Under FCL.700, when is a class or type rating not required for a pilot to act as pilot of an aircraft?

A class or type rating is not required if the pilot is exercising LAPL privileges, taking skill tests or proficiency checks for renewal of class or type ratings, receiving flight instruction, or holding a flight test rating issued under FCL.820. (Note: from 18 February 2026, GPL privileges are also included.)

What are the four exceptions to the requirement for a valid class or type rating under FCL.700 as applicable until 17 February 2026?

The exceptions are: (1) exercising the privileges of an LAPL; (2) taking skill tests or proficiency checks for renewal of class or type ratings; (3) receiving flight instruction; (4) holding a flight test rating issued in accordance with FCL.820.

How does the applicability of FCL.700 change from 18 February 2026 according to Regulation (EU) 2025/134?

From 18 February 2026, the exception for LAPL privileges is expanded to also include GPL privileges, so the exceptions become: exercising LAPL or GPL privileges, taking skill tests or proficiency checks for renewal, receiving flight instruction, or holding a flight test rating under FCL.820.

Under FCL.700, what special authorisation may a pilot hold for flights related to the introduction or modification of aircraft types?

The pilot may hold a special certificate given by the competent authority, authorising them to perform those specific flights. The authorisation's validity is limited to the specific flights.

In the case of flights related to the introduction or modification of aircraft types, what is the validity of the special certificate issued by the competent authority?

The validity of the special certificate is limited to the specific flights for which it is issued.

Does FCL.700 require a class or type rating when a pilot is receiving flight instruction?

No, receiving flight instruction is one of the exceptions listed in FCL.700(a), so a class or type rating is not required in that case.

What is the regulatory basis for the version of FCL.700 applicable from 18 February 2026?

The version applicable from 18 February 2026 is based on Regulation (EU) 2025/134.

Under FCL.700, is a class or type rating required when a pilot takes a proficiency check for renewal of a class rating?

No, taking skill tests or proficiency checks for renewal of class or type ratings is an exception, so a class or type rating is not required in that situation.

What is the applicability date of the amended FCL.700 that includes GPL privileges as an exception?

The amended FCL.700, which includes GPL privileges, is applicable from 18 February 2026.

Under FCL.700, can a pilot holding a flight test rating issued under FCL.820 act as pilot without a class or type rating?

Yes, holding a flight test rating issued in accordance with FCL.820 is one of the exceptions, so a class or type rating is not required.

FCL.700 Circumstances in which class or type ratings are required

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FCL.700 Circumstances in which class or type ratings are required

Regulation (EU) 2025/134

(a) Holders of a pilot licence shall act as pilots of an aircraft only if they have a valid and appropriate class or type rating, unless any of the following applies:

(1) if exercising the privileges of an LAPL;

(2) if they take skill tests or proficiency checks for renewal of class or type ratings;

(3) if they receive flight instruction;

(4) if they hold a flight test rating issued in accordance with point FCL.820.

[applicable until 17 February 2026 - Regulation (EU) 2020/359]

(a) Holders of a pilot licence shall act as pilots of an aircraft only if they have a valid and appropriate class or type rating, unless any of the following applies:

(1) they exercise the privileges of an LAPL or a GPL;

(2) they take skill tests or proficiency checks for renewal of class or type ratings;

(3) they receive flight instruction;

(4) they hold a flight test rating issued in accordance with point FCL.820.

[applicable from 18 February 2026 - Regulation (EU) 2025/134]

(b) Notwithstanding (a), in the case of flights related to the introduction or modification of aircraft types, pilots may hold a special certificate given by the competent authority, authorising them to perform the flights. This authorisation shall have its validity limited to the specific flights.

Details

Source-Title: FCL.700 Circumstances in which class or type ratings are required View latest amendments

Erulesid: ERULES-1963177438-10602 Compare versions

Domain: Aircrew

Applicabilitydate: 18 February, 2026

Entryintoforcedate: 18 February, 2025

Regulatorysource: Regulation (EU) 2025/134 Navigate

Regulatorysubject: Part-FCL

Typeofcontent: IR (Implementing rule)

Origin: EASA

Category: EAR

FCL.700 Circumstances in which class or type ratings are required

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