Originally Posted by
gooneydog
If you get an FAA private licence based on a foreign licence you will still HAVE to pass an FAA private flight test don"t ask how I know this.........
This is 100% incorrect.
There is a validation process that you must follow which consists of a paperwork shuffle between the FAA and your ICAO country. Once the validation process is completed you meet with an FAA checkride examiner or Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) present your papers to him/her for inspection and get an FAA Pilot Certificate printed out on the spot.
After that, in order to operate as PIC, you must conduct a flight review with a flight instructor, all FAA pilots do this every 2 years. FAA certificates never expire, but our privileges to act as PIC expire after 24 months unless we do this. Because of the way the regulations are written a pilot who has received an FAA Certificate based on a foreign certificate have to do this prior to operating an N-registered aircraft. This is NOT a test.