In other words, UK military pilots looking for exemptions must have their licence issued by the UK CAA, French military pilots looking for exemptions must have their licence issued by the French DGCA etc. Each State will have different levels of exemption for its own military, depending on what they have declared to EASA.
Some limited credits are available for UK Military pilots. The authoritative document is the UK CAA publication CAP 2254(MAAS). The information below is only a summary and necessarily omits much of the detail. Military pilots are urged to read the CAP carefully. We have summarised the regulations in flowcharts for fixed-wing and rotary-wing pilots.
It is important to read CAP2254(MAAS), using the link above, to understand both the flying credits and the theoretical knowledge credits available. You must apply to the CAA to register as a qualified military pilot (QMP) to gain these credits by completing the form SRG 2133 which can be accessed here. Failure to submit the form, which includes providing copies of qualifications and validation of flying hours and receiving a confirmation of your QMP status, may mean that you will be unable to book your final exams until the situation is resolved as the CAA will demand proof of training, including KSA.
UK Military Accreditation (Aeroplane) flowchart
UK Military Accreditation (Helicopter) flowchart
Credits are given to graduates of Elementary Flying Training (EFTGs), graduates of the Single Engine Rotary course (SERPs) and for military pilots that have progressed to the end of the flight training system and have been awarded their wings (Qualified Military Pilots, QMPs). Other specialist qualifications such as an operational category on multi-pilot aircraft attract further exemptions.
The CAA has said that if you are a qualified military pilot relying on exemptions, you will need to sit your examinations with the UK CAA, and you are also required to do your flight tests with an ATO that holds a UK CAA approval.
Amendment to CAP 2254 credits for QMPs
Much anticipated changes have been announced concerning Theoretical Knowledge Instruction (TKI) credits for military pilots obtaining civilian UKCAA professional licences – with effect from April 2026. Please visit this link which outlines the recent changes to theory examination and training credits for QMP (A)’s and QMP (H)’s.
Issue of a PPL or Light Aircraft PPL
EFTGs, SERPs and QMPs are exempt from any formal training requirement but need to pass all the exams and skills test and satisfy any other normal requirements for PPL issue, helicopter or fixed wing, as appropriate.
Enhanced Learning Credits
Our ATPL(A) & ATPL(H)/IR courses are eligible for Enhanced Learning Credits and we are an approved training provider. UK Military Personnel with ELCAS must apply initially through their education centre, our provider code is 1030. If you are entitled to Enhanced Learning Credits and you would like to enquire about one of our courses, please complete our ELCAS enquiry form and we will be in touch soon.
The ELCAS course contains computer-based training material, question bank and video library access covering all 13 ATPL subjects. Students who are exempt from certain examinations will receive access to all 13 subjects should they wish to standardise their knowledge against the civil aviation syllabus.
BGS refund requests
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For more information on the flying required for ATPL conversions, please visit UK Flying
