USA - Didn't read the small print (which is now much bigger!)

[type1]

Just a quiet plea on my part to ask whether anyone else has made the same mistake as me?

I'm planning to go to the USA to do some hour building in middle february. I bought my ticket and booked my plane in October. I then read about the two forms you need to send off to get the FAA Licence (to the UK CAA and FAA). At the time I remember reading somewhere - can't find it now - that it was only valid for 30 days once it has been issued so you need to pick it up in that time.

I thought - ok - won't bother faxing off the forms til then end of december then. MISTAKE! Was surfing last night and now all I find is MUST BE SENT IN AT LEAST 90 DAYS BEFORE on every single site I visit - I can't for the life of me seeing it before!

Yikes!

Anyone know if I will be ok? I sent it about a week ago and am praying that the 90 day thing is flexible?

Any info would be great!

type1

[youngskywalker]

Mine came back in a couple of weeks, that was with the UK CAA. you need to send the CAA a cheque for I think £16 before they will release your information to the Feds. The paperwork (foreign pilot verification) will be valid for 6 months maximum.


It may be the case that they have approved your paperwork but you are still awaiting the post from the States. If this is the case then you could phone the FAA HQ at Oklahoma and ask to speak to Andrew Cargill, I've lost his number I'm afraid. They may be able to fax you a copy of the letter.

Hope this helps.

YS

[type1]

cheers for the reply YS - makes me feel better!

Won't have to be begging for a refund on that non-refundable ticket yet!

I only just sent it off last week - including the payment to the CAA - oh that reminds - is there any particularly logical reason why the UK CAA charge for the "service" of releasing the data when the FAA don't charge for converting the licence?

type1

[Keygrip]

type1 - yes, two reasons.

Firstly the UK Authorities simply accept your Internationally agreed right to fly in their airspace on an ICAO pilot licence issued in some other ICAO state - you are allowed to do, so go do it. End of story.

The FAA also agree to that right - but then insist that you have a bit of paper (or plastic card) with FAA written on it, so they make you jump through all those hoops to get it.

The second reason is that as the UK CAA is a private company (not a government body) they charge the people (customers) who use their services.

The FAA is a Federal agency and is, therefore, paid for from taxation - so every tax paying citizen, resident or visa holder of the United States pays for the service on your behalf.

When you come over here and use the "FREE" services offered by the FAA, please remember to thank the girl in McDonalds that cooks your evening meal. She is paying for the service for you.

[type1]

Nothing quite like having someone pay for something on your behalf is there?!

Thanks for the info Key.

type1