AW139 on FAA license
 

What is the easiest (cheapest) way to get the AW139 endorsed on an FAA license? I have over 1000 hrs on type on an current ICAO ATPL license. Do not have the FAA license yet. Anybody?

There's sim in Morristown, New Jersey and the last time I heard the sim course was was on the $60k - $70k range. I think with your hours you could do all the training and flight test in the sim. Flight Safety now has a course set up so check with them. Hopefully they will offer some price competition.

Don't the FAA recognize the 139 rating on a foreign rating? Do you have to do a complete course, not just a check ride..... I have the paperwork to back it up!!!

You will have to get a atpl license first, going rate to this will be anywhere between 5,000 to 10,000 usd. Then you do a type rating test on the 139 to put on the atpl. So you can do the licences on a R22, as long as you meet the requirements to get an atpl. But my knowledge of this is quite limited, all I remember is that you can do a swap off your ICAO Atpl, but will have to do the laser grade exams, minimum of three hours and then flight test for the atpl.
Then 139 flight or sim test, to put it on your new FAA atpl.

Fluffy

I'm no expert here...but assuming you hold a foreign ATPL and meet the experience requirements for the FAA ATPL

1. Pass the FAA Class 1 medical (there are provisions for recognizing a foreign medical as equivalent)
2. Pass the written knowledge test for the FAA ATP-H
3. Apply for an FAA PPL-H based on your foreign license (you need this license so you can do any necessary flying training, and flight test)
4. Pass the ATP flight test with a Designated Airmen Examiner (this test need not be done in an AW139, you can do it in a suitably equipped R22 if you want!)

Once you pass all the above they should put the AW139 on your FAA license if it's on your foreign license.

I think that's the process, but I could be wrong!

Salient point here is there's no bypassing the requirement for a written and flight test I'm afraid, and that is usually done on an N-registered helicopter.

Dem, where (if I may ask) did you get your type rating if not in Whippany/Philly/Milan?

I'd caution to add getting the TSA approval for flight rating, which is required for non-US nationals. Some more info can be found on this AOPA page, or the TSA site at www.flightschoolcandidates.gov

You may also need a special visa that allows flight training, rather than the regular visitor visa or visa waiver.

I'd also recommend getting an PPL(H) by doing the written test, 3 hrs of instruction and a check ride for those with more than 100hrs, as a validation takes upwards of 3 months, and once you have the FAA ticket it is permanent rather than restricted by the validation.

Is it possible to go from FAA PPL(H) (validation or basic) to ATP(H), without having to do a CPL first?

Yes, if you have a foreign ATP with IR and meet the experience requirements for the FAA ATP (that's how I got mine, from PPL to ATP without needing a CPL).

Go to the FAA website and look up the conversation requirements. You can do the FAA validation program and a foreign pilot instrument written. The FAA will then issue you a FAA Private Pilot certificate with an instrument rating. Then you can do an upgrade/recurrent course in the 139. Since it is a Level D sim you should be able to do the type in the sim. You will have to make arrangements far enough in advance so you can be scheduled properly. If the facility doesn't have a qualified examiner on staff they will have to bring in an inspector.

Gents thank you for the info.

GulliBell, what I gather is
1. Get current ICAO verified.
2. Medical
3. Written FAA ATPL
4. Flight prep and test
So far this is not a problem, who do I contact to confirm if the FAA will then put the 139 on my license???? Would like to get that sorted before I go through the rest of the process.....

I have already asked that question, when I hear back I will post info.

I would like to get AW139 on my license as well (I already have the license, but I don't have the type rating on a foreign license). So the whole question is of interest to me as well...

You will have to get a atpl license first

Thanks gulli...

It's a type rating aircraft for the FAA (above 12,500lbs), you are not going to get it on any FAA Licence unless you pass a checkride on it (or the simulator) administered by a FAA DPE with full endorsement of an FAA Instructor.

Hi tottigol, thanks.....that is what I was afraid of BUT......., I have been looking through the FAR AIM and according to part 61.75(c) "Aircraft ratings listed on a person's foreign license, in addition to any issued after testing under the provisions of this part, may be placed on that person's U.S pilot certificate". .???

That would be on a FAA PPL issued on the basis of a Foreign License.
61.75 (c).5 states that you can use that for PPL privileges.
You won't be able to use it as an endorsement basis for the required ATPL privileges.

Under 61.75 they are only going to issue you a Private Pilot License.

The FAA will transfer any type ratings you have on your ICAO certificates, however, they will only put the ones that are required in the US. So any helicopter that weights 12,500 pounds or less will not transfer. Once you pass the ATP ride all the type ratings on your Private Pilot certificate will automatically transfer over. The ATP and type ratings use the same standards as published in the ATP Practical Test Standards.

You can do the ATP ride and the type raid at the same time. They are the same checkride. To confirm you will need to talk with whatever facility you are going to use.

FAA has advised that it is not possible to transfer a type rating from a foreign pilot license to an FAA pilot license. You must fulfill the US requirements for the type rating.

I understand that it is not possible to tranfer a type rating to a FAA licence, but I have been told by different sources that if it is a new licence based on an ICAO/JAA licence whatever ratings you have on the ICAO/JAA licence will be on the initial issue. Going to take my chances in July/August and will let you know what happens. :)

FSI AW139
 

Where -Layfayette

When -maybe 2013

Maybe


Too little too late :ugh: