Flying in US on a new JAR PPL?

[Viggen]

Hoping to have finished my PPL by the summer, and I have the opportunity to go and work for a couple of weeks in California, bay area. Whilst there, I would quite like to do some flying, and wondered:

- What are the requirements (license, conversion, hours?) to hire as a PPL in the US?

I am thinking that the best route would be to book some time with an instructor and then take it from there.

Has anyone done this ? Can you share experience? Any recommendations for flying schools near Cupertino / San Fran?

Thanks

[2Donkeys]

Viggen

You probably already know what the process is for obtaining your US licence on the back of your future UK PPL. You will need that FAA licence if you wish to do solo hire of an aircraft in the US. If you simply want to fly around with an instructor, then getting the US certificate doesn't matter.

With (what I assume will be) very little experience after obtaining your PPL, you should probably aim to keep it simple this first time around. There are numerous differences in procedure in the US that can confuse at first. You could do a lot worse than clock up a few hours with an instructor. The scenery is fantastic in North California and it would be a shame not to enjoy it.

Try the Palo Alto Flying Club

<a href="http://home.pacbell.net/pafc/" target="_blank">http://home.pacbell.net/pafc/</a>

for some of the friendliest instructors and best rental aircraft around that part of the world.

Have fun <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

[Julian]

Speak to the club you end up at, they will tell you where the nearest FSDO is.

You used to be able to turn up and fill in a form and hey presto 10mins later they issued you a restricted FAA licence (restricted to any endorsements on your UK licence - i.e. no night flying until you get the NR).

Since 11/9 you have to make an appointment to do the paperwork, if you turn up on spec you will be turned away.

Best bit is is that the licence issue is FREE!!!

Julian.

[Genghis the Engineer]

<a href="http://www.awp.faa.gov/new/flightstandards/main.htm" target="_blank">http://www.awp.faa.gov/new/flightstandards/main.htm</a>

Halfway down on the right, click on "foreign pilot program".

G

[FlyingForFun]

Julian, the method for getting the piece of paper you need actually varies from FSDO to FSDO. The flying school which Viggen goes to should be able to advise him of the local requirements. Cost also varies from FSDO to FSDO - mine wasn't free, but that was from Scotsdale FSDO in Arizona - I don't know whether Californian FSDOs will charge or not.

But basically, Viggen, find a school, contact them, and they should be able to sort out anything you need. If you're only doing dual, you won't need anything. If you want to rent, you will need a "Private Pilot License Issued on the Basis of a Foreign License" (or something like that), which as others have said, is not difficult to get.

You were also asking about conversions/hours required. This will depend on your school - most schools will just want a check-out with an instructor as long as what you're flying there is similar to what you've been flying here. Should be a formality, but make sure you get instruction on differences between flying in US and UK (mainly charts, airspace and radio at uncontrolled fields).

Have fun!

FFF. .----------

[Julian]

FFF,

Thanks for pointing that out, didnt realise some FSDO charge.. .Mine was from Long Beach California.

Dont forget to take your FAA Class III medical with you as well.

Julian.

[englishal]

Although you don't need an FAA medical if you have a JAR medical for an FAA licence issued on BOFL...those nice chaps at the FSDO are prepared to trust JAR to test every nook and cranny in your body works ok.... <img src="wink.gif" border="0">