UK MILITARY CAA QUESTIONS
Whats the difference between a CPL and an ATPL and what will I initially get?
You will initially get a CPL MEIR, sometimes known as a Frozen ATPL (fATPL). This is un-Frozen once you have 1500hrs, including 500hrs multi-pilot aircraft and a type rating on a big plane. You can secure your first airline job with a CPL MEIR but it means the employer will need to give you a base trainer sortie, which is 6 take-offs and landings in the actual aircraft without passengers (this costs them more). If you have a full ATPL then your type rating can be purely sim based. Once you have the hours and rating then you can convert your CPL MEIR to a full ATPL licence.
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Can I use my military FL type to open my licence?
It depends on what type you fly. If the plane has an EASA/CAA equivalent, you follow the CAA test profile and you have a CAA examiner (TRE) then it can be used, either in the simulator or the aircraft. You will require a Class 1 medical and must have passed the ATPL theory exams before the test. The test is called a LST (Licence Skills Test) and follows a mandatory CAA test schedule. You will require the ATPL hours (1500hrs total, 500hrs multi-pilot, etc) to open your licence as an ATPL.
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If you complete the ATPL exams after your military LST then you will need another LST to open the licence. This is usually conducted in the simulator as the test requires single-engine work which can't be replicated in most aircraft. If you are scheduled for a LPC/OPC in 'civilian fit' with a civilian TRE then you should be able to conduct the extra items and open your licence on this test, calling it an LST for civilian purposes. This is a fairly simple process for Voyager and Envoy pilots. If you don't have access to a 'civilian fit' simulator then get in touch and we can recommend companies you can use to hire a simulator.
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Once I've gained my commercial licence and IR how long is it valid for?
CPL - Valid for life.
MEP, annual rating. Details here on how to keep it current, if required.
IR, annual rating. This is the one that you might want to keep current. The ATPL exams expire 7 years after your last IR expiry, don't go longer than 7 years or you'll have to take the theory exams again. Alternate years can be renewed in a simulator which is much cheaper than the aircraft. For renewals you don't need a CAA central examiner which saves you money, most schools have their own examiners that charge around £250-£350 for the test. Cheaper than the £1054 that the CAA charges.
Do I need to complete the ground school course for the ATPL exams (FJ and ME for CPL IR (A) and RW for ATPL (H))?
No, just pass the CAA exams. Easiest way is to use online courseware and a question bank. We work with Padpilot and Bristol Ground School for online courses and ATPLQ for the most representative question bank. We have military discounts against these products.
I'm currently in a ground tour and want to gain a CPL MEIR and don't hold an unrestricted military green rating, does that matter?
No, providing you held one at some point in your career. If you didn't and held a restricted rating or lower than green IRT then you need a bit more training. Credits are in CAP2254, but we are happy to explain what is required.
What's the difference between military IF and civilian IFR?
Military IF is flying in clouds. Civilian IFR is flying with sole reference to instruments. You can count military logged IF and simulated hours as IFR.
Where is the rule that military IF can be multiplied by 4 to give IFR?
It has been removed, use the method above.
Do I add taxi time to my military hours?
Most of the military credits forms ask for military flight time, not including taxi time. If you need to add taxi time, say to a CV, then it is accepted that you can add 10mins pre-takeoff and 5mins after landing.
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Are there credits for the IR(R) / IMC rating?
Yes, we have simplified these and the credits for the IMC rating can be found here.
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Do I need to complete the CPL MEP course before starting the MEIR or Vice Versa?
The CAA have confirmed (Dec 2025) that a military pilot doesn't need to complete a course before starting the next one, as a modular student would. Providing you have completed the MEP training, then you can start the IR training. For example, as a FJ pilot you complete the 6hr MEP CPL course. You can then start the MEIR training whilst waiting for an examiner for the MEP CPL test, and can complete either test first.