Because of the approaching deadline of 17 September for issuing new-format EASA pilot licences, the UK Civil Aviation Authority has warned that it will have to shut down its Licensing and Medical Departments for a short time to prepare for this.
The CAA says it will be unable to process any pilot licence or rating applications on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 September 2012, and that its counter service at the CAA's Gatwick headquarters will be unavailable, while telephone inquiries will only be handled during the morning on both days.
The CAA says that the temporary suspension of the licensing service is to allow a major IT systems upgrade to take place ahead of the introduction of EASA pilot licences on 17 September, to enable it to begin issuing the new EASA licence formats from that date. The CAA says that anyone wishing to apply for a new UK National or JAR licence, or make a change to an existing UK National or JAR licence (for example adding a rating), will need to submit their application by 7 September 2012 to ensure it is processed before the upgrade. After 17 September 2012, only EASA and National licences will be issued. The CAA has issued an Information Notice with more details.
Source: Flight International
