licence (Gyroplanes)

Minimum age – 17 years

No maximum period of validity

Privileges:

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the holder of a Private Pilot’s Licence (Gyroplanes) is entitled to fly as pilot in command or co-pilot of any gyroplane of a type specified in the aircraft rating included in the licence.

(2) The holder may not—

(a) fly such a gyroplane for the purpose of public transport or aerial work except in accordance with paragraph (3);

(b) receive any remuneration for services as a pilot on a flight other than remuneration for the giving of such instruction or the conducting of such flying tests as are specified in paragraph (3);

(c) fly as pilot in command of such a gyroplane at night unless the licence includes a night rating (gyroplanes) and the holder has within the immediately preceding 13 months carried out as pilot in command not less than five take-offs and five landings at a time when the depression of the centre of the sun was not less than 12° below the horizon.

(3) The holder may fly such a gyroplane for the purpose of aerial work which consists of instruction or testing in a club environment provided that, in the case of instruction, the licence includes a flying instructor’s rating, a flight instructor rating or an assistant flying instructor’s rating.

Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters and Gyroplanes)

Minimum age – 18 years

Maximum period of validity – 10 years

Privileges:

(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (5), the holder of a Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters and Gyroplanes) is entitled—

(a) to exercise the privileges of a United Kingdom Private Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters) or a United Kingdom Private Pilot’s Licence (Gyroplanes) which includes respectively either a night rating (helicopters) or night qualification (helicopter) or a night rating (gyroplanes); and

(b) to fly as pilot in command of any helicopter or gyroplane on which the holder is so qualified and which is of a type specified in an aircraft rating included in the licence when the helicopter or gyroplane is flying on a flight for any purpose whatsoever.

(2) The holder may not—

(a) fly such a helicopter on a public transport flight unless it is certificated for single pilot operation;

(b) fly such a helicopter on any public transport flight after attaining the age of 60 years unless the helicopter is fitted with dual controls and carries a second pilot who has not attained the age of 60 years and who holds an appropriate licence under this Order entitling the second pilot to act as pilot in command or co-pilot of that helicopter;

(c) unless the licence includes an instrument rating (helicopter) fly as pilot in command of such a helicopter in circumstances which require compliance with the Instrument Flight Rules—

(i) in Class A, B or C airspace at any time; or

(ii) in Class D, E, F or G airspace unless remaining clear of cloud and with the surface in sight;

(d) fly as pilot in command of a helicopter carrying passengers unless the holder has carried out at least three circuits, each to include take-offs and landings, as pilot flying in a helicopter of the same type or a flight simulator of the helicopter type to be used, in the preceding 90 days;

(e) unless the licence includes an instrument rating (helicopter) act as pilot in command of a helicopter carrying passengers at night unless during the previous 90 days at least one of the take-offs and landings required in sub-paragraph (d) has been at night;

(f) fly such a gyroplane on a public transport flight unless it is certificated for single pilot operation;

(g) fly such a gyroplane at night unless the holder has within the immediately preceding 13 months carried out as pilot in command not less than five take-offs and five landings at a time when the depression of the centre of the sun was not less than 12º below the horizon; or

(h) fly such a gyroplane on a public transport flight after attaining the age of 60 years unless the gyroplane is fitted with dual controls and carries a second pilot who has not attained the age of 60 years and who holds an appropriate licence under this Order entitling him to act as pilot in command or co-pilot of that gyroplane.

(3) Subject to paragraphs (4) and (5) the holder is entitled to fly as co-pilot of any helicopter or gyroplane of a type specified in an aircraft rating included in the licence when the helicopter or gyroplane is flying on a flight for any purpose whatsoever.

(4) The holder may not—

(a) unless the licence includes an instrument rating (helicopter) fly as co-pilot of a helicopter flying in circumstances which require compliance with the Instrument Flight Rules—

(i) in Class A, B or C airspace at any time; or

(ii) in Class D, E, F or G airspace unless remaining clear of cloud and with the surface in sight; or

(b) as co-pilot serve at the flying controls in a helicopter carrying passengers during take-off and landing unless the holder has served as a pilot at the controls during take-off and landing in a helicopter of the same type or in a flight simulator of the helicopter type to be used, in the preceding 90 days.

(5) The holder must not at any time after attaining the age of 65 years act as pilot in command or co-pilot of any helicopter or gyroplane on a public transport flight.

Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters and Gyroplanes)

Minimum age – 21 years

Maximum period of validity – 10 years

Privileges:

The holder of an Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters and Gyroplanes) is entitled to exercise the privileges of a United Kingdom Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters and Gyroplanes) except that the restrictions at sub-paragraphs (2)(a) and (2)(f) of those privileges do not apply.

SUB-SECTION 3 Balloon and airship pilots

Private Pilot’s Licence (Balloons and Airships)

Minimum age – 17 years

No maximum period of validity

Privileges:

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the holder of a Private Pilot’s Licence (Balloons and Airships) is entitled to fly as pilot in command of any type of balloon or airship on which the holder is so qualified and which is specified in an aircraft rating in the licence and as co-pilot of any type of balloon or airship specified in such a rating.

(2) The holder may not—

(a) fly such a balloon or airship for the purpose of public transport or aerial work, other than aerial work which consists of instruction or testing in a club environment;

(b) receive any remuneration for services as a pilot on a flight other than remuneration for the giving of such instruction or the conducting of such flying tests as are specified in sub-paragraph (a); or

(c) fly such a balloon unless the holder has within the immediately preceding 13 months carried out as pilot in command in a free balloon at least five flights each of not less than five minutes duration.

Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Balloons)

Minimum age – 18 years

Maximum period of validity – 10 years

Privileges:

(1) The holder of a Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Balloons) is entitled to exercise the privileges of a United Kingdom Private Pilot’s Licence (Balloons and Airships).

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), the holder is entitled to fly as pilot in command or co-pilot of any type of balloon specified in the aircraft rating included in the licence when the balloon is flying for any purpose whatsoever.

(3) The holder may not act as pilot in command on a flight for the purpose of the public transport of passengers unless the holder has within the immediately preceding 90 days carried out as pilot in command in a free balloon at least three flights each of not less than five minutes duration.

Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Airships)

Minimum age – 18 years

Maximum period of validity – 10 years

Privileges:

(1) The holder of a Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Airships) is entitled to exercise the privileges of a United Kingdom Private Pilot’s Licence (Balloons and Airships).

(2) The holder is entitled to fly as pilot in command of any type of airship on which the holder is so qualified and which is specified in an aircraft rating included in the licence and as co-pilot of any type of airship specified in such a rating, when the airship is flying for any purpose whatsoever.

SUB-SECTION 4 Glider pilots

Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Gliders)

Minimum age – 18 years

Maximum period of validity – 10 years

Privileges:

The holder of a Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Gliders) is entitled to fly for any purpose as pilot in command or co-pilot of—

(a) any glider which has a maximum total weight authorised of not more than 680kg; or

(b) any glider which has a maximum total weight authorised exceeding 680kg and which is of a type specified in the rating included in the licence.

SUB-SECTION 5 Other flight crew

Flight Navigator’s Licence

Minimum age – 21 years

Maximum period of validity – 10 years

Privileges:

The holder of a Flight Navigator’s Licence is entitled to act as flight navigator in any aircraft.

Flight Engineer’s Licence

Minimum age – 21 years

Maximum period of validity – 10 years

Privileges:

The holder of a Flight Engineer’s Licence is entitled to act as flight engineer in any type of aircraft specified in an aircraft rating included in the licence.

Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence

Minimum age – 16 years

Maximum period of validity – 10 years

Privileges:

The holder of a Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence is entitled to operate radiotelephony apparatus in any aircraft if the stability of the frequency radiated by the transmitter is maintained automatically but is not entitled to operate the transmitter, or to adjust its frequency, except by the use of external switching devices.