Finnish aviation licences will move into the EASA system
4/4/12 8:00 AMThe European Aviation Safety Agency EASA is in the process of developing its system of aviation regulations. This will also bring changes to Finnish pilot licences – but only after a transitional period.
However, the transition into the EASA system will not affect flying with those aircraft listed in Annex II to the EASA Basic Regulation 216/2008, which will be operated under the Finnish national regulations also in the future. The changes only concern the holders of national aeroplane and helicopter pilot licences (PPL, CPL, ATPL) and national sailplane, powered sailplane and balloon pilot licences (GPL, MGPL, BPL). The national licences will remain valid at least until 8 April 2013, since Finland has decided to use the opt-out provided in the regulation and delay the application of EASA Part FCL requirements. National licences for sailplanes, powered sailplanes and balloons can be used even after 8 April 2013, since the transitional period for them will be even longer.
Transitional period ("opt-out")
During the transitional period, the authority will make preparations for the new requirements and give advice to customers on how to comply with them in practice. For aeroplane and helicopter pilots, the transitional period ends on 8 April 2013, but the conversion of licences into EASA licences can be delayed until 8 April 2014 at the latest. For sport aviation licences (GPL, MGPL, BPL), the conversion period can be extended until 8 April 2015. More detailed information on the transitional periods will be published in an Aviation Regulation. If the new requirements would allow benefits compared to the present system, you can contact Trafi to ask whether the new requirements could be applied during the transitional period already.
Conversion of national licences
Aeroplane and helicopter pilots are advised to convert their national licences into JAR licences, which can then be directly replaced with EASA licences. For this, an application form is available on Trafi's website (in Finnish). An EASA licence is necessary if you intend to fly EASA aircraft immediately after the transitional period ends. Sailplane, powered sailplane and balloon pilot licences can only be converted based on a conversion report, which Trafi will finish by 8 April 2013 at the latest.
The aim is to start issuing EASA licences during the transitional period already, as soon as the authority requirements are fulfilled. Further information on this will be provided later.
Further information
Licences and Qualifications Unit, tel. 020 618 500, e-mail: lupakirjat(at)trafi.fi