jmore. .If what you say is true I can only say that I am utterly gobsmacked at the arrogance of the JAA powers-that-be. Not only do they want to protect jobs in Europe by refusing to recognize other ICAO states' commercial licences but they are trying to do the same in America. More fool the FAA for allowing this to happen. Call me old-fashioned but it quite clearly states in my copy of FAR/AIM that you need a FAA CPL to work as a pilot for pay in the US. There is the facility for a special authorization for foreign CPL holders to be granted the right to work, but this is aimed at long-haul airline pilots based temporarily in the US.. .JAR-rated pilots can swap their licence for a PPL and take a BFR but can only fly privately. If what you are saying is true, how are JAA instructors working in the States getting away with it? If it's not totally above board it would have serious insurance implications in the event of an accident.