TC ATPL conversion to FAA ATP

[CG4A]

I've been receiving conflicting information regarding conversion of a Transport Canada ATPL to an FAA ATP for helicopters. At one time, it was one simple exam, but now appears that the requirement is a full write of the ATP exam and an FAA checkride. Comments? Additionally is the process of having a TC ATPL make a commercial FAA license any different?

[Gordy]

Nothing conflicting.

14 CFR 61.153 (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgFAR.nsf/0/B57885D836695D1C86257BAA00701EBD?OpenDocument)

Sec. 61.153

Eligibility requirements: General.

To be eligible for an airline transport pilot certificate, a person must:
(a) Meet the following age requirements:


(1) For an airline transport pilot certificate obtained under the aeronautical experience requirements of §§ 61.159, 61.161, or 61.163, be at least 23 years of age; or
(2) For an airline transport pilot certificate obtained under the aeronautical experience requirements of § 61.160, be at least 21 years of age.


(b) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft;
(c) Be of good moral character;

(d) Meet at least one of the following requirements:


(1) Holds a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating issued under this part;
(2) Meet the military experience requirements under Sec. 61.73 of this part to qualify for a commercial pilot certificate, and an instrument rating if the person is a rated military pilot or former rated military pilot of an Armed Force of the United States; or

(3) Holds either a foreign airline transport pilot license with instrument privileges, or a foreign commercial pilot license with an instrument rating, that--


(i) Was issued by a contracting State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation; and
(ii) Contains no geographical limitations.

(e) After July 31, 2014, for an airline transport pilot certificate with an airplane category multiengine class rating or an airline transport pilot certificate obtained concurrently with an airplane type rating, receive a graduation certificate from an authorized training provider certifying completion of the airline transport pilot certification training program specified in § 61.156 before applying for the knowledge test required by paragraph (g) of this section;
(f) Meet the aeronautical experience requirements of this subpart that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought before applying for the practical test;

(g) Pass a knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas of Sec. 61.155(c) of this part that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought;

(h) Pass the practical test on the areas of operation listed in Sec. 61.157(e) of this part that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought; and

(i) Comply with the sections of this subpart that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.

There is no straight conversion for any license other than private. You have to take the written and practical test. Even for commercial you would have to do a written and practical test.

Of course most of us fail on para C.

[CG4A]

Thanks Gordy.....but to convert to an FAA CPL is a simple exam from what I can decipher, correct?

[malabo]

Read the circular: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1027574

Medical, written exam, application, interview at FSDO. I did the ATPL - ATPL, don't know about CPL. In Canada for the CPL flight test you really need to know how to fly, like range variance autorotations and confined areas, something ATPL guys seem to know nothing about, driving back and forth to 10,000' runways in simulators.

[paco]

Especially if Jim Gray is your examiner..... :)

[Gordy]

Thanks Gordy.....but to convert to an FAA CPL is a simple exam from what I can decipher, correct?

Nope. There is NO conversion. The only license that can be obtained through conversion is a private license as per 14 CFR 61.75. See Here (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgFAR.nsf/0/56D0240EC0FE7FA58625768F005C1C7D?OpenDocument)

All other licenses require a written and practical test.

Here are the requirements for a commercial license, for which I might add you have to have hold an FAA private license. 14 CFR 61.123 (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgFAR.nsf/0/D933856223AF6A6886256959004BFEC7?OpenDocument)

[rotor342]

CG4A just follow Malabo's post. I did my TC ATPL - FAA ATP (H) conversion last August - no practical test required.

[Gordy]

Clearly the regulations have not caught up to the AC. The current revision fo 14 CFR 61.153 is dated 2013, yet the AC is 2015.

So my bad-----sorry. You are correct, follow the AC.

On a side note: Technically "Advisory Circulars" are non-regulatory in nature. They only provide guidance. Many years ago, even though I followed the guidance of an AC, and the FAA admitted that I did, it differed slightly from the regulation.... I lost my license for a period of time because the regulations take precedence.

[SASless]

At least the standards for Section (C) seem to be be becoming more lenient over the past twenty years.....or so it would seem!

That or I evaded detection all that time!