Converting an ATPL
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 806
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From: UK
Converting an ATPL
If you have a JAA ATPL and want to fly in the USA or Canada, you need to "convert" it. Happy with that and all it entails.
My question is this; Is it "converted" in the true sense of the word, or after going through the process, would you still hold your JAA ATPL ?
My reason for asking is that if I leave this country but want to come back in the future, am I looking at converting a converted licence back again (if you see what I mean ?)
Cheers
FFP
My question is this; Is it "converted" in the true sense of the word, or after going through the process, would you still hold your JAA ATPL ?
My reason for asking is that if I leave this country but want to come back in the future, am I looking at converting a converted licence back again (if you see what I mean ?)
Cheers
FFP

Joined: Dec 1998
Posts: 4,282
Likes: 6
From: Escapee from Ultima Thule
'Conversion' is used in the sense of 'recognition of your previous experience & ICAO qualification(s) to allow you to bypass some amount of the local 'no-licence to xzy licence' training, testing & experience process'. It doesn't mean 'surrender your foreign licence & be issued with the local licence'.
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Cloud Cuckoo
Hi Guys
Just a quick question...if you hold a current JAA ATPL with 737 NG experience what is actually involved in gaining an FAA licence? Currently flying in UK but keen on flying for a US/Canadian airline. All I can find on the net is converting from FAA to JAA, so was hoping you guys could shed a little light on it for me?? Would you have to do an FAA IR, written exams etc or is there some sort of recognition with certain aspects of holding a JAA ATPL?
Thanks
Just a quick question...if you hold a current JAA ATPL with 737 NG experience what is actually involved in gaining an FAA licence? Currently flying in UK but keen on flying for a US/Canadian airline. All I can find on the net is converting from FAA to JAA, so was hoping you guys could shed a little light on it for me?? Would you have to do an FAA IR, written exams etc or is there some sort of recognition with certain aspects of holding a JAA ATPL?
Thanks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Converting an ATPL
I went through this process several years ago. I have a Canadian ATPL and converted to FAA with 73B type rating. Then came back to Canada, presented the course material to Canada's Misery of Transport and was give a B73B type rating on my Canadian License.
On the flip side, I presented my credentials to Irish MOT but didn't have any current time on type. I was told that I would have to complete a full ground course. I would be given credit for they type rating exam and the aural morse code exam. Based on the cost, I decided not to pursue this option.
I am now acting as a skipper on a 737, and am wondering with 500+ hours of command time, if my reception at the Irish MOT would be any different should I wish to convert to an ATPL.
Incidently, I have a mate here in Canada who emmigrated to Canada approximately seven years ago from South Africa. He held a South African ATPL with 747 type rating. He wrote the Canadian Air Regulations exam, completed a Multi-Engine Instrument exam and now holds a Canadian ATPL. He is employed as a skipper on the 737-NG now. Hope this is of some encouragement.
Cheers,
Jim Guillaume
On the flip side, I presented my credentials to Irish MOT but didn't have any current time on type. I was told that I would have to complete a full ground course. I would be given credit for they type rating exam and the aural morse code exam. Based on the cost, I decided not to pursue this option.
I am now acting as a skipper on a 737, and am wondering with 500+ hours of command time, if my reception at the Irish MOT would be any different should I wish to convert to an ATPL.
Incidently, I have a mate here in Canada who emmigrated to Canada approximately seven years ago from South Africa. He held a South African ATPL with 747 type rating. He wrote the Canadian Air Regulations exam, completed a Multi-Engine Instrument exam and now holds a Canadian ATPL. He is employed as a skipper on the 737-NG now. Hope this is of some encouragement.
Cheers,
Jim Guillaume





