Licence conversion Aust -> USA
 

Hello all.
Just wondering how to convert Australian CPL licence into USA CPL?
Who do I contact?
How much?
Anyone done it?


Thanks

Knox.

Sorry I can't comment on exactly what to do, but I've converted the other way (USA - AUS) and feel fairly confident in saying that you should be in business pretty quickly.

You'll find that the FAA (www.faa.gov) are helpful and common-sense, at least by CASA standards. Best to drop them a line or call them when you get over there and they'll be able to give you the complete run-down.

Most likely, you'll have to sit a knowledge exam (decidedly different to CASA - it's computer based but shorter and a single exam). They may give you credit on this like CASA do and only require an air law/regs exam for conversions. Then no doubt you'll have to do a flight test with an examiner. Again, decidedly less stressworthy than an AUS test.

Best sources of info:
First get yourself a FAR/AIM. It's a paperback book printed each year that contains the bulk of USA air law. You can pick them up in Australia from some pilot shops.

Many pilots self train (theory wise) in the US, and there are a number of CD/DVD based study programs you can purchase. See www.sportys.com/pilotshop for one of the USA's biggest online pilot shops. ASA and other companies have some reasonably priced video lessons and study materials.

After that it's up to you with the FAA and the local flight school. Again, I think you'll find it generally much easier to get airborne over there than the other way around. More VORs than you can poke a stick at, and lots more aerodromes. Tonnes of radar coverage and controllers are generally happy to give VFR fligh following, of that's your operation.

Good luck!!!

Icarus

Recommend contacting the FAA FSDO nearest to the region you intend to fly (info on website or in an AF/D).

You will not find it too difficult - even if writtens and a flight test required. You need to do the single and multi on sep flight tests......unless you are really lucky and can perform half the test with one shut down:ok:

Shame we cannot swap - I am doing the opposite here in Oz and finding clear cut answers a bit tough to come by.......

If it is in N Cal, drop me a pm.

FAR 61.75 is what you need.

You'll find it here.
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...4/14tab_02.tpl

To get a usable CPL you'll need to take the CPL written and
a CPL checkride (Two checkrides if you want single and multi)

If you are instrument rated you'll need to do the IR Written as well if you want to add that.

You also need to bear in mind that you will have to sort out the necessary admin paperwork before going there ie Visa, TSA etc. The school should be assisting you in this. Finger printing will be done in USA.

Verification of your foreign licence can be done few weeks before and also the medicals.

I've never understood why the ME licence wouldn't simply cover the SE side of things. Can anybody explain? I have a friend with a Yankee CPL, and can only ever hire multi engine aircraft when he's there. On his last trip to the USA he wasn't permitted to hire a C172, so they gave him a King Air instead!

Thanks to all. The info supplied is all top notch.

Much appreciated.

Knox.