Convert CAA to FAA?

Question

How I can covert any flying License to FAA? Do I have to come to the States to do that? is there anyway to do it while I am in other contries?

Answer 1

This is a tricky one to answer. I have been through the process a few times with people and I still don't fully know how it works. To make matters worse, each FAA guy I talked to had a different answer each time, so even they aren't totally sure what to do all the time.

Start by thoroughly reading the following very carefully. It will largely depend on what ratings you hold in your country, and what ratings you are seeking here in the US.

http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates...

For private certificates and instrument ratings, read here:

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/tex...

Let me summarize my understanding here. Try and confirm all of this on your own and for your own case.

I don't think you can do it from your own country.

I do think your medical certificate from your country is good here as long as it is current.

Please double check.

First, before you can apply for any FAA certificate, you must have them validate your foreign certificate. You must send them the required documents at least 90 days in advance, and receive written confirmation from them. Keep all of these documents!

Next, you will have to come to the US and apply for the certificate you want at one of the FAA offices (the last answer gave you a link to find an office in the area where you will be in the US). They will confirm the documents you have received from the validation, as well as your ID, etc. You will not have to have the background check due to the fact that you already know how to fly an aircraft (that is, you are not applying for initial training). They will issue you a temporary certificate right there.

For Private Pilot Certificate

If you have a private in your country and want a private in the US, then you just go through the steps above and they give you your certificate. That's it. (See the regulation 61.75 above).

For an Instrument Rating

Again, from 61.75, it looks like you will need to take the written test in addition to the documentation and validation.

For a Commercial Certificate

You will have to get the private certificate above, complete a written test, complete flight training with an instructor, meet all experience requirements (see below; you don't have to get that experience in the US, it just has to be in your logbook somewhere), and take a practical test to get the certificate. I cannot find anywhere that allows you to convert a CPL directly.

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/tex...

Minimum Experience in Logbook

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/tex...

For ATP Certificate

If you want a FAA ATP, then you will have to have an ATP or a Commercial+Instrument in your own country. Then you will have to do the written test and a practical test in the US. You can use your foreign licenses to meet the prerequisites, but you still have to do the tests here.

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/tex...

Minimum Experience in Logbook

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/tex...

There are only three cases where you would need a background check:

1) You have no experience at all, and you will get your first private pilot certificate in the United States.

2) You don't have an instrument rating at all and you want to train for one in the US.

3) You don't have a multi-engine rating at all and you want to train for one in the US.

https://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov/a...

Definitely contact the FAA to confirm your situation prior to coming, and definitely do it 90 or more days in advance.

Airmen Certification Branch

http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates...

If you have to do a practical test, you will need to do some flying at a school near where you are staying and then use their aircraft for the test. You can find flight schools on the following sites:

http://www.flightschoollist.com/

http://flighttraining.aopa.org/learntofl...

http://www.bestaviation.net/

http://www.aviationschoolsonline.com/sch...

I hope this helps. Good luck with all the paperwork.

Answer 2

When I was still teaching people to fly, in the 90s, you had to go to any FAA FSDO, present your foreign issued license, and the FAA would issue you a US license with a restriction "valid only when in possession of the _____ (original license)".  You did not have to do any written or practical tests.  You might had to have a valid US medical license though - I am not sure.

Now, after Sept 11, there may be more security precautions.  They may be required to run a background check on you - I know it is required for flight training of non-US citizens.

To find out exactly, I would call any FAA FSDO - you can find them at http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/fiel...

Also, research www.faa.gov - the answer may be somewhere on their web site.

If you were a AOPA member - you could call them and I am sure they also would know the answer.  If you are a member of any pilot association in your country they may also be of help.

Answer 3

You need to go to the states and get a validation. This means as long as your licence is valid in the country of origin then it is valid in the states. The only problem with this is you can not get a rating in the states and then fly that aircraft on you original licence/counrty