MEP Hour Building

[nialgordon]

Hi all,

I don't post a lot on here (not at all), however, I'm currently looking for any recommendations for MEP hour building. I would assume the US may be the best option financially, however, I don't know how easy it would be to train/fly there with a EASA licence, i.e. what conversion training and exams are needed.

I am asking on behalf of a former student of mine, therefore, any input is greatly appreciated. Student holds UK issued EASA CPL with current IR(ME) and SEP/MEP.


All the best for the holidays

[MartinCh]

bear in mind most schools/aircraft rental companies in the US have 'company CFI onboard' in their insurance policy. Ie training and then subsequent consolidation/log time.

You (your friend or student) could rent some aircraft solo subject to min experience at select few places (and 5-10hrs with company instructor etc) or go to Aviator (ex-Ari Ben) and get checked out and then cost-share the time with 'safety pilot' FAA rated guy who doens't care about more strict regime across the Atlantic regarding logging PIC time. That company knows about the ins and outs and can advise accordingly or arrange the pilot who is NOT instructor but pays about half the rental after checkout. This info is not an endorsement of the quality etc. Just more feasible.

EDIT: as for 'conversion', rated pilot in ICAO country can request paperwork for 'validation/verification' of foreign licence. It's according to 14 CFR 61.75, so the 61.75 you see a lot. Plenty info on pprune and if you google relevant words and put 'site:faa.gov' it'd get you there pronto. UK, Australia and Malaysia licensed guys need extra baksheesh to aviation authority to process disclosing personal info to FAA, extra form, but it's all explained in there. I never dealt with UK CAA in this matter, but did it 3-4x from 2 different countries and helped few other guys.

It basically involves sending/faxing the form with medical and licence scans to USA, plus UK CAA form i applicable, then 3-5 weeks depending on workload and snailmail 'speed', then they fax or mail you to designated address (could be US address if tight schedule and don't want to miss the letter), you then book visit to FSDO office and your licence, medical (could use FAA medical if original expires after the validation request, later on), LETTER and done. Temp 'airman cert' in hand and then they mail the plastic one later. If short time in US, just keep your European address as that's where they'll mail it after. You can just change it after getting the verification letter wherever/faxed to.

Word of caution: Any licence number change (ie renewing JAA to EASA and adding rating etc) or address requires redoin the whole shebang of verification letter and meeting with FSDO inspector. These can be done within the 6 months of validity of the letter, otherwise Oklahoma FSDO got tied hands. Even 1 or 2 weeks after 'expiry' which is bureaucratic crap. Not kiddin, happened to me once.

If you want to be PIC on IFR flight or in IMC in USA, you need to do the short instrument foreing pilot written exam as well. That gives you extra privileges subject to complying with the rules, flight review, IPC etc, which can be all done during checkout. Lots of the timebuilding sharing cost is done at night at Aviator to make the most of night/IFR/XC/twin time for ATP requirements, Part 135 etc.

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

[Metlik]

Here in Latvia is possible to rent BE76 for 300 eur/hour. I dont know is the good price or not, but it is minimum what I saw.