Dustin SuchorFAA DPE Services · Phoenix area
In person · 14 CFR 61.75

Foreign pilot license to a U.S. pilot certificate

Pilots from ICAO countries can use their own license to get a U.S. private pilot certificate, and add an instrument rating by passing an FAA knowledge test. I also process bilateral agreement (BASA) and EU Part-FCL conversions.

Request this service
Step 1 · License verification

Your foreign license must first be verified by the FAA. Complete the application for verification on the FAA's website. The FAA contacts your country's aviation authority to confirm your license is valid and current; this normally takes 45 to 90 days. When you receive the verification letter, you have 6 months to come to the United States and apply.

Step 2 · Before our appointment
  • Complete an airman certificate application in IACRA.
  • Be able to speak, read, write and understand English at ICAO Level 4 (AC 60-28B).
  • Hold a current FAA medical certificate (third class or higher), or a current medical license from the country that issued your pilot license (14 CFR 61.75(b)(4)).
  • To convert your instrument rating too, pass the FAA foreign instrument knowledge test and bring the report.
Step 3 · The appointment

We meet in person for about an hour. I check your verification letter, license, medical and identity, and issue your temporary U.S. private pilot certificate.

Going further: commercial or ATP
  1. Before flight training in the U.S., get the right visa and complete the TSA vetting process. A local flight school can help.
  2. Use your private pilot certificate to meet the requirements of 14 CFR 61.123, 61.125, 61.127 and 61.129.
  3. Pass the FAA knowledge test for the certificate and rating you want.
  4. Take the commercial pilot practical test, which I can give in airplanes and helicopters. For balloons and gliders, find an examiner with the FAA designee search.

Questions and answers

Who can get a U.S. certificate from a foreign license?

Pilots holding a current license from an ICAO member country can get a U.S. private pilot certificate based on it under 14 CFR 61.75. I also process bilateral agreement (BASA) and EU Part-FCL conversions.

How long does the FAA license verification take?

Apply for verification on the FAA website first. The FAA confirms your license with your country's aviation authority, which normally takes 45 to 90 days. Once you have the verification letter, you have 6 months to come to the United States and apply.

Why is the appointment in person?

I check your verification letter, license, medical and identity documents in person. The appointment is in the Phoenix area and takes about an hour, and you leave with your temporary U.S. certificate.

Do I need an FAA medical?

You need a current FAA medical certificate (third class or higher), or a current medical license from the country that issued your pilot license.

Can I get an instrument rating too?

Yes. Pass the FAA foreign instrument knowledge test and bring the report to the appointment, and your instrument rating is added.

What English level is required?

You must speak, read, write and understand English at ICAO Level 4, as described in FAA Advisory Circular 60-28.

Ready to start?

Request an appointment and I will send your personal intake link to upload your documents.

Request an appointment

Rather email? info@faadpeservices.com

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