Clarification

[Strangely Brown]

Can anyone help as I am getting conflicting information. I need to do some more hour building in the states. I have....

1) An FAA PPL issued February 1999. .2) An FAA Class 3 medical issued January 1999. .3) A current CAA CPL/IR with ATPL credits. .4) A current CAA Class 1 medical

Do I need to:-

1) Renew my FAA medical. .2) Complete a Biennial flight review

Comments gratefully received. Cheers

[lrjt24]

SB,

Since a third class FAA medical is only valid until the end of the 24th calender month from date of issue; yours is expired, you will have to get a new one (recommend doing this in the US since it is cheaper.. .In order to fly as PIC you will need to complete a BFR since yours is expired, a new or first issue of a certificate acts as BFR. Meaning if you would now complete for example your CPL or your IR you could use this to meet the requirements of a BFR. . .Alternatively, most places in the US will require a 'checkout' in their aircraft, this can also be used as a BFR as long as it is performed by a current CFI.

[FlyingForFun]

Would it be possible for Strangely Brown to get a (new) FAA license based on his CAA license? I don't know how this works if you have a CAA CPL, but I know it can be done with a JAA PPL. If he went this route, he wouldn't need a FAA medical, so it might work out cheaper.

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

[Red Snake]

No, that doesn't work. The issue of an FAA licence based on an existing ICAO licence is an exemption from the FAA tests. Once you have an FAA licence, you are bound by FAA currency requirements

[Matthewjharvey]

SB

On the subject of validity periods for your FAA third class medical - if you are under 40 then it is good for 36 months now, not as Irjt45 said 24 months, however it still needs renewing.

[Strangely Brown]

Many thanks for your input. I've booked an FAA medical over here to save time and am trying to arrange a BFR for the day after I arrive in the states. Thanks again