Originally Posted by SD.
In times gone by you was correct, but I believe it has changed. You need a FAA PPL, either stand alone or issued on the back of your JAA PPL. If you have the latter, then the letter of authenticity issued by the FAA needs to be within 6 months of issue.
I know this because I never had a FAA PPL (just JAA) and on the day of my FAA CPL checkride the examiner wouldnt let the checkride start because of this.
Correct SD,
My fault for not explaining properly but snowed under at work at mo so typing too quickly!!!.
You get your FAA PPL based on your JAA licence that allows you train for the FAA CPL.
My point was that you do not have to undergo full training and checkride for the FAA PPL, you just go straight for the CPL - despite some flight schools trying to convince you otherwise. Thereby saving your self 45+ hours and a checkride.
Its worth also stating that you can add an FAA IR to your FAA PPL in this case also without having to take the full FAA PPL.
However make sure you meet all the logbook requirements before you go for the checkride!!!! Mate went for his and as he didnt hold a Night Qualification he didnt have the required night hours (the FAA PPL includes the night flying privledges). Didnt get discovered until the examiner looked at his logbook leaving him very upset and instructor very embarressed!