Converting from EASA/CAA to ICAO eg HKG or UAE

[AerC]

Hello,

I’m currently working on a dual U.K. & EASA licence and I was wondering just out of curiosity that if I was to eventually go abroad and convert my licence into a different ICAO state eg China, would I have to sacrifice one of my licences and if so what would the process be of getting the original one back should I decide to return?

Thanks ✈️

[NewMan123]

Originally Posted by AerC

Hello,

I’m currently working on a dual U.K. & EASA licence and I was wondering just out of curiosity that if I was to eventually go abroad and convert my licence into a different ICAO state eg China, would I have to sacrifice one of my licences and if so what would the process be of getting the original one back should I decide to return?

Thanks ✈️

There is no sacrificing of licences but it would be your responsibility to keep your UK+EASA licences and medicals current. If you let them lapse it would cost more time and money to renew.

[rudestuff]

There is no such thing as 'converting' though the phrase is commonly used to mean getting a licence based on another licence. Many authorities will give credits if you already have an ICAO licence at the equivalent level, but it's still a new and separate license. 'Converting' usually means doing whatever the new state requires and using your existing licence and hours to meet those requirements.

[hoistop]

EASA Part-66 licence does not carry any medical certificate requirement. Basically, if you have it, but not using it (like me), you only need to send it to your EASA licencing authority for extension every five years with EASA Form-19 - before it expires, of course. I do not see a reason to "surrender" one or even both of your licences to get a third country licence.
It is another story to get back privileges, as it all depends on Quality /Compliance Dept. of Part-145 organization, where you want to use your privileges again, as in EASAland you need both licence and Company Authorization to use your Part-66 licence privileges. First, you need to be current and prove that you were using your EASA Part-66 privileges for minimum 6 months in preceding 2 years (regulatory requirement) might not be that easy. (and other requirements, like having recent human factors/SMS training, EWIS and Fuel tank safety refreshers and of course passed succesfuly company assessment)
"Conversion" as such does not exist. It all depends on national regulations of individual state, what their rules are to issue you their licence. Mostly, they will give you credit for having EASA licence, but the minimum would be taking an exam on local legislation. But, it can be much worse too.

[Gabrie]

Hey Guys,
I currently hold EASA part 66 license but Id like to go to work in the UK, i didn't applied for UK license before the 31/Dec/2022
On the CAA web says that i need to apply as 'first' license, but i dont understand if they'll approve my EU modules and the years ive been working, my type ratings etc.

Has someone been thru this?
Cheers.
Gabrie

[bringbackthe80s]

Originally Posted by NewMan123

There is no sacrificing of licences but it would be your responsibility to keep your UK+EASA licences and medicals current. If you let them lapse it would cost more time and money to renew.

Licences are valid for life.

Type ratings valid and renewed yearly on a ICAO Licence can be “unlocked” anytime on a EASA or UK licence with a simulator.

Medicals not renewed within 5 years are to be taken as initials, not a big deal.