Thanks SoCal App,
Yes I have a full Australian licence. I also have a full UK/JAA, UAE and Malaysian licence (along with expired Singapore and Qatar licences). I got my first Licence in Singapore (because that was where I was living when I got the overwhelming urge to just do it! - it would have been far cheaper and faster to do it back home in Australia - and as it turns out without this unexpected hassle!) I initially flew in Australia on a validation of my Singapore licence (issued by CASA as a Special Pilot Licence) but went through the process of getting a FULL CASA licence after I moved back. I do not understand what PURPOSE it serves to note on the licence that I held a foreign licence prior to obtaining the Australian licence. I did the full flight test and took the relevant written papers. The hours gained while flying under my Singapore licence were obviously credited to me...meaning I did not need to fly 40hrs in Australia....The notation seems to be totally unnecesary and serves only to detract from the validity of the licence.
I undestand this is between me and CASA....It is right that the FAA are concerned that if they are going to issue an Airmen's Certificate on the basis of a foreign licence and they go to the trouble of verifying with that authority, then the licence should be a full, unrestricted licence issued by that authority and especially not valid only when carrying a third country licence. My point is that my licence is a full, unrestricted licence but the irrlevant wording on my licence puts this in doubt.
As far as my past leaglity goes. Maybe you are right. But I have been flying in the US with the same licence (which I notice has the same wording) and it has been checked by the origninal FSDO as well as numerous CFIIs since. I most recently flew in late 2009 - with the paper certificate - which was sighted by the organization where I did my BFR and rented. I have also been an AOPA member since 1997 and keep up with the US regulations. The paper certificate remained legal until 2010 - even though plastic certificates were issued for several years before this.
Anyway I am now asking the FAA to verify my UK licence - which has no reference to any foreign licence under which I gained the necessary flight experience.