Convert your UK CAA licence to EASA
Holding a UK CAA pilot licence and moving to European Union? Here's what converting to a EASA licence actually involves — the paperwork, exams, flight test, medical and English requirements at PPL, CPL and ATPL level. Every requirement below is set by EASA, the authority issuing your new licence.
UK CAA to EASA: PPL — Private Pilot Licence
- Application
- Conversions are handled by the national aviation authority (NAA) of the EASA member state where you live or will work — apply to them. Regulation (EU) 2020/723 sets the credits.
- Theory exams
- Pass all 9 EASA PPL theoretical-knowledge exams — no credit is given for your existing PPL exams.
- Flight test
- Pass an EASA PPL skill test with an authorised examiner.
- Medical
- Hold an EASA Part-MED Class 2 medical.
- English
- Pass an EASA English Language Proficiency assessment — an ICAO ELP endorsement on your current licence is not accepted for the conversion.
UK CAA to EASA: CPL — Commercial Pilot Licence
- Application
- There is no automatic conversion. Apply to your member-state NAA; training/experience credits under (EU) 2020/723 may reduce the requirements.
- Theory exams
- Pass the required EASA theoretical exams (CPL, or ATPL theory if you hold ATPL-theory credit). Foreign exam passes are not credited.
- Flight test
- Pass an EASA CPL skill test (plus IR skill test if you want the instrument rating).
- Medical
- Hold an EASA Part-MED Class 1 medical.
- English
- Pass an EASA ELP assessment.
UK CAA to EASA: ATPL — Airline Transport Pilot Licence
- Application
- No automatic conversion of an ICAO ATPL to an EASA Part-FCL ATPL. Apply via your member-state NAA; credits under (EU) 2020/723 may apply.
- Theory exams
- Pass all 13 EASA ATPL(A) theory exams (within 6 sittings / 18 months, max 4 attempts each). Without ATPL-theory credit you must complete the full ~650-hour approved theory course.
- Flight test
- Pass the required EASA skill test(s); experience credits may apply toward the licence minimums.
- Medical
- Hold an EASA Part-MED Class 1 medical.
- English
- Pass an EASA ELP assessment.
Official EASA sources
Requirements change — always confirm the current rules with EASA before you start.
UK CAA → EASA: frequently asked questions
Do I have to retake theory exams to convert my UK CAA licence to EASA?
Pass all 9 EASA PPL theoretical-knowledge exams — no credit is given for your existing PPL exams. At commercial level: Pass the required EASA theoretical exams (CPL, or ATPL theory if you hold ATPL-theory credit). Foreign exam passes are not credited.
Do I need a flight test (skill test) for a EASA commercial licence?
Pass an EASA CPL skill test (plus IR skill test if you want the instrument rating).
What medical do I need for a EASA airline (ATPL) licence?
Hold an EASA Part-MED Class 1 medical.
Does my ICAO English proficiency transfer to EASA?
Pass an EASA ELP assessment.
How do I apply to convert to a EASA PPL?
Conversions are handled by the national aviation authority (NAA) of the EASA member state where you live or will work — apply to them. Regulation (EU) 2020/723 sets the credits.
Converting to fly in European Union?
AvLink matches you to European Union pilot roles by your actual hours, ratings and type certificates — so you can line up the seat while your conversion is underway.