Hi Special_ig,
Firstly ensure you have an ICAO licence. A JAA or CAA PPL will be fine for this. An NPPL will not suffice as it doesn't conform to ICAO guidelines.
Then on the FAA website download and fill in the following form:
http://registry.faa.gov/docs/verify61-75.pdf
Important notes to the above form:
Block 4 (Address you want your copy of the verification letter sent to): Use your home address. Or if you're running low on time use the address of the flying school you're renting from (don't forget to ask them to keep it for you).
Block 10: The name and address of the FSDO (Flight Standards District Office) that you will visit to apply for and receive the actual FAA PPL. A list is available on the following address:
http://www2.faa.gov/avr/afs/fsdo/index.cfm
Send the above form to Oklahoma by fax on 001 (405) 954-9922 (this can be verified at
http://registry.faa.gov/airmen.asp#verify).
Now with the FAA stuff out of the way, you'll need to fill in a form for our own CAA.
For form you need is SRG1160:
http://www.caa.co.uk/publications/p...ails.asp?id=521
Fill in the above form and send it to the CAA by Fax or snail mail using the number / address provided on the form. Do not forget to include the payment information / cheque for £15!
Once the above is done the following will happen:
a) The FAA will send you a confirmation of receipt that they have received your application. This confirmation will be sent probably same day or next working day to the email address you provided (if any).
b) The FAA will send an a request to the UK CAA for them to confirm your licence is valid etc.
c) The CAA will take the money off you
d) The CAA will then send a confirmation back to the FAA.
e) The FAA will send you an email informing you that the application has been successful.
f) The FAA will send a "Letter of Authenticity" by snail mail to the address provided in the FAA Form Block 4 and the FSDO (Provided in Block 10 of the FAA Form).
All you'll need to do when you arrive in the USA is to give the designated FAA a call to arrange an appointment (normally required since 9/11 for security measures at the offices). Then trundle off down to the FSDO with you CAA/JAA PPL, Medical, Passport, Logbooks, your copy of the verification letter from the FAA and anything else you feel important, fill in an 8710 FAA Form (provided at the FSDO) and they will type out a temporary FAA PPL for you there and then (for no fees whatsoever).
Hey presto you'll have in your hands a temporary FAA PPL issued under FAR 61.75 which means it is based upon the validity of your ICAO PPL (most probably a CAA or JAA PPL). The permanent FAA PPL will be posted to your home address within three months from the FAA in Oklahoma.
Once you have this go and get your BFR signed off and you'll be good to fly N registered aeroplanes for the next two years (then another BFR will be required).
Have a great time in the USA (where are you going?).
Best wishes,
Charlie Zulu.