EASA to FAA License Conversion

EASA pilots pursuing FAA certification are typically doing so for one of three reasons: access to U.S. business aviation, improved global employability, or a planned move to the United States. The process is more structured than many expect, and the requirements differ depending on your EASA license level, your country of issue, and whether you hold an instrument rating.

This guide covers what EASA pilots actually need to know before starting the process — not a summary of FAA regulations, but the practical decisions that determine whether your conversion goes smoothly or stalls for months.

Country-specific guides for UK CAA, JCAB, CAAC, and other authorities are available separately. For the broader licensing decision, start with the Pilot License Conversion Guide.

Who This Page Is For

Pilots holding a valid EASA CPL or ATPL issued by an EU Member State, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, or Liechtenstein who want to obtain an FAA certificate. This includes pilots currently employed by European airlines, those in business aviation, and those planning to transition to U.S. operations or international carriers that require FAA credentials.

If you hold a UK CAA license issued after Brexit, see the separate UK CAA to FAA guide — UK CAA is no longer an EASA authority.

Conversion vs. Validation — What EASA Pilots Are Actually Asking For

Most EASA pilots asking about FAA conversion want one of two things:

A full FAA certificate based on their EASA credentials, which gives them independent FAA privileges not tied to any employer or contract. This is the most common objective for pilots planning to work in the U.S. or wanting FAA credentials for career flexibility.

An FAA certificate to fly N-registered aircraft internationally. Many European business aviation operators use N-registered aircraft, and pilots on those fleets often need FAA credentials regardless of where they are based.

These are different situations with different requirements. The first requires going through the full FAA verification and certification process. The second may be achievable through a more limited pathway. Understanding which applies to your situation before starting any paperwork saves significant time.

What Does FAA Conversion Actually Mean for EASA Pilots?

The FAA does not offer a direct one-for-one exchange of EASA licenses. What exists is a verification-based pathway under 14 CFR 61.75, which allows the FAA to issue a certificate based on a foreign license — but with important limitations.

Under this pathway, the FAA can issue a Private Pilot Certificate based on a foreign license without additional testing. For Commercial and ATP level certificates, the process is more involved and typically requires meeting FAA aeronautical experience requirements, passing FAA knowledge tests, and in most cases completing a practical test with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner.

For EASA ATPL holders with significant experience, there is often a pathway to FAA ATP that credits existing flight time — but this is not automatic and depends on how your hours are documented and what aircraft you have flown.

Required Documents

Document requirements for EASA pilots converting to FAA:

• Valid EASA license, original or certified copy from the issuing authority.
• License verification letter from your home authority confirming validity, privileges, and currency — this must be requested directly from your national authority, not from EASA centrally.
• FAA Class 1 or Class 2 medical certificate issued by an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner.
• Logbook documentation — certified summary or full logbook in English, or with certified English translation.
• ICAO English Language Proficiency at Level 4 or above — most EASA pilots already hold this, but it must be documented.
• Passport valid throughout the application period.
• Type rating certificates where applicable — FAA recognition of EASA type ratings varies by aircraft.
• Completed FAA IACRA application.

For pilots requiring knowledge tests, additional preparation and scheduling with an FAA testing center is required. This adds 4 to 12 weeks depending on location and scheduling availability.

Typical Timeline

EASA pilots generally have faster verification timelines than pilots from some other authorities, but the process still takes longer than most expect.

• Authority verification from your home national authority: 4 to 10 weeks. Response times vary significantly between EU member states. German Luftfahrt-Bundesamt and the French DGAC typically respond faster than some smaller national authorities.
• FAA IACRA application processing: 4 to 12 weeks after verification is complete.
• Medical certificate: 1 to 4 weeks depending on AME availability and any special issuance requirements.
• Knowledge tests where required: add 4 to 12 weeks for preparation and scheduling.
• Practical test scheduling where required: 2 to 8 weeks.

Total realistic range: 4 to 14 months for a straightforward case with complete documentation. Complex situations involving special issuance medicals, knowledge test requirements, or incomplete logbook records take longer.

Typical Costs

These are planning estimates. Official fees must be confirmed directly with the relevant authority.

Total out-of-pocket excluding travel typically ranges from USD 1,200 to USD 4,000 depending on which tests are required and your specific situation.

Common Mistakes EASA Pilots Make

• Requesting verification from EASA centrally rather than from their national authority — EASA does not issue verification letters; your national authority does.
• Assuming EASA ATPL automatically converts to FAA ATP without additional testing — the pathway exists but depends on your specific hours and aircraft experience.
• Applying with an expired medical — FAA medical must be current at the time of application.
• Underestimating the time national authorities take to issue verification letters — some pilots have waited 12 to 16 weeks for letters that should take 4 weeks.
• Not checking whether their type ratings will be recognized — some EASA type ratings require FAA-specific endorsement or checkride.
• Starting the process without confirming which FAA certificate level they are actually eligible for.
• Assuming a U.S. visit is always required — in some cases the process can be completed remotely or with a U.S.-based DPE, but this depends on the certificate level and situation.

This guide is for educational purposes only. Requirements and available pathways are subject to change without notice. Final licensing decisions are made by the relevant aviation authority. FAAForeignPilot.com is an independent advisory service and is not affiliated with any civil aviation authority.