How To Convert A Foreign Pilot License To An FAA Certificate

 
 

UPDATE: We are now offering a guided conversion service to convert your license. The application can be done online but you must visit our office to complete the validation. The total cost for this service is $300. This cost includes the $250 for the Designee and a $50 processing fee for the school. If you are interested in this service please click below and email a scanned copy of your certificates and medical.

Private Pilot (PPL)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is great when it comes to converting a foreign based Private Pilot. If you reference [14 CFR 61.75], a foreign pilot who holds a private pilot license may convert that license to an FAA Private Pilot Certificate with just a few steps listed below. All aircraft ratings listed on the foreign license will also transfer and the best part of it all is that there is NO additional testing!  

Instrument Rating (IA)

If you have the foreign equivalent of an FAA instrument rating, [14 CFR 61.75(d)] states that it can be converted to an FAA Instrument Rating after passing the FAA knowledge test. This does not require a check ride, and the knowledge test can be completed up to 24 months before applying for the conversion. This is one many school aren’t familiar with.

Commercial Pilot (CPL) & Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)

Here is where things get tricky! If you have a Commercial or an Airline Transport Pilot, the FAA will only give you a Private Pilot foreign based. To earn these FAA certificates, a foreign pilot first needs to receive an FAA Private Pilot with the conversion process and then complete the Commercial or ATP Certificate training. You must complete both a knowledge test and a practical test, as well as all of the required aeronautical experience. Now foreign time does count so you will probably only need the required training from a Certified Flight Instructor which for a CPL is 20hrs [14 CFR 61.129(a)(3)].

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Foreign pilot license verification. The first step in converting your foreign pilot license is the validation by the FAA. You can find the application on this link. The FAA will contact your home country to verify that you possess a valid and current pilot license and then send you a verification letter. This process takes a while, sometimes up to 90 days and once you have that letter you have 6 months to complete the whole conversation process. It is important not to let this time lapse, as it will require another verification.

2. Contact our school prior to arrival. When you arrive to the United States or ideally before you arrive, we will set up an appointment with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) who will review all of your paperwork. Here is what you will need:

  • Completed an Airman Certificate Application (FAA Form 8710) Online. We can help you!

  • Speak, read, and write English fluently.

  • Hold a current FAA medical certificate (at least 3rd Class). We can also help find your doctor!

  • Obtain your instrument rating knowledge test if you wish to convert an instrument rating as well.

The DPE will issue you a temporary certificate which you can use to fly and then a plastic license is mailed to your address.

3. Continue training for a CPL or ATP. If you are not a US Citizen you will need to complete a TSA background check prior to commencing training and the required visa. Once approve can then begin training toward a commercial pilot certificate. If you already possess a foreign commercial pilot the training will be simple and faster since you will already meet most requirements.

Don’t forget to also get the written test done. I suggest preparing for the written test before coming to complete the training. It will save you the stress!

More information from the FAA you can visit their site at: https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/foreign_license_verification or simply give us a call! We would love to help you with the process.