Convalidating your foreign license is the procedure for acquiring an American FAA rating based on you current foreign license. Having a US pilot certificate allows you to fly November (N) registered aircraft around the world. It is a stand alone certification that is respected around the world.
The process is straight forward and consists of two steps. Obtaining a Private Pilot License based on your current license. Then taking the examinations for Instrument and Commercial, or ATP if you have 1500 hours of flight experience.
1) Complete and send in your Foreign Pilot Verification form ( AC 8060-71 ) to the FAA. http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/media/verify61-75.pdf
Note: in box 11 of the form write:
South Florida FSDO
2895 SW 145 AVE
Suite 120
Miramar, Florida 33027
2) Complete the appropriate examinations for Comercial Multi-Engine (CME) or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
ATP: If you have 1500 hours or more of flight experience we recommend you go directly to ATP.
Come prepared to take the ATP written exam on the first day you arrive in Miami. Study materials can be ordered from Wayman Pilot Supplies.com. You will do two hours of exam preparations in our Piper Seneca to familiarize yourself with the airspace and local approaches. Some students may require more time in the aircraft. Typically students also accomplish 1 or 2 hours of oral preparations with our instructors as well.
The practical and oral exam are approximately 2 hours. The flight is in our aircraft but students pay the examiner directly for their time, $500 USD.
CME: If you have less than 1,500 or of PIC time you must complete the written, oral and practical examinations for Instrument and Commercial ratings.
Pilots that fly regularly typically need 10 hours of preparation in our aircraft for the Instrument rating, and then 10 hours for the Commercial Multi-engine rating. Come prepared for both written tests, the IRA and the CAX. Study materials are available at Wayman Pilot Supplies.com.
The practical tests are 2 hours each. The examiners are paid directly by the student at $500 USD each.
Ready to fly?