Converting FAA PPL to UK equivalent

[AJ_Daubz]

Hello! I'm looking at getting my PPL, with the ultimate goal of going for the ATPL modular route.

I'm interested in doing the PPL over in the USA, mostly due to the weather which I've heard can be quite frustrating when trying to do a PPL in the UK.

I'm just wondering what would the process be to convert the FAA PPL into a UK one. I've read about only being able to fly USA registered aircraft with an FAA PPL, which would potentially make the hour building difficult.
Has anyone done this before that could maybe shed some light on the process for me? Would it just end up being more effort than it's worth?

I'd really appreciate any insight, thanks! :)

[selfin]

Will you really need to convert the foreign licence? Any ICAO PPL is sufficient for enroling in the UK/EASA ATPL theoretical knowledge & CPL modular training courses.

Should you wish to obtain a UK Part-FCL PPL, you'll need, inter alia, to either (1) have experience of 100 hours of flight time as a pilot or (2) undergo whatever training that a UK training organisation deems necessary, before attempting the PPL skill test. In case (1) you'll only need to write two of the UK PPL theory exams but in case (2) all nine must be written. Routes 1 and 2 respectively are addressed at https://www.caa.co.uk/general-aviation/pilot-licences/aeroplanes/third-country-licence-conversion-requirements-from-1-january-2023/

You may apply to UK CAA for a validation of the ICAO PPL. This would allow you to fly a UK-registered Part-21 aeroplane in a non-commercial operation for up to 28 days in the calendar year. The validation requires only acclimatisation training with a UK instructor and some UK CAA paperwork—no UK medical, no UK PPL exams, no UK PPL skill test. The validation is a useful option for reaching the 100 hours of experience needed under route 1 for a PPL conversion, should you really need one. Detail about the validation are in art 8(3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/723, as retained and amended by the UK, available from UK CAA at https://www.caa.co.uk/uk-regulations/aviation-safety/basic-regulation-the-implementing-rules-and-uk-caa-amc-gm-cs/aircrew/