EASA licences and ICAO validation

[MichaelP]

Something came up the other day and it is in regard to converting an EASA pilot licence to an ICAO (Canadian) licence.
It seems that for the pilot concerned there are more hoops for him to jump through, he has a frozen JAA ATPL.

Since EASA is not ICAO there's no agreeable conversion process and so pilots coming here from Europe with new EASA licences are in for a more involved conversion process.
I think Private Pilot Licence holders might be alright, but come here with an EASA Commercial or an Airline Transport Pilot Licence and I believe your life is going to be a bit more difficult.

Other ICAO countries:

Thailand is a signatory of the Chigago Convention (December 7th 1945) and as such has to recognise licences from signatory countries. You still have to do the Thai Aviation Law exam based on this document, as well as a Human Factors exam (based on 'out there theoretical stuff from the web!).

Britain famously is a true signatory of the ICAO Chicago Convention and as such accepts pilots with other ICAO licences without having to apply for and pay for a validation.
How will Britain stand when EASA is fully involved?

If EASA is as they say 'not a signatory with ICAO' then there seems to be trouble on the horizon for anyone from Europe wanting to fly aeroplanes in ICAO states.

Has anyone more information on discussion between EASA and ICAO with regard to accepting each other's licences?

[Irv Lee]

EASA don't issue licences, each country's CAA does, is that going to help?

[MichaelP]

I think it does... I wonder why the Brit concerned has to do what seems to be more than the norm for his JAA licence conversion.
There's always different opinions in different TC offices so perhaps there's some confusion.

What is required is spelled out here: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/s ... e-2283.htm

I know that there's some resentment here over EASA taking an attitude above what ICAO might have.
'The Europeans think they know better'.

[golfcharlie]

I am no lawyer, but I have heard is said in a previous incarnation that national law is subservient to international law. An an international treaty is binding on the signatories. Have we got a lawyer on the forum?
Is EASA acting ultra vires?

[Irv Lee]

I don't think there is any difference needed between what has happened for the past 12 years and now. UK Pilots (to be accurate, those with a UK medical record) will have a UK issued licence which in the past in the past followed a process the CAA agreed to follow, now a process they have to follow.
Sounds like some officer your side gold plating.

[Cobalt]

Irv is a bit too polite. This is complete BS.

EASA licences are ICAO compliant licences. The front page says >>This licence complies with ICAO standards<<. It will still be issued by a state, which, helpfully, is called the >>state of licence issue<<.

If there is any doubt about this, it might help to point the individual to a dictionary, a basic English grammar, or use a hammer.