Can I fly on my CASA(Aus) PPL in Spain/France?

[clearpr0p]

Hi folks,

I'm a brit who got his PPL out in Australia. I was looking into hour building in Europe/USA. It seems there is a lot of admin to get through before I can hour-build in the states. Would be really grateful if there is anyone out there who can share with me their experience of license verification/airmen certification between yourself/CASA and yourself/FAA and time period to expect. I sent the admin off 6 weeks ago but have heard zip. I've tried emailing them to confirm they have received my faxed documents and that the ball is rolling but again heard zip. If I dont hear anything by mid May I would probably have to forget about the states which is a shame.

So, in light of the above, I am also considering Europe. I know from the CAA CASA holders can fly in the UK no problems, but it is rather expensive here and weather inconsistent. I was interested in some of the Spanish flying schools. Can anyone confirm whether they could fly in Spain (and France?) on their CASA licenses as in the UK:) or is there more admin like the US?:bored:

thanks for any help,

[zondaracer]

In Spain you must do a license conversion which involves two written exams and a PPL flight test.

[172driver]

Suggest you have a look (search) at the FAA 'based-on' license threads in the Private Flying forum on here. There's loads of info. Doesn't seem too complicated, though (don't know from personal experience, I have full standalone FAA and JAR tickets).

As a general rule, flying in the US is A LOT cheaper than in Europe (FYI in Spain they've just gone completely mad with landing fees and mandatory handling charges). I would definitely go to the US rather than Europe.

Btw, why not Oz? I know, flying ain't cheap Down Under, but if you factor in all costs, travel, etc, ??

[clearpr0p]

I just heard back from the authorities so at least I know the ball is rolling regarding the states!

172, live in the UK and not an Aussie. With the exchange rate at Aus$1.7:1 GBP flying down under no longer attractive. Just a few years ago I think it was 2.7:1 GBP which makes it similar to US prices. Otherwise I would gladly fly about down under. Now I'm looking at UK/Europe/States. It would be brilliant if the GBP appreciated in value :}


Zonda-Racing/Others: Thanks for your contribution-am not too keen on paying for more flight tests for non P1 hours or paper exams. I did however come across an interesting contribution, from '07, although It relates to FAA licenses in Spain which suggests otherwise (i.e one can fly with an ICAO license). If anyone else is interested I have researched from multiple sources day VFR ICAO CASA PPL is acceptable in France (will need to confirm with French CAA) so it makes sense, CASA being a tougher license than the FAA and both are ICAO, that day VFR may also be acceptable in Spain. I'll try again to get in touch with the Spanish CAA to confirm & let you all know what I find out.

Meanwhile if there is anyone out there from a CASA/(Spanish) CAA background, your thoughts will be valued, thanks.

05/02/07 Contribution:
Yes, you can. BUT - you will have to get a 'certificate of recognition' from the Spanish authorities. To this end you will need:
- a copy of your log book certified by public notary
- a copy of your license and medical certified by pubilc notary
- various forms
- patience: it takes anything from 2-6 weeks

The way to proceed is:
- find a place where you want to rent from, e.g. Aerodynamics in Malaga
- contact them
- send them the above docs
- hope your cert arrives in time

Thereafter, flying in Spain is great

PS: your post doesn't state which license you hold, I am assuming FAA. Should it be a national European (especially German or Austrian), there are a few other options, as some FTO/FBOs have D-reg a/c