FCL.700 Circumstances in which class or type ratings are required

(a)Holders of a pilot licence shall act as pilots of an aircraft only if they have a valid and appropriate class or type rating, unless any of the following applies:

(1)if exercising the privileges of an LAPL;

(2)if they take skill tests or proficiency checks for renewal of class or type ratings;

(3)if they receive flight instruction;

(4)if they hold a flight test rating issued in accordance with point FCL.820. [applicable until 17 February 2026 - Regulation (EU) 2020/359]

(a)Holders of a pilot licence shall act as pilots of an aircraft only if they have a valid and appropriate class or type rating, unless any of the following applies:

(1)they exercise the privileges of an LAPL or a GPL;

(2)they take skill tests or proficiency checks for renewal of class or type ratings;

(3)they receive flight instruction;

(4)they hold a flight test rating issued in accordance with point FCL.820. [applicable from 18 February 2026 - Regulation (EU) 2025/134]

(b)Notwithstanding (a), in the case of flights related to the introduction or modification of aircraft types, pilots may hold a special certificate given by the competent authority, authorising them to perform the flights. This authorisation shall have its validity limited to the specific flights.