Flying in the US with EASA PPL(A)

[JAJW]

Hi everyone.

I am planning a trip to Miami in August and was hoping to make the most of the cheap flying in the US, $83/h wet for a Cessna 152. I have an EASA PPL(A) and I am unsure of the procedure I would have to go through to be able to fly in America.

If anyone has any experience with this or knows the process, I would appreciate your help.

Thanks

James

[Ebbie 2003]

Look for threads on "piggyback" FAA PPL on here and Google generally.

There is a relatively straightforward procedue to be issued an FAA PPL, if you plan to rent from a school or FBO used to renting to UK pilots they will be sble to take you through the process.

Also the TSA clearsnce procedures.

Be wary of deals that seem too cheap - even block booking $83 sounds low $100 -115 sounds more realistic, plus the renter insurance spread over the hours - no matter ehat it'll still be cheaper than the UK.

[JAJW]

Thank you for your help with this, Ebbie, I will get researching and give the FBO a call. I must admit, it did seem too good to be true. Hopefully, if all goes to plan I will post some amazing aerial shots of South Beach on here in the summer! :O

James

[Straighten Up]

Hi James

I'm getting a 152 for about the same rate in California. $115 was the cost for a 172 at that place. I'd get on with the FAA approval ASAP though as they can take up to 90days to invite you to your interview (although mine was within about 6 weeks last summer). If you are just hiring you don't need any TSA approval but if you are doing any training then you probably will.

Enjoy.

SU

[BackPacker]

Under 61.75, the FAA can "validate" your foreign, ICAO-compliant PPL. You will be issued a "piggyback" (formally called 'based on") FAA PPL, which is only valid as long as the underlying PPL is valid, and implicitly carries all restrictions and limitations of the underlying PPL. (An EASA PPL is ICAO compliant, so can be used for this.)

Start here: Airmen Certification - Verify the Authenticity of a Foreign License, Rating, or Medical Certification (http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/foreign_license_verification/)

To make the "piggyback" licence legal, there's two more things required:
1. A valid medical. Either the medical that goes with the underlying licence, or an FAA class III medical is required.
2. A BFR no more than two years ago. This consists of an hour groundschool and an hour in the air and will be handled by your FBO.

An M-1 visa and TSA clearance is NOT required if all you are doing is renting an aircraft and a BFR.

Note that the process may indeed take long, since the FAA has to contact your local *AA to verify the authenticity of your licence. And since certain countries, including the UK, have strict data protection laws, the FAA will not be able to verify the authenticity of your licence with the UK CAA unless you sign a waiver for the CAA that they may release your details to the FAA.