Since the enactment of the Easy Access Rules for Aircrew,(1) pilots operating aircraft registered in an EU member state or pilots residing in an EU member state operating aircraft registered in a third country, for non-commercial operations, must hold a licence delivered by the competent authority of an EU member state. However, the regulation provided for the possibility for member states to postpone the entry into force of this requirement until 20 June 2022.
By an order dated 10 October 2018,(2) the French government initially postponed the requirement until 20 June 2020 and subsequently issued further postponements, which finally expired on 20 June 2022.
Accordingly, pilots residing in France are no longer allowed to operate aircraft registered in a third country (such as the United States) unless they hold a European licence.
For further information on this topic please contact Charles Derollez at Odi-se Avocats by telephone (+33 1 7935 0750) or email ([email protected]). The Odi-se Avocats website can be accessed at www.odise.com.
Endnotes
(1) Regulation (EU) No. 1178/2011 of 3 November 2011 laying down technical requirements and administrative procedures related to civil aviation aircrew.
(2) Relating to the enforcement of the Easy Access Rules for Aircrew.