The Air Navigation Order 2016

PART 2 U.K. Ratings, certificates and qualifications

CHAPTER 1 U.K. Ratings, certificates and qualifications which may be included in United Kingdom licences but not in National Private Pilot's Licences

SECTION 1 U.K. Aircraft ratings

1.  When included in a pilot licence an aircraft rating entitles the holder of the licence to act as pilot of aircraft of the types and classes specified in the aircraft rating and different types and classes of aircraft may be specified in respect of different privileges of a licence. U.K.

2.  When included in a Flight Engineer's Licence an aircraft rating entitles the holder of the licence to act as flight engineer only of aircraft of a type specified in the aircraft rating. U.K.

SECTION 2 U.K. Other ratings

Instrument rating (aeroplane) U.K.

An instrument rating (aeroplane) entitles the holder of the licence to act as pilot in command or co-pilot of an aeroplane flying under the Instrument Flight Rules.

Instrument rating (helicopter) U.K.

An instrument rating (helicopter) entitles the holder of the licence to act as pilot in command or co-pilot of a helicopter flying under the Instrument Flight Rules.

Instrument meteorological conditions rating (aeroplanes) U.K.

An instrument meteorological conditions rating (aeroplanes) entitles the holder of the licence to act as pilot in command or co-pilot of an aeroplane flying under the Instrument Flight Rules except—

(a) in Class A airspace; or

(b) when the aeroplane is taking off or landing at any place if the flight visibility below cloud is less than 1,500 metres.

Night rating (helicopters) U.K.

A night rating (helicopters) entitles the holder of a United Kingdom Private Pilot's Licence (Helicopters) to act as pilot in command of a helicopter at night.

Night rating (gyroplanes) U.K.

A night rating (gyroplanes) entitles the holder of a United Kingdom Private Pilot's Licence (Gyroplanes) to act as pilot in command of a gyroplane at night.

Night rating (balloons and airships) U.K.

A night rating (balloons and airships) entitles the holder of a United Kingdom Private Pilot's Licence (Balloons and Airships) to act as pilot in command of a balloon or an airship at night.

SECTION 3 U.K. Instructor certificates

Flight instructor certificate (aeroplane) U.K.

A flight instructor certificate (aeroplane) entitles the holder of the licence to give instruction in flying aircraft of such types and classes as may be specified in the certificate for that purpose subject to the restrictions specified below.

Restrictions – restricted period

(1) Until the holder of a flight instructor certificate (aeroplane) has completed at least 100 hours flight instruction and, in addition, has supervised at least 25 solo flights by students, the privileges of the certificate are restricted.

(2) The restrictions will be removed from the certificate when the requirements specified in paragraph (1) have been met F1 ... .

Restrictions – restricted privileges

(1) The privileges are restricted to carrying out under the supervision of the holder of a flight instructor certificate (aeroplane) approved for this purpose—

(a) flight instruction for—

(i) the issue of a National Private Pilot's Licence (Aeroplanes) and a United Kingdom Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplanes); and

(ii) class and type ratings for single-engine aeroplanes,

other than for the approval of first solo flights by day or by night and first solo cross country flights by day or by night; and

(b) night flying instruction.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Sch. 8 Pt. 2 Ch. 1 omitted (14.12.2017) by virtue of The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/1112), arts. 1, 45(a)

Flight instructor certificate (helicopter) U.K.

A flight instructor certificate (helicopter) entitles the holder of the licence to give instruction in flying helicopters of such types as may be specified in the certificate for that purpose subject to the restrictions specified below.

Restrictions – restricted period

(1) Until the holder of a flight instructor certificate (helicopter) has completed at least 100 hours flight instruction and, in addition, has supervised at least [F2 25 student pilot solo flight exercises], the privileges of the certificate are restricted.

(2) The restrictions will be removed from the certificate when the requirements specified in paragraph (1) have been met F3 ... .

Restrictions – restricted privileges

(1) The privileges are restricted to carrying out under the supervision of the holder of a flight instructor certificate (helicopter) approved for this purpose—

(a) flight instruction for—

(i) the issue of a National Private Pilot's Licence (Helicopters) and a United Kingdom Private Pilot's Licence (Helicopters); and

(ii) type ratings for single-engine helicopters,

other than for the approval of first solo flights by day or by night and first solo cross country flights by day or by night; and

(b) night flying instruction, provided the holder has undergone such training as the CAA may require.

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in Sch. 8 Pt. 2 Ch. 1 substituted (14.12.2017) by The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/1112), arts. 1, 45(b)(i)

F3 Words in Sch. 8 Pt. 2 Ch. 1 omitted (14.12.2017) by virtue of The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/1112), arts. 1, 45(b)(ii)

Flight instructor certificate (gyroplanes) U.K.

A flight instructor certificate (gyroplanes) entitles the holder of the licence to give instruction in flying gyroplanes of such types as may be specified in the rating for that purpose.

Flight instructor certificate (restricted) (gyroplanes) U.K.

A flight instructor certificate (restricted) (gyroplanes) entitles the holder of the licence to give instruction in flying gyroplanes of such types as may be specified in the rating for that purpose, but—

(a) such instruction must only be given—

(i) under the supervision of a person present during the take-off and landing at the aerodrome at which the instruction is to begin and end; and

(ii) who holds a pilot's licence endorsed with a flight instructor certificate entitling the holder to instruct on an aircraft of the same type or class as the aircraft on which instruction is being given;

(b) does not entitle the holder of the licence to give directions to a person undergoing instruction in respect of the performance of that person's first—

(i) solo flight;

(ii) solo flight by night;

(iii) solo cross-country flight otherwise than by night; or

(iv) solo cross-country flight by night.

Type rating instructor certificate (multi-pilot aeroplane) U.K.

A type rating instructor certificate (multi-pilot aeroplane) entitles the holder to instruct licence holders for the issue of a multi-pilot aeroplane type rating, including the instruction required for multi-crew co-operation.

Type rating instructor certificate (helicopter) U.K.

A type rating instructor certificate (helicopter) entitles the holder to instruct licence holders for the issue of a helicopter type rating, including the instruction required for multi-crew co-operation.

Class rating instructor certificate (single-pilot aeroplane) U.K.

A class rating instructor certificate (single-pilot aeroplane) entitles the holder to instruct licence holders for the issue of a type or class rating for single-pilot aeroplanes.

Instrument rating instructor certificate (aeroplane) U.K.

An instrument rating instructor certificate (aeroplane) entitles the holder to conduct flight instruction for the issue of an instrument rating (aeroplane) or an instrument meteorological conditions rating (aeroplanes).

Instrument rating instructor certificate (helicopter) U.K.

An instrument rating instructor certificate (helicopter) entitles the holder to conduct flight instruction for the issue of an instrument rating (helicopter) for a United Kingdom licence.

CHAPTER 2 U.K. Aircraft and instructor ratings and certificates which may be included in United Kingdom aeroplane pilot licences and in National Private Pilot's Licences (Aeroplanes)

Night rating (aeroplanes) U.K.

A night rating (aeroplanes) entitles the holder of a United Kingdom Private Pilot's Licence (Aeroplanes) or a National Private Pilot's Licence (Aeroplanes) to act as pilot in command of an aeroplane at night.

Microlight class rating

(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) to (6) and to the conditions of the licence in which it is included, a microlight class rating entitles the holder to act as pilot in command of any microlight aeroplane.

(2) If the current certificate of revalidation for the rating is endorsed “single seat only” the holder is only entitled to act as pilot in command of any single seat microlight aeroplane.

(3) If the aeroplane F4 ...—

(a) [F5 has] three axis controls and the holder's previous training and experience has only been in an aeroplane with flexwing or weightshift controls;

(b) [F6 has] flexwing or weightshift controls and the holder's previous training and experience has only been in an aeroplane with three axis controls; F7 ...

[F8 (c) has a maximum take-off mass of more than 475kg (or more than 495kg if the aeroplane is an amphibian or floatplane) and the holder’s previous training and experience has only been in a microlight aeroplane with a maximum take-off mass of 475kg or less (or 495kg or less if the aeroplane is an amphibian or floatplane);]

[F9 (d) has a maximum take-off mass of 600kg or less (or 650kg or less if the aeroplane is an amphibian or floatplane) and the holder’s previous training and experience has only been in aeroplanes with a maximum take-off mass of more than 600kg (or more than 650kg if the aeroplane is an amphibian or floatplane);

(e) is fitted with—

(i) a tricycle undercarriage;

(ii) a tailwheel;

(iii) a supercharger or turbo-charger;

(iv) a variable pitch propeller;

(v) one or more Electronic Flight Information Systems;

(vi) an autopilot system;

(vii) more than one engine; or

(viii) an electric engine,

and the holder does not have training or experience in aeroplanes with such fitted features; or

(f) has a maximum continuous cruising speed in excess of 140 knots indicated airspeed and the holder does not have experience in aeroplanes capable of that speed,]

before exercising the privileges of the rating the holder must complete appropriate differences training.

(4) The differences training mentioned in paragraph (3) must be given by a flight instructor entitled to instruct on the aeroplane on which the training is being given, recorded in the holder's personal flying logbook and endorsed and signed by the instructor conducting the training.

(5) Where the aeroplane is to be operated from water during take-off and landing, before exercising the privileges of the rating the holder must—

(a) complete appropriate differences training; and

(b) attain a pass in the Private or Professional Seamanship examination.

(6) The differences training mentioned in paragraph (5) must be given by a flight instructor entitled to instruct on the aeroplane on which the training is being given, recorded in the holder's personal flying logbook and endorsed and signed by the instructor conducting the training.

Textual Amendments

F4 Word in Sch. 8 Pt. 2 Ch. 2 omitted (19.8.2021) by virtue of The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/879), arts. 1(1), 11(2)

F5 Word in Sch. 8 Pt. 2 Ch. 2 inserted (19.8.2021) by The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/879), arts. 1(1), 11(3)

F6 Word in Sch. 8 Pt. 2 Ch. 2 inserted (19.8.2021) by The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/879), arts. 1(1), 11(4)

F7 Word in Sch. 8 Pt. 2 Ch. 2 omitted (19.8.2021) by virtue of The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/879), arts. 1(1), 11(5)

F8 Words in Sch. 8 Pt. 2 Ch. 2 substituted (19.8.2021) by The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/879), arts. 1(1), 11(6)

F9 Words in Sch. 8 Pt. 2 Ch. 2 inserted (19.8.2021) by The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/879), arts. 1(1), 11(7)

SSEA class rating

(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) to (6) and to the conditions of the licence in which it is included, a SSEA class rating entitles the holder to act as pilot in command of any SSEA with a maximum take-off mass of not more than 2,000kg excluding any such aeroplane which is a SLMG or a microlight aeroplane.

(2) If the current certificate of revalidation for the rating is endorsed “single seat only” the holder is only entitled to act as pilot in command of a single seat SSEA.

(3) If the aeroplane—

(a) is fitted with a tricycle undercarriage;

(b) is fitted with a tailwheel;

(c) is fitted with a supercharger or turbo-charger;

(d) is fitted with a variable pitch propeller;

(e) is fitted with retractable landing gear;

(f) is fitted with a cabin pressurisation system; or

(g) has a maximum continuous cruising speed in excess of 140 knots indicated airspeed,

before exercising the privileges of the rating, the holder must complete appropriate differences training.

(4) The differences training mentioned in paragraph (3) must be given by a flight instructor entitled to instruct on the aeroplane on which the training is being given, recorded in the holder's personal flying logbook and endorsed and signed by the instructor conducting the training.

(5) If the aeroplane is to be operated from water during take-off and landing, before exercising the privileges of the rating the holder must—

(a) complete appropriate differences training; and

(b) attain a pass in the Private or Professional Seamanship examination.

(6) The differences training mentioned in paragraph (5) must be given by a flight instructor entitled to instruct on the aero-plane on which the training is being given, recorded in the holder's personal flying logbook and endorsed and signed by the instructor conducting the training.

SLMG class rating

(1) Subject to paragraph (2) and to the conditions of the licence in which it is included, a SLMG class rating entitles the holder to act as pilot in command of any SLMG.

(2) If the current certificate of revalidation for the rating is endorsed “single seat only” the holder is only entitled to act as pilot in command of a single seat SLMG.

Flight instructor's certificate (microlight) U.K.

A flight instructor's certificate (microlight) entitles the holder of the licence to give instruction in flying microlight aeroplanes with the same type of control system for which the holder's licence is endorsed with a flight instructor's certificate.

Flight instructor's certificate (restricted) (microlight)

(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), a flight instructor's certificate (restricted) (microlight) entitles the holder of the licence to give instruction in flying microlight aeroplanes with the same type of control system for which the holder's licence is endorsed with a flight instructor's certificate.

(2) Such instruction must only be given under the supervision of a person present during the take-off and landing at the aerodrome at which the instruction is to begin and end and holding a pilot's licence endorsed with a flight instructor's certificate entitling that person to instruct on a microlight aeroplane with the same type of control system on which instruction is being given.

(3) A flight instructor's certificate (restricted) (microlight) does not entitle the holder of the licence to authorise the person undergoing instruction to perform a first solo flight or first solo cross-country flight.

Flight instructor's certificate (SLMG) U.K.

A flight instructor's certificate (SLMG) entitles the holder of the licence to give instruction in flying SLMGs.

CHAPTER 3 U.K. Ratings which may be included in National Private Pilot's Licences (Helicopters)

Helicopter type rating U.K.

A helicopter type rating for a single engine helicopter with a maximum total weight authorised of 2,000kg or less may be included in a National Private Pilot's Licence (Helicopters) granted under Part 6.