Polite discussion about EASA, the CAA, the ANO and the delights of aviation regulation.
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By euangregg
#1825105
Hi All

I hope I'm posting in the right area! I'm planning on heading to the states (COVID permitting) at the tail end of this year to do a floatplane rating. I'm also hoping to fly a friends N-reg aircraft in the UK with him from time to time.

I currently hold a UK issued CPL with a valid SEP rating. I understand I'll need to visit an FSDO in the states in order to get my FAA plastic certificate, but I've heard various versions of the process leading to this point!

Any help would be much appreciated
By A4 Pacific
#1825115
My memory is hazy, as it’s a while since I did mine. However you can’t just rock up at an FSDO. You have to make an appointment a fair way in advance. You also have to make a payment to our CAA (£46?) for their kind assistance in confirming your details to the FAA. Again in advance. 45 - 90 days ahead you need to be starting the ball rolling.

I imagine a google search would provide you with the details?

https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/foreign_license_verification/

https://www.caa.co.uk/General-aviation/Pilot-licences/Applications/Outside-EASA/Verify-your-licence/

I believe you can actually achieve all this without travelling to the US? However the FAA ‘agents’ in the UK/Europe charge a lot for the privilege.
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By Ben Twings
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1825152
You need to get a CAA licence validation and a visit to the FSDO to get your US airman's certificate based on a foreign licence. But if you want training for an additional rating (ASES), then you also have to go through the AFSPvalidation process to make sure you're not a security threat.
Often the training providers are familiar with that process and can guide you along.