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Written question asked by Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 October 2026. It was answered by Keir Mather (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 October 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Aviation: Qualifications

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she will consider allowing Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) theory exams with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) taken before Brexit to remain valid towards UK licence issue.

Answer

Following the UK's exit from the EU on 1 January 2021, all relevant training and licensing elements, including theoretical exams, must be completed under UK regulatory oversight. The UK Civil Aviation Authority cannot accept training conducted under European Union Aviation Safety Association (EASA) oversight following EU Exit, as there is no longer a shared regulatory framework or mutual recognition agreement.

The Government has been clear that it will work to reset the relationship with Europe, to strengthen ties and tackle barriers to trade. Establishing an effective aviation licensing and approvals regime that supports UK aviation remains a priority for us, and the UK is keen to establish closer cooperation on personnel licensing approvals where possible to ease the current burden on UK and EU personnel and industry.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
34563
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Aviation Civil Aviation Authority Licensing Qualifications
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk