ANAC to FAA License Conversion

Brazilian pilots converting ANAC licenses to FAA certificates are typically pursuing one of two goals: access to international airline opportunities — including carriers in the Middle East, Asia, and the United States — or plans to work in U.S. business aviation. The FAA ATP certificate is increasingly sought by Brazilian pilots as a credential that opens doors beyond what the ANAC license alone provides.

This guide addresses the ANAC-specific requirements and the career context that makes FAA conversion valuable for Brazilian pilots.

For the broader licensing decision, start with the Pilot License Conversion Guide.

Who This Page Is For

Pilots holding a valid ANAC CPL or ATPL issued by Brazil's Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil who want to obtain an FAA certificate. This includes pilots employed by Brazilian carriers, those with international career ambitions, and pilots who trained in Brazil and are exploring U.S. aviation pathways.

Why Brazilian Pilots Pursue FAA Certification

The FAA ATP certificate holds a specific value in the international aviation market that Brazilian pilots have recognized. Airlines in the Gulf region — Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, and flydubai — frequently recruit international pilots and consider FAA credentials alongside national licenses when evaluating candidates. Holding an FAA ATP alongside an ANAC ATPL strengthens a Brazilian pilot's application in competitive international hiring processes.

Beyond airline applications, FAA certification gives Brazilian pilots access to N-registered aircraft operations globally and creates a pathway to U.S.-based employment in business aviation and regional airlines.

Required Documents

• Valid ANAC license, original or certified copy.
• ANAC verification letter confirming license validity, privileges, and currency — requested directly from ANAC in Brazil.
• Certified English translation of all Portuguese-language documents including the verification letter and logbook.
• FAA Class 1 or Class 2 medical certificate from an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner.
• Logbook documentation — certified English translation required for Brazilian logbooks.
• ICAO English Language Proficiency at Level 4 or above with documentation.
• Valid passport.
• Type rating certificates where applicable.
• Completed FAA IACRA application.

Translation and notarization of documents is a significant cost and time factor for Brazilian pilots. All Portuguese-language documents must be translated by a certified translator and in some cases notarized before the FAA will accept them.

Typical Timeline

• ANAC verification letter: 4 to 10 weeks.
• Certified English translation: 2 to 6 weeks depending on document volume.
• FAA application processing: 4 to 12 weeks.
• Medical certificate: 1 to 3 weeks.
• Knowledge tests where required: 4 to 12 weeks.
• Practical test where required: 2 to 6 weeks.

Total realistic range: 4 to 14 months. Translation is the most common source of unexpected delay when documents are not prepared correctly.

Typical Costs

Total out-of-pocket typically ranges from USD 1,500 to USD 4,500 excluding travel.

Common Mistakes Brazilian Pilots Make

• Using uncertified translations of ANAC documents — the FAA requires certified translation and will return applications with non-compliant translations.
• Underestimating the translation timeline — high-quality certified translation takes time and cannot be rushed without affecting quality.
• Not confirming ICAO English Language Proficiency documentation before applying.
• Assuming the ANAC ATPL automatically qualifies for FAA ATP without reviewing aeronautical experience requirements.
• Not researching which international airlines accept FAA credentials alongside ANAC licenses before investing in the conversion.

This guide is for educational purposes only. Requirements are subject to change. Final decisions are made by ANAC and the FAA. FAAForeignPilot.com is not affiliated with any aviation authority.