Obtaining a US Licence
 

Hi Guys

I am the holder of a UK ATPL and am looking to aquire a US Licence to do some private light aircraft flying later this year. I have just under 19000 hrs on everything from C152 through B767. It used to be a quick trip to an FAA office but things have obviously changed. I have looked at the appropriate website but am a tad confused. Has anyone been through the process recently and could explain it to me.

Many thanks in advance

W

Airmen Certification: Verify the Authenticity of a Foreign License, Rating, or Medical Certification

What you'll have to do is get that form filled out and sent to Oklahoma City. I believe you may also have to get an FAA medical to send in with that form; not sure though. Once you've submitted it, I'd suggest you call to verify they've received it.

They'll get in touch with the CAA to verify your certificate, and then send a letter to you, as well as the FSDO you indicated on the form. By this time 6-8 weeks have passed.

Once you get the letter, you have 6 months from the date on the letter to go to the FSDO you specified. You must call the FSDO beforehand to make an appointment...national security etc.:rolleyes: You'll need to bring your FAA medical, logbook, foreign certificate, and of course ID. You'll need to fill out an 8710 form. You will meet with an inspector, and will be issued your temporary certificate. The plastic cert comes in the mail a few weeks later.

See 14CFR§61.75 for more info.

You'll be able to get single-engine privileges, not sure if your multi rating will transfer. You must carry your UK certificate with you while you exercise your FAA privileges.

Clear as mud?

Thanks Check Airman

And there was me thinking I was loosing it! Thanks for the explanation, I guess I had better get started.

There's another option, which is to obtain a standalone FAA licence, rather than a "piggyback" licence under 61.75.

Most, if not all, of your UK/European hours can be credited towards a standalone FAA licence, and a lot of the prep work can be done in the UK.

More info here - FAA PPL/IR

UK Flight School conducting FAA training - FAA Training - Courses Bonus Aviation Limited

I've not actually followed the above route or flown with Bonus Aviation, but have been thinking about this route and it's been discussed on other forums I read.

That is of course an option, but then, why spend several hundred dollars for the training, plus another $300-600 for the examiner if you can get it all done for free. The only limitation on a certificate issued under 61.75 is that all restrictions on the foreign certificate apply. If you want to fly IFR, you'd need to do a written exam though.

I've gone through the same process and got both SE and ME privileges with me, restricted to VFR only. My mate wasn't that fortunate and only had SE privileges printed on the FAA certificate :p

Thanks for the reply guys (esses). I think I will stick with the free route as I have the time. Can anyone clarify if my medical is acceptable? I spoke to my AME who is FAA endorsed but he couldn't give me a definitive answer.

You will need an FAA medical. Not to worry though. If you currently hold a (presumably) UK class 1 medical, the FAA 1st class medical will be a joke. They can be pretty inexpensive too. Think ~$50 USD.

You don't need an FAA medical. Your 61.75 certificate is based on your ICAO licence and only needs a BFR sign off before you can exercise the privileges.

50 bucks for a first class medical in the US?
what state? maybe i'll move there...or maybe you haven't needed to get one in a while.
the price has totally skyrocketed over the past 5-10 years in my neck of the woods.
used to be $90 5-10 years ago, now tops $105-120. Total railroad robbery...
good thing it's a write-off.

Thanks for all the replies Guys. I have completed the paperwork as we speak, and will now sit back and wait. If I hit any snags along the way I will post them here fo rfuture reference/advice.

Woody

I got one quite recently. Depends on how many AME's are in your area I suppose. Up in the NE corner, they run about $100. Down here in FL, where there's a lot of training, you can get them for $50.

Hi all.
Do you know what I shuld have to do in order to put my JAA Type Rating (JAR ATPL)on an FAA CPL?

Thanks :ok:

Yes indeed, "free" is a real pilot's favorite 4-letter "f" word.

You don't need a US medical under a validation. Your foreign licence must be fully valid (medically, and any other requirements from your home country) to be able to use your US validation.

Certainly a pragmatic approach to encourage general aviation.

Did mine recently - took 3 weeks from application & no FAA medical required.

And I expect, no fee paid to the FAA.
And, you are welcome, as my US taxes paid for it all.

America offers many fine flying experiences, at minimal cost....compared to other countries.

Enjoy your stay!

Thanks for that 411A...

...But I also pay Federal & State (Arizona) Taxes, just like you. There are a number of fine experiences to be had in America and not just the flying variety - I chose to move back having obtained my ATPL overseas only then realizing the ease and relative level of freedom flying in the U.S. has to offer. Correct though - no direct fees paid to the FAA.