In this guide, we will go over each and determine the mandatory and situational regulations that pilots need to keep in mind before they take off.
Aviation is a highly regulated field that requires strict monitoring, proper documentation, and appropriate permits and certificates. These documents ensure the safety of the aircraft, pilots, and other aviators navigating the skies.
If you are wondering which certificate or permit you should opt for your aircraft, then you have come to the right place.
Both the Permit to Fly and the Certificate of Airworthiness (AKA the C of A) are necessary in certain situations and are even mandatory as foundational certificates that enable pilots to fly without problems.
In this guide, we will go over each and determine the mandatory and situational regulations that pilots need to keep in mind before they take off.
Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A)
This certificate ensures exactly what it says. It determines whether an aircraft is airworthy. In other words, the C of A confirms the overall health and safety of the aircraft and deems it fit for flying for various purposes.
It is a standard recognition of safety which is issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The CAA awards the pilot with this certificate when their aircraft fully complies with its type and design, and is maintained in an airworthy condition. This means that pilots must ensure that they provide a detailed maintenance schedule that shows that their aircraft is regularly maintained and serviced throughout its lifetime.
This certificate allows seamless regular operations and is even necessary for larger commercial aircraft as well.
An important point to keep in mind is that this certificate requires an annual payment, which is used to renew the certificate. Failing to renew it may lead to your aircraft being grounded, as it will not be legally allowed to fly.
This certificate is easily awarded to most factory-built and continuously supported aircraft that meet rigorous airworthiness requirements. DIY or aircraft renovated using scraps may have to go through some extra paperwork and hoops to obtain this certificate.
Benefits of the Certificate of Airworthiness
Legal Compliance
The C of A is an important legal document that ensures that the aircraft is built according to legally required standards and the regulations set by the relevant authorities. This covers the engine type, power, avionics, and other components of the aircraft.
Aircraft need to follow a strict standard across the board to ensure that the aircraft is easily operable in various conditions by every pilot. These standards have become a legal requirement because they allow for pilot training to be standardised. Think about it, if every aircraft were different and didn’t follow a specific or foundational standard, then every pilot would have to train according to multiple aircraft, which would be impractical and costly.
Ease of Mind
The certificate allows pilots to fly knowing that their aircraft is free from fault and is safe for everyone in the sky. Aviation may seem like fun, but it is a very serious field that requires close monitoring and utmost respect for safety.
Since its humble beginnings, and due to several air disasters early in aviation history, rules and regulations have become the cornerstone of this industry. These regulations have allowed flying to statistically become the safest form of travel around the world.
Avoiding Penalties and Legal Troubles
Since the C of A is mandatory, flying without an airworthiness certificate can land pilots in serious trouble. From penalties, embarrassment, and even suspensions, these regulations are in place for a purpose, and the CAA’s strictness is not to be taken lightly by any pilot. Failing to follow procedures can result in a lot of embarrassment that can haunt a pilot throughout their aviation journey.
Some offences can even result in suspensions and huge fines, which can prove to be extremely stressful and troubling for most pilots, who are usually on a tight budget when learning how to fly.
However, by obtaining the certificate and proving airworthiness, pilots can always rest easy and fly with ease, knowing that their aircraft is in tip-top condition and free from potential legal issues.
PERMIT TO FLY
The permit to fly in the UK is a temporary or limited-use certificate. Unlike the Certificate of Airworthiness, which is a mandatory requirement for new aircraft, the permit to fly is, well, like any other permit: it grants the user the permission to execute a task, in this case, flying.
The Permit to Fly is issued when a C of A can’t be granted. This can be either because the aircraft doesn’t meet design standards, is vintage, amateur-built (DIY), ex-military or undergoing repairs or modifications.
The Permit to Fly is for any pilot who owns or builds an old aircraft or an aircraft using sub-par or vintage spare parts. In this case, the permit to fly is highly conditional and specific and is valid only under defined circumstances, often restricted to UK airspace. Permit to Fly may also limit the pilot to fly under strict VFR conditions unless special approval is granted by the relevant authorities.
There are two main types of permits:
Permanent (National)
The permanent permit to fly is granted for non-commercial and non-complex aircraft like microlights, DIY projects, and vintage aircraft that are expected not to meet the C of A requirements.
This permit is issued under Part 21 of UK Regulation (EU) No. 748/2012 and BCAR A3-7 (CAP 553). A permanent permit must be periodically validated via a Certificate of Validity and renewed annually after inspections.
Temporary Permit
The temporary permit is for temporary use-cases and limited and highly specific purposes when the aircraft is temporarily unable to hold a valid C of A or when the permanent permit has lapsed and a flight is needed. This flight can be for checking or positional purposes.
The temporary permit might be perfect for pilots who want an urgent approval for a flight. This permit can be issued within 5 working days compared to the 15 working days required for permanent permits.
Again, the temporary permit requires revalidation every year with maintenance inspections, and continuing airworthiness must be monitored by the owner or operator, often through appropriate regulatory bodies such as the Light Aircraft Association or the British Microlight Aircraft Association.
This permit is likely to restrict sales, export or international operations. For example, using this permit, pilots may not fly abroad longer than three calendar months per year unless they obtain additional permissions.
Which One Suits Your Flying?
By now, you may have a good idea about which type of permit or certificate you should go for. If you have a new aircraft, then you are likely to be issued a certificate of airworthiness by the manufacturer. Since new aircraft are built according to the most updated standards, you will have no problem obtaining and renewing the certificate.
However, if you are an enthusiast or someone who loves to build amateur aircraft, then your best bet would be to go for a permanent permit to fly. These permits are designed for aircraft that don’t fit the bill for airworthiness. For checking or positional flight purposes, you can even opt for temporary permits, which can allow you to test and tune the aircraft until it is perfect.
To get an idea about your aircraft, we recommend that you speak with the manufacturer to obtain more specific information about your aircraft’s airworthiness. If you co-own or own shares in an aircraft, then you can check with the flight school for more information.
Flight schools like Sherburn follow all regulations to the Tee, meaning that their fleet is up-to-date and safe from any legalities. Aero clubs also have dedicated maintenance teams on site that can help you with maintenance tasks for your aircraft.
These tasks are important because they allow your aircraft to be in the best condition possible. Sherburn also provides you with hangarage where you can store your aircraft and rest in peace, knowing that your aircraft is stored in a safe and highly regulated environment.
Permits, Certificates and Airspace
Along with obtaining the right permits and certificates for your aircraft, pilots must also be aware of the various regulations behind airspaces.
Airspaces, and particularly their categorisation, allow for seamless flight operations. Each type of aircraft is given its own airspace with various rules that need to be followed by the pilot. This ensures safety for all aircraft in the sky and allows the CAA to monitor all aviation activities effectively.
In the UK, pilots use the ICAO-standard airspace classes (A to G), with some modifications. These classifications determine the level of control, separation, and communication required between aircraft and air traffic control.
Here are the most common airspace categorisations:
Class A – Most Controlled
Class A airspace is for aircraft that fly above 19,500 feet; this is why this airspace is commonly referred to as the FL195. Class A is for busy airways around London and major airports. This airspace is reserved for Commercial airliners and high-performance IFR traffic only. It is perfect for aircraft with a Certificate of Airworthiness.
Since it is used for commercial activities, the Class A requires pilots to obtain an Instrument Rating (IR), which allows them to operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) only and receive full ATC separation from all other aircraft.
Class A airspaces don’t permit VFR flights, so this airspace is highly regulated and only specific aircraft with special clearance can fly during specific times.
Class B – Not Used in the UK
If you are a private pilot or an enthusiast seeking a temporary or permanent permit to fly, then you will almost never have to worry about Class B airspace. The class B airspace is reserved by ICAO for the highest level of control, where both IFR and VFR traffic receive full separation. However, Class B airspaces are not implemented in UK Airspace.
Class C – Rare Use
Class C is also rarely used and may be reserved for military activities. The Class B and C airspace are generally not for civilian operations, and Class B is not common in the UK airspace.
When used, Class C gets full separation from all aircraft. VFR flights are allowed but must be separated from IFR traffic. It is important to note that Class C airspace also overlaps with Class D, which is why they may often be confused, but they have a few key differences that distinguish them from each other.
Class D – Controlled but VFR-Friendly
Just like Class C, this airspace is also used for Control Zones or CTRs around regional airports. Class D airspace gets separated from IFR and VFR flights, and pilots must request and receive ATC clearance before entry. Pilots are also required to maintain two-way communication and comply with instructions while flying in Class D airspace.
Class E – Partially Controlled
Class E is typically placed in Control Areas or CTAs that link lower airspace to larger controlled areas.
These airspaces require pilots to obtain special clearance, upon which they receive full separation from other IFR traffic. VFR flights do not require clearance, but pilots are strongly encouraged to maintain two-way radio contact. Class Es require that pilots keep Squawk transponder code 7000 and listen on relevant frequencies if not communicating.
Class F – No Longer Used in the UK
Class F is no longer used in the UK. These airspaces were for Former Advisory Routes or ADRs and are now generally phased out in favour of Class E or G.
Class G – Uncontrolled Airspace
Class G airspace is usually found below controlled airspaces, especially in rural or low-density traffic areas. This makes it perfect for Permit of Flying aircraft, especially for temporary permits for positional or check flights.
Pilots are encouraged to fly as per IFR and VFR and do not require ATC clearance. In most cases, for these rural flights, pilots are responsible for their own separation and must maintain an altitude of below 3,000 feet, which is clear of clouds and in sight of the surface with 5 km visibility.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running on the first Sunday of every month.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran. The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on Private Pilot Licences, training requirements, licencing procedures, as well as experience flights and pilot training at Sherburn.
Photo by Koon Chakhatrakan on Unsplash
