View Full Version : Going to America-a-a-ah
agfoxx
23rd Dec 2018, 13:14
Hi guys
I'm being relocated to Boston for work, for at least a year, maybe more.
From a regulations point of view, what would I need to do to start flying there?
I've got a UK NPPL (microlight 3-axis and group A) and about 160 hours in a combination of microlights and C152/172.
Thanks!
bafanguy
23rd Dec 2018, 14:08
Answer might be in here:
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/61.75
hoodie
23rd Dec 2018, 14:18
Unfortunately 61.75 doesn't apply to an NPPL, since that is not an ICAO (i.e. internationally recognised) licence and therefore cannot be used as the basis for a piggyback FAA certificate.
Your options are probably (1) Upgrade your NPPL to an EASA PPL SEP before you go (rules changed on this recently - not as relatively straightforward as it once was) then use the 61.75 route on arrival; (2) Train for a US certificate when you get there, or; (3) Find an ultralight flight school or Club under Part 103 (https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/22640).
Option (3) won't get you flying "Group A" in the US though.
bafanguy
23rd Dec 2018, 14:25
Never heard of a UK NPPL. So much to know...so little time ;):
https://www.caa.co.uk/General-aviation/Pilot-licences/UK-national-licences/NPPL--national-private-pilot-licence/
n5296s
23rd Dec 2018, 17:48
By far your best bet is to find a school that will get you an FAA LSA license. If you have a visa that allows you to work you won't have a problem with that. You will almost certainly need to get TSA approval, but that's a straightforward exercise in bureaucracy.
Mark 1
23rd Dec 2018, 18:27
There could be an issue if you are working on a J visa. That only allows the training and conditions specified and you can't have an additional visa to cover the flight training.
An H1B or similar wouldn't restrict you.
Upgrading to a full PPL before you leave would allow you to get a US certificate under FAR 61.75 without any Visa conditions or TSA approval.
agfoxx
23rd Dec 2018, 20:06
Thanks everybody!
patowalker
24th Dec 2018, 14:48
Go for an FAA PPL. You will be credited with the hours with the ICAO compliant instructors who trained you for the NPPL SSEA. The FBO will sort the TSA clearance for you. They are legally obliged to screen applicants and will not apply to the TSA for clearance unless they are satisfied all is in order. It is not as if they are teaching you to fly and "the FAA have confirmed 14 CFR 61.3 permits the holder of a UK-issued sub-ICAO licence, such as the NPPL or LAPL, to operate a US (N) registered aircraft within the UK."
Your 3-axis microlight hours will count for experience too.
agfoxx
24th Dec 2018, 15:08
Go for an FAA PPL. You will be credited with the hours with the ICAO compliant instructors who trained you for the NPPL SSEA. The FBO will sort the TSA clearance for you. They are legally obliged to screen applicants and will not apply to the TSA for clearance unless they are satisfied all is in order. It is not as if they are teaching you to fly and "the FAA have confirmed 14 CFR 61.3 permits the holder of a UK-issued sub-ICAO licence, such as the NPPL or LAPL, to operate a US (N) registered aircraft within the UK."
Your 3-axis microlight hours will count for experience too.
Thank you!
Skylark58
24th Dec 2018, 20:02
May I ask if an EASA LAPL is of any use in obtaining a reciprocal US licence, even a Sport or Recreational Pilots License? Do you need an EASA Class 2 level medical? (I have an LAPL Medical)
May I ask if an EASA LAPL is of any use in obtaining a reciprocal US licence, even a Sport or Recreational Pilots License? Do you need an EASA Class 2 level medical? (I have an LAPL Medical)
I may be proved wrong but when I applied for my piggy back licence nothing under a Full PPL, Flight Crew Licence with a class two medical would get you a Piggy Back licence. So answer is no, you need a Full PPL with class two medical.
patowalker
26th Dec 2018, 15:00
May I ask if an EASA LAPL is of any use in obtaining a reciprocal US licence, even a Sport or Recreational Pilots License? Do you need an EASA Class 2 level medical? (I have an LAPL Medical)
The short answer is no. Sorry.
The LAPL medical is very similar to the FAA Class 3, required for a PPL. I should know, because I have one examination and pay for two. :)