When I converted my NPPL microlight to include Group A (SSEA) 2 years ago by completing a GST, the CAA sent me a new paper licence complete with small blue wallet. The licence as it was would not fit into the wallet pouches and, as the parts were segmented on the document, I decided to cut them up into logical parts and place each one in a pouch in the wallet.
My bi-annual check recently showed that my licence in the state it is, cut into pages, is void. This was confirmed by the CAA. Having completed the necessary forms plus a payment of £46 I awaited the new licence.
Today, I have received an e-mail from the CAA stating that I must now take a language profiency test, which will be additional cost by the examiner. Plus photo ID and confirmation of this. If I fail to do as instructed within 30 days my application will be cancelled and charged £108.
This seems over the top to me but willing to stand corrected. I have copied the e-mail below:
[B]Thank you for your recent licensing application.
Your application has now been assessed and I can confirm that we are unable to process your application any further until you have met the following licence requirements:-• No ICAO Language Proficiency held. The holder of a Flight Radiotelephony Operator Licence (FRTOL) is required to hold a current and valid UK ICAO language proficiency which has been tested by a UK authorised examiner. As per CAP 804 Section 4 Part M – ‘Privileges’, to exercise the privileges of a Flight Radiotelephony Operators Licence (FRTOL) the holder must have English language proficiency Level 6, or non-expired English language proficiency at Level 4 or 5 in order to operate the aircraft. This can be done on form SRG1199.
You are required to comply with the above outstanding requirements within a period of 30 working days, from the date of this email/letter, otherwise your application will be cancelled, personal items returned and a fee for the initial assessment will be charged, which is currently at £108 as per our scheme of charges. We will also charge a CAA refund Policy fee of £25.00. This information is available on our website at http://www.caa.co.uk/ors5.
Customers are required to comply with all licence requirements before applying for a licensing service. Your application will be held in our pending section for the above period.
Should the initial cost of the entire application be less than the assessment fee, then the full fee will be considered as the cancellation charge and you will not be entitled to a refund.[/B]
Any folk out there with more knowledge of this care to comment/advise – I would be grateful.
RichardF
Southampton
By: Moggy C - 28th September 2014 at 08:16
The Lakenheath CMATZ controllers can deliver a high speed continuous stream of words , but are highly consistent so very easy to deal with for locals. Visitors can struggle a bit.
They have learned to say “Ay – Tee – Zed” though 🙂
Moggy
By: Cap10 - 27th September 2014 at 22:26
Just reminds me of returning to our airfield a couple of weeks ago,farnborough asked us to contact another facility(military) for the continuation of our flight this was all well and good but the speed of delivery from the controller was lightning and difficult to understand not just by us but other pilots in the area as well.
They need to slow down a bit especially for us folk down south!
By: John Green - 27th September 2014 at 11:55
I think I’ve worked out why they are insisting on English language proficiency tests. They must be receiving a continuous barrage of complaints about the incomprehensiblity of spoken English as delivered by ATCO’s almost everywhere.
English is my first language, as is, I imagine, the ATCO’s. But, such is their rate of delivery; probably in excess of 150 words per minute that it is almost impossible to get the gist of their message. Why is this? Is it some attempt to demonstrate ‘professionalism” and ‘efficiency’ ? Heaven alone knows how commercial crews cope.
By: Moggy C - 27th September 2014 at 11:39
Ranting at the CAA is highly unproductive, a bit like head-butting the Great Orme. But if it makes you feel better give it a go.
When I changed from my lifetime CAA to the new blue thing I applied for the aerobatics endorsement based on grandfather rights. They refused it as the ‘Remarks’ column in my log books didn’t contain the word ‘aeros’ or ‘aerobatics’ sufficiently.
I tried pointing out that with over 100 of my hours hours logged in Yak 52, Stearman, Extra 300, 152 Aerobat and RV4 it was certain that anybody in their right mind would have accrued 12 hours aerobatics, but they were adamant. I also offered to write ‘aeros’ in a few remarks spaces retrospectively. That also was taken a dim view of.
Find yourself an examiner and get him to sign off your ability in English.
By: RichardF - 27th September 2014 at 10:11
Thanks Moggy. However, I will put the CAA licence office to task on Monday just to rant at them somewhat. The funny thing is that if I had not cut my licence up, how would the CAA then inform me of this essential test I have to take? Agree, bollox!
Richard
By: Moggy C - 26th September 2014 at 21:49
I’m afraid you do have to have the language endorsement.
Latest bit of bureaucratic bollox, even for native born British.
Moggy
By: Moggy C - 26th September 2014 at 21:48
I’m afraid you do have to have the language endorsement.
Latest bit of bureaucratic bollox, even for native born British.
Moggy
By: RichardF - 26th September 2014 at 19:06
Thanks Tony, I do intend to call them on Monday.
Richard
By: TonyT - 26th September 2014 at 18:49
I cannot comment, but cutting you licence up does void it, my engineering licences when renewed I have to send the old ones in so they can chop a corner off voiding it. But I would phone them up, CAA licencing is cr*p, you are simply replacing the licence you already hold so get on the phone and argue your corner. If you get no where with the phone fodder ask to speak to their manager.
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September 26, 2014 at 5:14 pm