Question to the Department for Transport:

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.

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.