INTERNATIONAL PILOTS IN THE U.S.
PRIVATE PILOT (FOREIGN BASED)
U.S. flight crew licensing regulations provide a straightforward method for foreign pilots to operate U.S.-registered aircraft both within the United States and internationally. However, this pathway only allows the exercise of Private Pilot level privileges, regardless of the level of your original license in your home country.
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The U.S. Private Pilot certificate can be obtained simply by presenting your original license and medical documents to the FAA for verification. Consequently, the FAA will contact the Civil Aviation Authority in your home country to confirm their authenticity. Upon receiving a positive response, the FAA will issue a Letter of Authenticity, valid for six months. At this point, you should reach out to a Designated Pilot Examiner (commonly referred to as a "DPE") of your choice who will assess your English proficiency and issue a temporary Private Pilot certificate. You can use this certificate immediately, while the permanent plastic certificate will arrive a few weeks later.
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If you have an instrument rating in your home country, you can add it to your new U.S. Private Pilot certificate. This step requires passing a written exam. With the test result document in hand, you can request a DPE to extend your privileges. If you have any aircraft ratings issued on your foreign license, such as type ratings for example, these can also be added. However, you will still be limited to private privileges only.
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Once you have your brand new FAA Private Pilot certificate in hand, are you ready to jump into the plane and take off? Not quite. It would be neither legal nor wise. The fact that your U.S. certificate is tied to your foreign license does not exempt you from adhering to U.S. aviation regulations. On the contrary, you must comply with every rule just like any other U.S. airman. This includes adhering to FAA § 61.56, which requires each pilot to undergo a Flight Review. During this review, an instructor of your choice will confirm your familiarity with FAA Part 91 regulations and your ability to safely operate the aircraft.
US Flying Kickstart
OUR OFFER
At Imagine Flying, we specialize in assisting international pilots to begin flying in the U.S. comfortably and safely. Why not kickstart your American flying career in sunny Florida? We offer guidance through the legal process and upon your arrival in the U.S., we will coordinate your DPE appointment. Our instructor will then provide you with a detailed introduction to the U.S. National Airspace System and all Part 91 regulations that apply to you. This efficient one-day training program will culminate in a Flight Review endorsement, preparing you for your U.S. flying adventure.