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The Pilots Desk
UK-CAAConverting a foreign pilot licence

How to validate your ICAO third country licence

Read the official rule

The UK Civil Aviation Authority provides a way for non-UK pilots with ICAO third country licenses to validate their credentials temporarily. This validation is meant for specific operational needs when there are no qualified UK license holders available, and it does not replace the standard conversion process for pilots seeking longer-term employment in the UK.

Key points

  • Non-UK ICAO licenses can be validated temporarily under certain conditions.
  • Validation is a short-term solution for immediate operational needs.
  • Long-term employment requires the conversion of a foreign license to a UK license.

*Plain-English summary of UK Civil Aviation Authority guidance — always consult the official source (linked above) for current, authoritative requirements.*

This is an original plain-English explanation for training and reference, not legal advice and not for navigation. Always rely on the current official rule linked above. Last reviewed June 15, 2026.