Permit to Fly vs Certificate of Airworthiness: What’s the Difference
If you’re new to buying or selling in the UK GA market, “Permit to Fly” and “Certificate of Airworthiness” get used constantly — and confusingly, since they sound like they mean roughly the same thing. They don’t, and the difference actually affects what you can do with the aircraft.
Certificate of Airworthiness (CofA)
A CofA is issued for aircraft built and maintained to full type-certified standards, generally under EASA/UK CAA oversight for the design. It’s the more heavily regulated route, usually associated with factory-built aircraft from manufacturers like Cessna, Piper or Cirrus, maintained under an approved maintenance programme. It typically allows a wider range of operations, including some commercial use, depending on category.
Permit to Fly
A Permit to Fly is issued for aircraft that don’t hold full type certification — this includes most homebuilts, many older or ex-military types, and aircraft maintained under LAA or BMAA oversight rather than full CAA type certification. It’s a lighter-touch regime in some ways, but it comes with restrictions: permit aircraft generally can’t be used for hire or reward, and there are limits on the kind of flying and sometimes the airspace you can use.
Why this matters when you’re buying
The certification basis affects what you can actually do with the aircraft day to day — whether you can rent it out, use it for training for reward, and in some cases whether certain avionics or modifications are straightforward to fit. It’s not a signal of aircraft quality either way; permit aircraft maintained under LAA oversight can be immaculately kept. But it does change what ownership looks like, so check it matches what you actually plan to do with the aircraft.
Why it matters when you’re selling
Be explicit about which category your aircraft holds, and don’t assume buyers already know. A buyer who’s shopping for a permit aircraft and one shopping for a CofA aircraft are often looking for genuinely different things, so being clear upfront saves everyone time and avoids awkward conversations after a viewing.
Where to check
If you’re unsure of an aircraft’s exact status, the maintenance organisation (LAA, BMAA, or your CAMO) holding its records is the definitive source, and any current logbook should state it clearly. When in doubt, ask before you view.
Every listing on SkyMarket states the certification basis up front, so you can filter to what actually fits your plans. Selling? Make sure your listing is just as clear — list your aircraft here.
