Converting ICAO ATPL (Canadian) to EASA
 

Hi everyone and a Happy New Year!
I need you input regarding a conversion. :ugh:
I have a Canadian ATPL with over 7000 hours total time and 2000 hours on the NG.
I have recently relocated in Europe (have European passport) and I want to get the EASA ATPL but i got mixed information relating to the process.
1. Can I get a validation and work `till I get my EASA licence?
2. How long it will take me to convert?
3. Would I be able to transfer my 737NG on the EASA licence?
4. Do you know or can you suggest any TRTO that does this?
5. And how much it will cost?
6. Do I buy a type rating while I am doing my conversion?
7. What was your experience converting your licences?
8. Which is the better Civil Aviation Authority to deal with?
Your help and suggestions would greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance. :)

Hi Pa31t, happy new year. I am not able to answer all of your questions, but I'll try my best.

1- I'm not sure but I don't think so.
2- It depends on you as you need to sit the 14 EASA ATPL exams. I reckon that holding an ICAO ATPL you are not required to take the whatever minimum classroom-hours needed to sit the exams, however I strongly suggest that you follow a course. I understand it is at least 6 months. (Bristol GroundSchool, which I recommend).
3- Yes, however you are required to pass a check ride.
5- Talking about the ATPL theory I guess around 3000 pounds? Double check on BGS website.
6- Sorry, I did not get the question.
8- I'd say the UK CAA, and I heard the Irish CAA is also not bad to deal with. You may want to verify whatever is cheaper for you and then convert the license, it is not cost free, obviously. I would avoid both Italian CAA and Spanish CAA.

:ok:

I really appreciate your help. I got in touch with UK caa and waiting for info regarding my case.
I will post the process as it unfolds cause i`m sure there are more guys like me out there.

Cheers!:)

@pa31t

Anything heard from the CAA? Would be keen to see some information posted as am in a similar situation.

Cheers!

@pa31t @sahni

Wondering if you guys have further information on this? I'm in a similar spot and am starting to look into it and would love to get information from someone who's done it.

What materials / programs did you use for study?
Where did you take the exams? I've heard some countries are cheaper than others.
Time / cost that it took?
What's the fastest route?
What's the most economical route?
What's the best CAA - Irish and UK mentioned above... others for english speakers?

Thanks!

What is your background i.e. hours on which type etc? This will dictate the way forward with your conversion process. But manland_visual has it pretty well summarized. I completed my conversion in June

The UK CAA is notorious for taking ages with responses. I would avoid. I've recently transfered my licences to Sweden and I always get a response within 24 hours. For the record, I don't speak Swedish. I'm not sure if this is just the case for Sweden, but there is no actual conversion per se - instead, you apply for a reduced course based on a foreign licence. I just did this to get my EASA ME IR based on my FAA SE IR.

You could also try the Irish Aviation Authority - very friendly.

You can self-certify for the exams if you have the hours required (see CAP 804), but you won't pass the exams on knowledge alone. Some sort of guidance is required.