From early December, commercial pilots will be able to make applications via a new online ‘e-Licensing’ system, and then track its progress through a personal portal account. In addition, pilots who need to apply in person at the CAA’s Gatwick HQ will be able to book dedicated time slots.
 
The new services are part of the CAA’s plans to update the licensing system for the UK aviation industry. E-Licensing will go live early December 2017 for commercial pilots, with a service for private licence applications due to follow next year.

 
As well as the introduction of the e-Licensing portal, the counter service at the CAA’s Gatwick office (above) will also change. A new fast-track appointment booking service will be available from 11 December replacing the current same-day counter service. The new service will allow licence holders to book an appointment time-slot up to one month in advance and, subject to availability, up to 15:00 the day before an appointment is needed.

Appointments for this new service can be made from 27 November 2017 via a dedicated phone line [tel.0330 022 1922, 08:30-16:30 Monday to Friday]. This optional fast-track appointment service will be available to all pilots at a cost of £100 - less than other fast-track services offered by the CAA. The fast-track charge is in addition to the application fee as per the CAA Scheme of Charges. Applicants who do not wish to pay for a fast-track service can still choose to apply to have their licence issued by post, which takes around 10 working days at no additional cost.
 
Separate appointments will also be available for applicants who require support, or a ‘checking’ service, for an application being delivered to the CAA in person. These appointments must be pre-booked using the same process as a fast-track service and will be charged at £25 per appointment. The CAA is unable to answer specific licensing queries via this service; such requests should be emailed to fclweb@caa.co.uk.
 
Once the new service is in place, licence holders who require a same-day service or who have an application support enquiry will need to book an appointment. Applicants without an appointment visiting the CAA’s Aviation House may still be able to secure an appointment for that day, but this will be subject to availability and will be charged at an increased fee of £200 for a licence application or £50 for application support. The full terms and conditions of the new service will be available at caa.co.uk and will be supplied at the time of booking.
 
Ahead of the introduction of e-licensing and fast-track appointments, the CAA will be closing its counter service from 20 November – 8 December 2017. Any pilots with an urgent requirement to add a rating to their licence during this closure period should use a Temporary Licence Certificate - www.caa.co.uk/srg1100 - to maintain validity and submit their application to us at the earliest opportunity.
 
Further details about the new e-Licensing process will be released ahead of its implementation.