PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Moved to Germany; How can I keep my FAA PPL current without flying to the US?
Old 17th Jan 2019, 20:44
  #7 (permalink)  
LTCTerry
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Augusta, Georgia, USA (back from Germany again)
Posts: 234
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Pedantic Instructor hat on: You don't have a "BFR" and with 130 hours probably never did. "BFR" disappeared in 1997. The FAA prefers - in writing - the term "Flight Review" because "biennial" means "two years" and the period for a Flight Review is not two years, but rather "24 calendar months."

I was able to get a then-German-now-EASA PPL using my FAA Private Pilot Certificate. I had to take the Air Law and Human Performance(?) tests and a practical test with an examiner. I later converted the German license into a modern EASA one. I'm glad I did this, but actually only flew a few SEP - single engine piston - hours in Europe.

Some thoughts about flying in Germany. What you would think of flying in the US is called "Echo Klasse" in Germany. This is generally really expensive to fly. A nice 172 can approach $300/hour. What you would call "Light Sport" in the US is an "Ultralight/Ultraleicht" in Germany - "Mike Klasse." Some of these are really attractive, fun flying airplanes. You can transition into one of those quite readily.

"Everything" in flying in Germany is expensive. Every written test. Every time something needs to be added to your license like language ability. Every renewal. You will need an expensive radio license. Unless you speak German you will be very limited in where you can fly as most fields will not have someone in their "tower" who speaks English - at least not pilot English.

Maintaining an EASA license can be a daunting experience. It must be extended every two years. In the last 12 months you must have flown at least 12 hours, though no more than six of these can be with an Instructor - FI(A) - on board. You must have at least one hour of dual in the last 12 months of the 24. Of fly with an examiner...

In Munich you have access to some great glider flying opportunities. When the US Army sent me to Germany in 2011, I became a glider pilot. It's a great experience. You are very close to the incredible German Alpine Soaring School. The Germans invented high performance soaring. You can fly where they did that, too.

I have a good friend who instructs just outside of Munich. I can put you in touch with her. She can get you on the right track for training and paperwork. Excellent English - colloquial and aviation.

You will definitely be able to find someone who is an FAA CFI there who can help you keep your FAA ticket current. But, I'd ask the question, "Why bother?" If you are going to be in Germany for an extended period of time, you'd need a checkout wherever you go when back in the US. Make that the reset FR. After all, you will be a current pilot, even if not "FAA current." BTDT.

Look at glider flying, Touring Motor Glider (TMG), or "Ultralight" as much more cost affordable options. Do you speak German? Mine was rather good when I arrived and pretty amazing after two years of weekends at the glider field! (He says modestly.)

My yahoo! is ltcterry2006@ - just send me an email and I'll give you some information about where to fly/train.

Hope the above doesn't make me seem like a "Debbie Downer." Germany is expensive and Bureaucratic when it comes to flying - "only rich people can afford to fly."

The people in German aviation are great. Once you get to know some people you will begin to have access to all sorts of experiences and some really cool, old aircraft you'll never find in the US. Enjoy it!

One closing though. The FAA doesn't care what you fly or what country it's registered in. Flight time is flight time.

Terry
LTCTerry is offline