Wikiposts
Search

Notices
Professional Pilot Training (includes ground studies) A forum for those on the steep path to that coveted professional licence. Whether studying for the written exams, training for the flight tests or building experience here's where you can hang out.

EASA conversion worth it?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 21st August 2023 | 18:59
  #1 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Canada
EASA conversion worth it?

Hello,

I am sure this topic has been discussed to death on this forum and I have read multiple older posts before. I am not able to find a recent discussion on this subject however.

I have a Canadian fixed wing and rotary license and I have a EU passport. I am curious if the opportunities are better in Europe for pilots and if anyone has an option if converting the license is worth it? What is the situation like currently in the EU?

Also, I have spoken to numerous schools about the process, can anyone recommend a school that is good to work with and that provides a great experience? Any country better over another? While money is obviously a factor, I don't mind spending a bit more to get things done in a quicker and proper way.

thanks
JLRK is offline  
Old 22nd August 2023 | 06:56
  #2 (permalink)  
25 Anniversary
Veteran: Army
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,330
Likes: 74
From: White Waltham, Prestwick & Calgary
If you don't need it, don't do it. If you have to, Austro Control are probably the most popular authority to deal with for the written exams, although the people in Ireland are nice as well.

You licence and medical must reside with a particular state, so choose it carefully.

You would be best taking the rotary licence first, then bridge over with 5 exams to fixed wing. That way you don't have to do the Mass & Balance for the 737.
paco is offline  
Old 22nd August 2023 | 07:17
  #3 (permalink)  
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 362
Likes: 28
From: Vienna (FAA CPL/CFI)
just because you have the passport doesn't mean residence is automatic or straightforward.
ahwalk01 is offline  
Old 22nd August 2023 | 08:27
  #4 (permalink)  

PPRuNe Handmaiden
50 Countries Visited
25 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 1997
Posts: 4,910
Likes: 184
From: Duit On Mon Dei
Hi Paco,
Regarding the licence and medical need to be in the same state, I have a Dutch licence and a Maltese medical. No one seems too bothered, or is it just for the initial?
Cheers
reddo
redsnail is offline  
Old 22nd August 2023 | 08:31
  #5 (permalink)  
50 Countries Visited
25 Anniversary
Veteran: Air Force
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,172
Likes: 120
From: uk
When I SOLI'd out from UK to IAA, my first medical was issued by the IAA as they then held my medical records (sent from uk). Subsequent medicals were done on Austro paper because that's where my UK based AME was registered - obvs on every medical the results would go straight to IAA.

Hth
deltahotel is online now  
Old 22nd August 2023 | 12:35
  #6 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Not sure I follow. Can you expand?

I am a dual citizen and have the right to live and work in the EU.
JLRK is offline  
Old 22nd August 2023 | 12:38
  #7 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Thanks for the suggestions.

I currently work in Canada but have been interested for a while to move back to Europe. While I don't necessarily look forward to tackling the conversion, I just wonder if it would open new opportunities etc. and if it could actually be worth it.

JLRK is offline  
Old 22nd August 2023 | 13:12
  #8 (permalink)  

PPRuNe Handmaiden
50 Countries Visited
25 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 1997
Posts: 4,910
Likes: 184
From: Duit On Mon Dei
OK Cool. When I SOLI'd I went Dutch. My AME is with the Maltese authorities. Makes sense.
Thanks.
redsnail is offline  
Old 22nd August 2023 | 19:59
  #9 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Thanks

I don't currently need it but have been considering a move back to Europe for a few years now. Just not sure if it's a smart or feasible option. The conversion doesn't sound like fun, but it would come in handy should we want to move back.

JLRK is offline  
Old 23rd August 2023 | 06:39
  #10 (permalink)  
25 Anniversary
Veteran: Army
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,330
Likes: 74
From: White Waltham, Prestwick & Calgary
Fair enough - redsnail: although your licence and medical must reside in a particular state the medical can be renewed anywhere, so you're good.

To JLRK - you have to go through an ATO with EASA, but if you have more than a certain amount of hours (500 for helicopters I think) PIC on a machine that requires two pilots you can self-certify for the exams. You still have to take them all though.

Phil
paco is offline  
Old 5th December 2023 | 13:15
  #11 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Hungerford
sorry for jumping in on this - haven’t been on here for about 20 years - quick question - I’m converting my UKCAA ATPL over right now (‘mare of a process) and last thing I need to do is a class 1 EASA medical - getting not a lot of help from IAA on this - question is: Do I need to do an initial EASA class 1? No way of “transferring”?

Originally Posted by deltahotel
When I SOLI'd out from UK to IAA, my first medical was issued by the IAA as they then held my medical records (sent from uk). Subsequent medicals were done on Austro paper because that's where my UK based AME was registered - obvs on every medical the results would go straight to IAA.

Hth
Bullet Baxter is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.