Ask Captain Lim ~ All about Aviation

Hi Captain Lim,

Congratulations to your website. Fine to see that one of your hobbies is to
help other pilots via your site.

I have a question, not concerning the Boeing 777 but on licensing matters.
I*ve been looking for information but can*t find any. I hold a JAR FCL ATPL, and I*m working as a Boeing 737 captain. Now, for many reasons, I would like to have a US ATPL, at least frozen.

Do you know if there is a procedure to convert a JAR FCL ATPL to a FAA ATPL?
...At least passing some written exams and medical examinations. And if yes, where to apply?

For your information I*m working in France.

Thank you very much for your answer.

Have good flights & best wishes,

Olivier

Hi Oliver,

In the US, the term used to denote the "equivalent" of a JAR FCL ATPL is the FAA ?ATP?. As you know, the theoretical knowledge necessary to pass the JAR FCL ATPL is one of the highest in the world and so you should be proud that you have already achieved it.

Generally, there is not much problem converting your license to the FAA ATP provided your ATPL is issued in accordance with ICAO regulations. You can find out more on the steps necessary for foreign pilots to apply for a US certificate here and the Federal Aviation Administration site at WWW.FAA.gov, as license requirements and forms are updated and modified frequently.

Well, all pilots applying for a certificate based on ICAO foreign license must have the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) validate the license. The CAA is the Civil Aviation Authority that issued the original license. They must verify the validity of the license along with the medical certificate prior to applying for an FAA certificate. The FAA has developed a form called Verification of Authenticity of Foreign License, Rating and Medical Certificate Form. Click the link and download the most up to date version of the verification form directly from the FAA site.

Once the form is completed, it may be submitted either via fax to 405- 954-9922 or via mail to:

Federal Aviation Administration
Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760
P.O Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082.

It is recommended that any Verification of License Authenticity Form be submitted at least 90 days prior to arriving at the designated FAA FSDO office.

The FAA requires that the following information be included with the verification form.

a. Name & Date of birth
b. Address where you wish to have the verification of authenticity letter to be mailed.
c. Certificate number and rating of the foreign license. (Copy of the foreign license & medical certificate is preferred)
d. Country of issuance of your foreign license
e. Location of the FAA Flight Standards District Office you intend to apply for your U.S certificate.
f. Statement confirming that your foreign license is not under suspension or revocation.

In addition, you have to do a written test (about 80 questions) and undergo a flight check if you wish to exercise the ATP certificate.

Hope the information above helps.