As the U.K. prepares to leave the European Union at 23:00 UTC this evening, the European Aviation Safety Agency and the UK Civil Aviation Authority have confirmed that the transition period will mean that EASA regulations continue to apply until at least the end of December this year.

“Following the country’s exit from the EU on 31 January, the UK is entering a transition period during which EU law will continue to apply and the UK and its aviation sector will continue to participate in the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) system while the future UK-EU relationship on aviation is determined. During the transition period the UK continues to be party to the EU Air Services Regulation and mutual recognition provisions established under the EASA Basic Regulation.  Existing agreements between the EU and third countries, such as those relating to air connectivity and aviation safety, will continue to include the UK. As a result, businesses and individuals operating in the UK should see no change to existing conditions during the transition period, which is due to end on 31 December 2020.”
In short, for the next eleven months the status quo applies, and we will continue to monitor and update our members as and when more advice is issued.  We are working closely with the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department for Transport on issues directly affecting our members, most particularly in terms of mutual recognition of Licences and Certificates.

Whichever side of the political spectrum you’re on and no matter where you are based, we know that aviation has always brought the world closer together and allowed us to easily cross borders.  We look forward to continuing to be part of that strong, close-knit and friendly industry well into the future.

Further information is available at the following links:

https://info.caa.co.uk/brexit/
https://www.easa.europa.eu/brexit