EASA / ICAO to FAA Conversion
Having trouble flying in the United States with the EASA Pilot License? Flying Academy brings forward the EASA to FAA Conversion Program to help ease your way into flying in the US whenever you want!
Where to start
Depending on the type of license, the process of conversion from EASA to FAA differs. To convert your EASA Private Pilot License to FAA Private Pilot License is quite simple. In accordance with the 14 CFR 61.75, the PPL License is the only pilot license that can be converted to FAA without any further testing, including all ratings that fall under this license with the exception of the Instrument Rating (IR). The Instrument Rating issued under PPL will require 10 hours of theoretical training and 10 hours of flight training. The issued FAA PPL will be valid for as long as your current EASA PPL is valid.
NOTE: Do not schedule any travel and/or check rides, etc until a valid Verification Letter has been obtained from the Airmen Certification Branch.
EASA / ICAO to FAA Conversion Step By Step
Application with the IACRA
- The first step in the EASA/ICAO to FAA conversion process is to create an application account with the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) and proceed with filling out the form.
- You can either fill out the form electronically (preferred method) or download the application form and send it via mail.
- By Mail: 8060-71 Download Application Form and mail to the address given below.
FAA AIRMEN CERTIFICATION BRANCH
AFB-720, FOREIGN VERIFICATION
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082
Please include a copy of your foreign license. A copy of the foreign medical is only required if you would like a verification of both the foreign license and medical certificate.
Download Application FormStep 1Uploading Required Documents
- Once the account is created and activated with the IACRA, please proceed to select the “Start Foreign License Verification Process” option found on the main console. Fill in the required information and proceed to upload your EASA PPL License and Medical Certificate for verification.
- The FAA will further review the validity and currency of your license by contacting the country your license was issued. This process may take from 5 days up to 10 days. You will then receive a verification letter which is valid for 6 months and can be renewed following the same process.
Travel to the USA
- Upon receiving your verification letter, you are required to be in the United States to continue the conversion process.
- If you are traveling from a country that requires a visa to enter the US and wish to continue your pilot training beyond PPL, then you will need to apply for the student visa - M1 Visa. Otherwise, a tourist visa will suffice. Either way, please plan for the 6 months your verification letter is valid, or renew it if needed.
Meet with an FAA Inspector
- Flying Academy will complete your profile on the IACRA for conversion and make an appointment with an FAA Inspector who will review all the paperwork to check the validity of your documents and to verify your identity.
- What you are required to have for the meeting:
- Have a current verification letter
- Hold a current medical certificate (EASA or FAA of at least 3rd Class)
- If you would like to convert your Instrument Rating, you will need to bring your IR knowledge test report.
- Furthermore, you will need to be able to speak, write, and understand English fluently.
- After this meeting, a temporary Airmen certificate will be issued to you where you will be able to exercise PPL privileges in the US.
Flight Review
- As FAA licenses do not expire, there will be a ‘flight review’ conducted after every year (12 calendar months). You are required to have your first flight review prior to using your FAA License converted from a foreign license in order to gain the privileges of PPL under FAA.
- There will be a theoretical knowledge class which is typically 1 hour long, and a flight lesson with an FAA-certified instructor.
Begin Flying!
- You will continue building your flight hours according to the hours required for proceeding further to complete your other licenses whether EASA/ICAO/FAA.
- Once you receive the physical FAA license/certificate, you are required to keep both the FAA licenses/certificates, a photo ID, your EASA/ICAO License, and medical (EASA/ICAO/FAA) in physical possession when exercising your FAA privileges.
Time Building
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