Flying show 2012

For anyone attending the Flying Show in Birmingham this weekend

CAA TO ENDORSE PILOTS LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY AT THE FLYING SHOW

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will be offering GA pilots attending this weekend’s Flying Show at the Birmingham NEC a free language proficiency check with a Flight Examiner. The pilot could then receive a Level 6 non-expiring endorsement on their Licence which they will need when applying for a new EASA Licence such as an EASA PPL or the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) or a radio licence (FRTOL) renewal.

In 2008, all UK pilots who held a radio licence were deemed by the CAA to be at ‘Level 4’ in the English language. This followed a global agreement requiring that pilots demonstrate proficiency in English. A Level 4 endorsement, however, is only valid for four years so the endorsements granted in 2008 to UK pilots who held radio licences expired in March 2012 - unless they were renewed or were upgraded in the meantime.

The CAA said any pilots seeking an endorsement at the Flying Show should bring photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence, as well as a photocopy of the ID for endorsement. Pilots should also have their pilot licences and radio licences with them.

The examiner will be on the Airspace & Safety Initiative stand (23-24) at the Flying Show, at the NEC on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 December 2012.