Unless it has changed, the FAA would usually issue an restricted licence on the basis of a foreign pilots licence. However if you require an unrestricted pilots licence you were required to comply with the relevant experience and testing requirements. As far as the ground examination requirements are concerned this used to involve ( and perhaps still does) studying answers for 1000 published questions and paying your fee and sitting the exam.
In Europe most of the examinations are multiple choice these days and no doubt there are similar study materials. If the examinations are different or more difficult, or more expensive or even more expansive, then that is something you as a candidate will need to address. If it is the case that the US examinations are more difficult then the same will be true for reverse applicants. That is life and tough luck !
Different countries and different supranational authorities lay down their own standards in respect of licensing. If you want to convert from one to the other, you will need to comply as necessary, no matter how unfair or difficult you find the process.
This is not just true in respect of pilots licences, but even in relation to travel between the two trading blocks. If a pilot from Europe wishes to operate a flight into the United States, they will be required to set aside a few weeks to apply for the necessary visa. Pay the high cost of application, and then travel to their nations Capital city at not inconsiderable expense, to queue for most of the day to attend an interview. Then wait for the visa to be returned by post. This for the delight of often having to queue for hours each and every time they then need to use that visa to enter the USA. Citizens employed as crewmembers of that country, are not made to reciprocate. In most cases they need no visa, are quickly processed in to European nations with little fuss or hinderance. Maybe you should include that with your rant to your congressman ?
If you want to excercise your "dual citizenship" and work in Europe, then you will require the relevant licence. However difficult you might find that, others have achieved the relevant standard. If you think you are good enough then you should have little difficulty. If you think a dispensation should be made for you, then make the necessary application to the appropriate authority. However your congressman (if he isn't in court on some public decency violation charge this week,) is probably unlikely to be of much help in this regard.
Last edited by Bealzebub; 21st Apr 2008 at 17:03.