Making an application for an annual Permit to Fly Certificate of Validity
Your Microlight requires an annual Certificate of Validity in order to ensure its continued airworthiness. The paperwork required for submission is remarkably straightforward, but can be delayed needlessly if care is not taken with paperwork or payment.
What is a Permit to Fly? It is effectively a permission for your Microlight to remain available for you to use that will not expire unless suspended or revoked by the Civil Aviation Authority. However, an annual Certificate of Revalidation is also required to enable you to legally fly it.
How do I obtain a Certificate of Revalidation? You will need to arrange for a BMAA inspector to inspect your aircraft. Providing the inspection is successful, the inspector will complete a 2-page inspection worksheet. The aircraft will also need a check flight, which can be done by any qualified pilot who is a BMAA member, including yourself if this applies; a 2-page check flight schedule will also need to be completed for this. Finally, you will need to complete a single page application page (Form AW001) and, if applicable, a trustee grid detailing all of the registered owners of the aircraft. The 5 (or 6) pages will then need to be sent to the BMAA together, and payment made. This can either be done through your online BMAA account, or sending the 5/6 pages in .pdf format to permits@bmaa.org and making the applicable payment through the BMAA's online shop.
How do I find a BMAA inspector? You can search for one near to you here.
How long do I have to complete the check flight after inspection? You have a generous 60 days following inspection to complete the check flight in order to allow for inclement weather or other issues, but even a day outside this window will mean the aircraft needs to be reinspected. Providing the Certificate of Validity for the aircraft is current you can complete the inspection and check flight in any order (within the 60 day window).
What if the Certificate of Validity is not current? How can I conduct a check flight? A successful inspection generates a Flight Release Certificate, meaning special permission is granted only for the purpose of conducting a check flight. For this reason, when your Certificate of Validity has lapsed, the inspection must be conducted before the check flight.
How long before its expiry can I apply for a new Certificate of Validity without losing currency? You can apply up to 60 days prior to expiry without risking losing any currency, i.e. your new Certificate would run for 12 months from the original expiry date. If you apply earlier than 60 days in advance of the expiry date, then the new expiry would run from the date of the check flight completion (or inspection if this was completed last). We would encourage you to apply a minimum of two weeks prior to the Certificate of Validity's expiry to ensure no break in flying.
How long will it take to get my Certificate of Validity after applying? This will depend on accuracy of the paperwork, payment, and whether any technical documents (like weight reports or modification applications) are submitted with it, as well as the volume of permits in the BMAA system at the time (summer is by far the busiest period so apply well in advance if possible). Taking 15 minutes to check you have followed all instructions and completed all aspects accurately could make a huge difference. Sending all paperwork in.pdf format (converted from .jpeg if necessary) via your online BMAA account or to permits@bmaa.org and paying the correct fee for your weight of aircraft will minimise the chance of delay. The BMAA take great pride in turning around most permits within 2 working days, but this can only be guaranteed for applications without issues to resolve. You can check receipt and progress of your application here. Please note that there are no circumstances where errors or omissions can be resolved over the phone. You, your check pilot or inspector should only respond in writing via e-mail to permits@bmaa.org or replying to the administrator who e-mailed you directly.
Where do I find all of the application paperwork? On this page.
