Dustin SuchorFAA DPE Services · Phoenix area
Video appointment · 14 CFR 61.73

Military competency: your FAA certificate, by video

Military pilots can get an FAA commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, and military instructor pilots a flight instructor certificate, based on their military qualifications. Pass the military competency knowledge test, show the right records, and I issue the certificate.

Request this service
Documents for pilots
  • An official U.S. Armed Forces aeronautical order of flight status as a rated military pilot.
  • An official U.S. Armed Forces form or logbook showing flight status as a rated military pilot.
  • An official U.S. Armed Forces aeronautical order showing graduation from a U.S. Armed Forces undergraduate pilot training school and a rating as a military pilot.
  • An official U.S. Armed Forces record showing you passed a pilot proficiency check and an instrument proficiency check in an aircraft as a military pilot.
Documents for instructors
  • An official record or order documenting your current or past qualification as a U.S. Armed Forces instructor pilot or pilot examiner for the instructor rating sought.
  • An official record or order documenting completion of a U.S. Armed Forces instructor pilot or pilot examiner training course, with an aircraft qualification appropriate to the rating sought.
  • An official record or order showing you passed an instructor pilot or pilot examiner proficiency check in an aircraft appropriate to the rating sought.

Acceptable records by service

ServiceRecord
U.S. Air ForceIndividual flight crew record (computer printout); AF Form 8, Certificate of Aircrew Qualification
U.S. ArmyDA Form 759, Individual Flight Record and Flight Certificate, Army
U.S. Coast GuardOPNAV Form 3710-31, Aviator's Flight Log Book; instrument qualification is in the "Qualification and Achievements" section
U.S. Marines and U.S. NavyOPNAV Form 3760-31, Aviator's Flight Logbook; OPNAV 3710/2, NATOPS Instrument Rating Request; or OPNAV 3760/32, NATOPS Flight Personnel Training and Qualification Jacket

The knowledge test

Pilots take the Military Competency (MCN) test; instructors take the Military Competency Instructor (MCI) test. Study material, testing requirements and testing centers are on the FAA Airmen Testing pages.

Getting your certificate

  1. Complete an application in IACRA for a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, or for a flight instructor certificate. Keep your FTN and password somewhere safe; you'll need them on the call.
  2. Request an appointment below. I'll send an intake link to upload your records and test report.
  3. We meet by video, I review your records with you, and you receive your temporary certificate.

Details for your service

Questions military pilots ask

Who qualifies?

U.S. military pilots and former military pilots. You do not qualify if you were removed from flying status for lack of proficiency, or because of disciplinary action involving aircraft operations. Military pilots from other ICAO countries who are assigned to pilot duties (not flight training) in the U.S. Armed Forces may also apply.

Which certificates can I get?

Pilots can get a commercial pilot certificate with the matching category and class rating and an instrument rating. Current or former military instructor pilots and pilot examiners who hold a commercial or ATP certificate with instrument privileges can get a flight instructor certificate.

Do I have to take a knowledge test?

Yes. Pilots take the Military Competency (MCN) knowledge test. Instructors take the Military Competency Instructor (MCI) test, passed within the 24 calendar months before the month you apply. If you already hold a flight instructor certificate, you do not need the instructor test.

Is there a checkride or flight?

No. There is no flight. The certificate is based on your military records and your knowledge test, which we review together on a video call.

Does my military check have to be recent?

The rule requires a passed military pilot and instrument proficiency check in a military aircraft of the category, class and type, or 10 hours of pilot time as a military pilot in that category, class and type, completed before you apply. Send your records with your request and I will confirm they meet the requirement before your appointment.

I'm no longer in the military. Can I still apply?

Yes. Former military pilots are eligible, as long as you have the official records and were not removed from flying status for lack of proficiency or for disciplinary action involving aircraft operations.

How long does it take and what does it cost?

The video appointment takes about 30 minutes. The fee is $250 when your application is filed in IACRA, or $350 on a paper FAA Form 8710-1.

When do I get my certificate?

You receive a temporary certificate at the end of the video appointment. The FAA mails your permanent certificate.

Ready to start?

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

Request an appointment

Rather email? info@faadpeservices.com