Validate the license from JAA to FAA

[Ersami]

Hi to everybody!

I have decided to validate my Commercial Pilot CPL(A) / IR-ME license under European legislation in USA. I have found some websites with information of the steps to follow. But I don´t really know how is the process once I´ll arrive to the USA. I have to do theorical exams and practice exams, but can I do them in any flight school or there are especific schools? Should i go to a presential classes again? If there is anyone that has passed this process any help will be grateful, Thanks!!

[Transsonic2000]

First off - welcome to the forum!

It should be mentioned that if you don't have the legal right to live and work in the US (e.g greencard; US-Passport) it's pretty much pointless to do the JAA (CPL) to FAA conversion.

Basically there is no such thing like a license conversion/validation beyond the PPL level, no matter if it's FAA to JAA or vice versa!

No matter what level of license you hold, the FAA will only issue a PPL license which is based and valid in conjunction with a current foreign license only. For further details see link below:

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: (http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=893435c6e0537689f37cb309b3a99299&rgn=div8&view=text&node=14:2.0.1.1.2.2.1.10&idno=14)

For the issuance of a full independent FAA PPL check the following link:

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: (http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=ed84d22909fd04c74fd8918da1087e9c&rgn=div6&view=text&node=14:2.0.1.1.2.5&idno=14)

As you already said correctly, in order to get an FAA CPL/IR you would need to pass the respective theoretical and practical tests.

FAA instrument rating requirements (Part 61.65)
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: (http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=893435c6e0537689f37cb309b3a99299&rgn=div8&view=text&node=14:2.0.1.1.2.2.1.4&idno=14)

FAA CPL requirements (Part 61.121)
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: (http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=893435c6e0537689f37cb309b3a99299&rgn=div6&view=text&node=14:2.0.1.1.2.6&idno=14)

Since you already hold the JAA CPL/IR you probably comply with (most) of the aeronautical experience required for the FAA CPL/IR and only little or no additional flight instruction would be needed to be ready for the check-ride.

Under Part 61 (Part 141 doesn't apply to you, it's only relevant for ab-initio candidates) no classroom instruction is required to prepare for the knowledge/theoretical test. Preparation for the written test can be done all by yourself at home. There are several commercial vendors providing home study "courses"/material which are approved by the FAA (e.g. like ASA: FAA Test Preparation) (http://www.asa2fly.com/FAA-Test-Preparation-C9_category.aspx) you can find it on Amazon as well.

It's also possible to take the FAA knowledge tests in Europe, you'd only need an endorsement form a FAA instructor (which can be obtained from me, just drop me a pm).

For further information on FAA testing in Europe see the following link: http://www.pprune.org/professional-pilot-training-includes-ground-studies/371815-taking-faa-atp-written-test-europe.html

Regarding the "conversion" I'd recommend to get in touch with a flight school in the US and see what they say would be the best approach to get the "conversion" done (e.g. License Conversions: ICAO to FAA (http://www.flyoft.com/license-conversions/to-faa.html)).

[Transsonic2000]

@ SoCal App:

No need to offend people who are just trying to provide help!

Nowhere in his post does he make the slightest comment about seeking work in the US. Correct, but he doesn't mention the opposite as well - so who knows!

N reg do live outside the US..
If he wishes to fly N reg commercially within Europe then it makes complete sense that he needs to get his FAA tickets. Certainly, since there are so many of them in Europe.

[Transsonic2000]

One can surmise that as he is from Spain and wishes to get a FAA CPL - whilst making no mention of seeking work in the US, that he is simply looking to open up opportunities within Europe. Well, whatever his career intentions may are -we both don't know! But one thing I can tell you for sure, since I'm living in the EU and holding an FAA CPL myself, an FAA license won't open any commercial flying opportunities in Euroland!

[KAG]

I have decided to validate my Commercial Pilot CPL(A) / IR-ME license under European legislation in USA.

No useless and confusing vocabulary like "frozen ATPL" or "OACI licenc(s)e"... That's a first I beleive.

Congratulations for asking clearly what you want!

[mad_jock]

There are commercial jobs using N reg FAA license holders butit all may change with EASA.

In fact the OP might actually be in quite a strong position if they require dual licensing to operate/base a N reg in the EU.

There is a heap of stuff on this subject in various parts of the forums.