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The Foriegn Certificate

So you've got that Canadian, JAA or other foriegn (at least to us) certificate in your pocket, and you're itching to fly those N-Registered airplanes here in the land of cheap AvGas. There are two ways to go about getting your U.S. certificate

First, you can get try to apply your flight training towards a U.S. rating (under 14 CFR Part 61.41). Secondly, you can get a Private Pilot rating based on your foriegn certificate (Under 14 CFR Part 61.75).

Security Considerations

Since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, the FAA has begun being very careful regarding non-citizens applying for U.S. pilot certificates. Before we can begin any training or conversion program, we need to ensure that you have any necessary FAA approvals. For more information about the required approvals, and how to get them, please review the TSA requirements.

Flight Instruction Outside the U.S.

So long as you receive flight training in the appropriate subjects, and so long as it is given by an instructor certified in an ICAO member country, and so long as the flight instruction was given outside the U.S, you can count the training you've received at home towards a U.S. rating. However, keep in mind that some countries use different completion standards.

At Sanford Air, we can work with you to complete this training, get you ready to take an pass the required knowledge tests, and get you ready to take an pass the required checkride. For more information on how we can help, please don't hesitate to contact us using the contact form, by telephone at +1-207-324-0905 or by email at info@sanfordair.com.

Receiving a Certificate based on a Foreign License.

Unless you intend to work professionally as a pilot in the U.S., another alternative may be to get a U.S. private pilot certificate based on your foreign license. This can be done without any additional flight tests or instruction, but may require that you take an FAA Knowledge Test.

At Sanford Air, we are able to assist you in preparing for the knowledge test, and are available to help you lean the in's and out's of operating within the U.S. regulations and airpspace. For more information on how we can help, please don't hesitate to contact us using the contact form , by telephone at +1-207-324-0905 or by email at info@sanfordair.com.

The Fine Print

 

14 CFR Part 61.41 - FLIGHT TRAINING RECEIVED FROM FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS NOT CERTIFICATED BY THE F.A.A.

  1. A person may credit flight training towards the requirements of a pilot certificate or rating issued under this part, if that person has received the training from:
    1. A flight instructor in an Armed Force in a program for training military pilots of either -
      1. The United States; or
      2. A foreign contracting State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
    2. A flight instructor who is authorized to give such training by the licensing authority of a foreign contracting State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, and the flight training is given outside the United States.
  2. A flight instructor described in paragraph (a) of this section is only authorized to give endorsements to show training given.

 

14 CFR Part 61.75 - PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE ISSUED ON THE BASIS OF A FOREIGN PILOT LICENSE.

  1. General. A person who holds a current foreign pilot license issued by a contracting State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation may apply for and be issued a private pilot certificate with the appropriate ratings when the application is based on the foreign pilot license that meets the requirements of this section.
  2. Certificate issued. A U.S. private pilot certificate that is issued under this section shall specify the person's foreign license number and country of issuance. A person who holds a current foreign pilot license issued by a contracting State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation may be issued a private pilot certificate based on the foreign pilot license without any further showing of proficiency, provided that the applicant:
    1. Meets the requirements of this section;
    2. Hold a foreign pilot license that -
      1. Is not under an order of revocation or suspension by the foreign country that issued the foreign pilot license; and
      2. Does not contain an endorsement stating that the applicant has not met all of the standards of ICAO for that license;
    3. Does not currently hold a U.S. pilot certificate;
    4. Holds a current medical certificate issued under Part 67 of this chapter or a current medical certificate issued by the country that issued the person's foreign pilot license; and
    5. Is able to read, speak, write and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary to the safe operation of the aircraft.
  3. Aircraft ratings issued. Aircraft ratings listed on a person's foreign pilot license, in addition to any issued after testing under the provisions of this part, may be placed on that person (sic) U.S. pilot certificate.
  4. Instrument ratings issued. A person who holds an instrument rating on the foreign pilot license issued by a contracting State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation may be issued an instrument rating on a U.S. private pilot certificate provided:
    1. The person's foreign pilot license authorizes instrument privileges;
    2. Within 24 months preceding the month in which the person applies for the instrument rating, the person passes the appropriate knowledge test; and
    3. The person is able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft.
  5. Operating privileges and limitations. A person who receives a U.S. private pilot certificate that has been issued under the provisions of this section:
    1. May act as pilot of a civil aircraft of U.S. registry in accordance with the private pilot privileges authorized by this part;
    2. Is limited to the privileges placed on the certificate b the Administrator.
    3. Is subject to the limitations and restrictions on the person's U.S. certificate and foreign pilot license when exercising the privileges of that U.S. pilot certificate in an aircraft of U.S. registry operating within or outside the United States; and
    4. Shall not exercise the privileges of that U.S. private pilot certificate when the person's foreign pilot license has been revoked or suspended.
  6. Limitation on licenses used as the basis for a U.S. certificate. Only one foreign pilot license may be used as a basis for issuing a U.S. private pilot certificate. The foreign pilot license and medical certification used as a basis for issuing a U.S. private pilot certificate under this section must be in the English language or accompanied by an English language transcription that has been signed by an official or representative of the foreign aviation authority that issued the foreign pilot license.
  7. Limitation placed on a U.S. private pilot certificate. A U.S. private pilot certificate issued under this section is valid only when the holder has the foreign pilot license upon which the issuance of the U.S. private pilot certificate was based in the holder's personal possession or readily accessible in the aircraft.

 

NOTE: This is not an official source of regulatory informaton. Please consult the official publications for any changes that may have occured.
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