✈️ What is License Convalidation?

Convalidation = FAA Conversion of Your Foreign License:
Convalidation is the process of converting your existing pilot license from your home country (such as from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, or any ICAO-compliant authority) into a U.S. FAA pilot certificate. This allows you to fly U.S.-registered aircraft without needing to start all over again.

Get an FAA Certificate Based on Your Current License:
The FAA will issue you a U.S. pilot certificate that reflects the privileges of your foreign license. For example, if you hold a Private Pilot License (PPL) with single-engine and multi-engine ratings, your FAA certificate will include those same ratings.

Under FAA rules (specifically 14 CFR 61.75), foreign private pilot licenses can be directly converted into an FAA Private Pilot Certificate.

What If I Have a Commercial or ATP License?
If you already hold a Commercial Pilot License or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) from your country, you can still convalidate—but only up to the FAA Private Pilot level. FAA rules do not allow a direct conversion to a Commercial or ATP certificate.
Once you have your FAA Private Pilot Certificate, you’ll be eligible to upgrade to Commercial or ATP by meeting FAA testing and flight time requirements—and we can help you through that next step, too.

Keep Your Foreign License Valid:
Your FAA certificate is issued based on your foreign license, so it remains valid as long as your original license is valid. You’ll need to carry both your FAA certificate and your home country’s license when flying under FAA rules in the U.S.

No Need to Repeat Training:
This process is mostly administrative—there’s no need to retake your training or do a checkride. You'll just need to complete some paperwork, wait for license verification, and attend a short meeting with an FAA inspector. It’s a much faster and easier way to start flying legally in the U.S., using the experience and credentials you already have.

✅ What You’ll Need for a Smooth Convalidation

To make your FAA license conversion quick and easy, here’s what you’ll need to prepare:

• Valid Foreign Pilot License (ICAO or EASA):
  You must hold a current, unrestricted pilot license (Private or higher) issued by an ICAO-compliant authority. It must be valid and in good standing at the time of verification.
  Tip: If your license has any limitations or restrictions, let us know and we’ll advise you on how those may affect your FAA certificate.

• Foreign Medical Certificate:
  A current medical certificate from your home country is required to begin the process. If your license and medical are combined in one document, make sure both are up to date.

• Passport or Government ID:
  You'll need a valid passport (or U.S. ID) for your FAA appointment. The name on your FAA application must match your passport exactly.

• English Language Proficiency:
  You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. Most ICAO and EASA licenses already include this endorsement, but FAA officials may confirm it during your meeting.

• Document Copies:
  Have clear copies of your pilot license and medical certificate ready. We’ll help prepare and submit these with your FAA paperwork.

• FAA Verification Form (8060-71):
  This is the form that starts the process. We’ll assist you in completing and submitting it correctly.

• FAA Airman Application (IACRA):
  Once your license is verified, we’ll help you complete the online FAA airman application through IACRA to receive your new certificate.

• FAA Medical Exam (U.S.):
  You’ll need a valid FAA medical (3rd Class or higher) to be issued your certificate. We’ll help you book this exam once you’re in the U.S.

• Instrument Rating Test (if applicable):
  If your foreign license includes instrument privileges, you’ll need to pass the FAA instrument knowledge test to have that rating added. We provide test prep and scheduling support.

• Continuing Beyond PPL?
  Foreign Commercial and ATP licenses are convalidated only to the Private Pilot level. If you want to upgrade to FAA Commercial or ATP, we’ll build a custom training plan to help you meet all FAA requirements efficiently.

• Visa & TSA Approval (for training):
  If you plan to do additional training in the U.S., you’ll need:

  • A valid tourist visa (for convalidation only) or a student visa (M-1/F-1) if training long-term (Note: We currently do not issue M-1 or F-1 visas.)

  • TSA clearance through the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) for any new flight training. We’ll walk you through the process step by step.
    (TSA clearance is not required for the convalidation alone if no training is involved.)

✈️ How the Convalidation Process Works

We guide you through every step of converting your ICAO-compliant or EASA license into an FAA certificate. Here's a simplified overview of what to expect:

1. Submit FAA Verification Request

• The first step is completing FAA Form 8060-71, which verifies the authenticity of your foreign license.

• You'll submit this form along with a copy of your valid pilot license and current medical certificate.

• This can be done online through IACRA or by mail—we’ll help you with both the paperwork and submission.

2. Wait for License Confirmation

• The FAA will contact your country’s aviation authority to confirm your license details.

• This step usually takes 6–8 weeks (sometimes up to 90 days).

• Once approved, the FAA issues a Verification Letter (also called a Letter of Authenticity), valid for 6 months.

• Tip: It helps to notify your local authority so they can respond to the FAA quickly.

3. Prepare for Your U.S. Visit

Before traveling to the U.S., make sure you have:

• A valid passport

• An appropriate visa:

  • Tourist visa (B-1/B-2) is fine for license conversion only.

  • If you plan to continue training, you’ll need a student visa (M-1).

  Note: Our school does not issue M-1 or F-1 visas, but we welcome students with approved U.S. visas or residency.

• An FAA Medical Certificate (at least Third Class), which we can help schedule with a local Aviation Medical Examiner after you arrive.

• Instrument Rating? If your foreign license includes one and you’d like it reflected on your FAA certificate, you’ll need to pass the FAA Instrument written exam. We’ll help you study and schedule it.

4. Schedule Your FAA Appointment

Once in the U.S., we’ll arrange your meeting with the local FAA office (FSDO) or a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).

You’ll need to bring:

• Your original foreign pilot license (and translation if not in English)

• Your FAA verification letter

• Your FAA medical certificate

• Your passport or valid ID

• Instrument written test results (if applicable)

This is not a flight test—just a paperwork review and ID verification. Once approved, you’ll be issued a temporary FAA certificate on the spot!