EASA CPL FI to FAA CFI

[mcdonnst2]

Have been looking but can't find a definite answer.

Anyone know how hard it is to convert a EASA fATPL and instructors rating to FAA.

I just found out I can get a 1 year visa and thinking of heading to Florida or similar and build up some time.

From what I found out for the CFI all I need to do is 3 hours and 2 written tests. Is this correct? Is there a flight test for the CPL?

Thanks

[nick14]

I think it would be FAA writtens, then CPL training and test and then look at the CFI stuff. I'm guessing that there is some credit although I doubt as much as you quote.

The FAA system is quite different, and as a CFI you would need to know all that.

Interested to find out though as I'm hoping to do the same.

[zondaracer]

I hold both the EASA FI and FAA CFI.

Some things to know:

In order to have an FAA CFI certificate, you need to first have an FAA Commercial AND instrument rating. You will have to pass both knowledge tests, meet the requirements, and pass the flight tests.

In order to pass the CFI flight test, you first need the two knowledge exams completed (CFI Airplane and Fundamentals of Instructing), and there is no minimum requirements for the flight training, so your time sitting in the right hand seat during your EASA FI training will save you some time adapting to the right side. The tough part is doing the FAA commercial maneuvers if you have not done these before. The other tough part is the FAA oral exam. You can expect a mental beating to last about 5-8 hours or longer. The ATPL knowledge you gained in Europe will come a long way, but you need to get spooled up on the FAA way of explaining things, particularly the FARs (know these inside and out, mostly but not limited to Part 61 and part 91, also NTSB reporting requirements), knowing the AIM, and the FOI. You will also need to memorize both the Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards which can be found for free on the FAA website. You will lastly need to develop your own lesson plans.

[sapperkenno]

What is this "one year visa" of which you speak?

[mcdonnst2]

Thank you for your replies.

Looks a bit more involved than at 1st look but all totally reasonable.
Was looking at it as building experience in Ireland is painfully slow and would like a good solid year with the head down to Instruct as much as possible.

@sapperkenno I will be graduating with a degree this year and there is a 1 visa for recent graduates. For Irish anyway's.

Does anyone know if there is a demand for dual qualified pilots at the EASA schools or will it be hard to get a position. 560 TT and 200 hours instructing.

I also have a 2 year visa for Canada and this is now looking as a better option as it will lead to permanent status. Similar conversion criteria only there is a mandatory 15 hours flying and 15 hours theory. Anyone know if there is a demand in Canada at the moment. I would prefer Vancouver as I have friends there but I would imagine jobs there are highly sought after.

[pablo]

There is a demand for dual-rated instructors, but for now it's easier for the flight schools to give the required training to FAA instructors, rather than dealing with the visa process.

The 1 year visa, may not be valid if it only allows you to work/study in the field you have studied. i.e. if you have a degree in BA you may not be allowed to work as flight instructor.

IMHO the market in the US is hard, but since there's such a huge aviation industry, there is always something going on. In Europe the competition is as fierce, but aviation is a smaller industry, so it's always more difficult to find an opening.