Yes you can zoom, it's been discussed here before.
But we'll do it again if you like:
- Go to the FAA website www.faa.gov
- Click on "quickfind"
- Look for "foreign pilot"
- It should lead you to this document:http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certific...erify61-75.pdf
- Fill everything out according to the instructions
- Select a FSDO of your choice
- FSDO stands for "Flight Standards District Office"
- You can find a suitable location on the FAA website
- For the IR to carry over you need to take a written test
- It's called the "foreign pilot instrument written test"
- Nothing needed to add the ME just tick the box.
- Pick up the paperwork at the FSDO, this takes up to 60 days.
- You will need a Flight review in acc with 14 CFR 61.56
- And a Instrument proficiency check before you can act as PIC
You will be in possesion of what is known as a " restricted license".
It is restricted because it is based on and carries the restrictions of the foreign license, including the experiation dates.
You can add anything and everything to a "restricted foreign based" license, IR, ME seaplane, balloon, glider anything by taking the appropriate training and checkride with FAA examiner.
The Foreign IR does
NOT carry over if you do an FAA CPL checkride.
So if you want to have IR priviliges on your US CPL you need to take an Instrument practical test w/ examiner first. Which requires a normal "Instrument written test".
Cheers,