converting JAA ATPL, type rating to USA
 

Hi All

I'm a JAA ATPL holder working as a commercial pilot in Europe, who's lucky enough to also have a US passport.

I did all my training in Europe and have only JAA licenses, medical etc.

If I wanted to work for a US airline in the future, what are my options? I know there aren't many jobs now in the USA, but I'm interested in the legal issues relating to license conversion.

I know I can convert a PPL and even an instrument rating (by taking a test) but I could not find any information on converting a full ATPL, let alone a type rating.

Does anyone have any information or links that would be helpful?

Thanks in advance.

this is simple,

you have to study the IR and the CPL theory (2 big big books you can buy online). when in the USA(when u are on vacation), find a free lance CFI in a small airport , do some hours on a light twin ( 150$/h ), and he will sign you off for the written exams(much harder than the ATPL, fully pass or fully fail and mainly based on experience and not stupid theory from the CAA ) , and the IR-multi check ride.

and u need a FAA first class medical, 70-80$ for a 30 minutes visit, harder than the JAA one, they look if you can fly, not if you can open your wallet)

and get the FARAIM from the FAA.gov website, and forget all the JAA **** you have learned in Europe...

If you were doing a type rating in the U.S. - which you may decide to 'cos there a lot cheaper than over here - I believe you can take your FAA ATP test in the simulator as part of it if you get an FAA examiner in.

Just another possibility incase (like me) you don't fancy the IR test in a GA twin again.... Whaaaaa ;)

right, a type rating on the b737 should cost around 12000$.When you get your type rating, you will receive in same time the US ATP(if you have over 1500tt).

it is not the CPL you have to study, but the ATP book. A good book is the gleim from Dr. Gleim.

to be sure, contact a FSDO(flight service district office) in the USA.
And you have to check with the TSA too!!!

Kijken,

For your ATP I can recommend All ATPs inc. Did the FAA ATP 2 years ago in a few days. They have different programs that will suit you.

www.allatps.com

Other than that, there should be a document on www.JAA.nl named 'conversion' that describes FAA <-> JAA. Or check FAR 61 on the regulations section of www.landings.com

cheers