Japanese pilots considering an FAA certificate should begin by identifying the certificate and privileges they need, then follow the FAA foreign-license verification process that applies to that pathway.
This guide explains how the FAA's general foreign-license verification process applies to a JCAB-issued license and identifies questions that require case-specific confirmation.
For the broader licensing decision, start with the Pilot License Conversion Guide.
Who This Page Is For
Pilots holding a valid JCAB CPL or ATPL issued by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau who want to obtain an FAA certificate. This includes pilots employed by Japanese carriers such as JAL or ANA, business aviation pilots, and those exploring international career pathways outside Japan.
JCAB-Specific Considerations
Under the FAA's published process, an applicant submits a foreign-license verification request through IACRA or FAA Form 8060-71. The FAA Airmen Certification Branch then contacts the issuing civil aviation authority to verify the validity and currency of the foreign license and, when requested, the medical certificate or endorsement.
The FAA's current public list of countries with additional CAA coordination requirements names Australia, Cyprus, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom; it does not list Japan. The FAA page does not state that a JCAB verification letter requires a Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs apostille. If the FAA, JCAB, or another authority requests case-specific documentation, confirm that requirement directly before relying on it.
Employer rules are separate from FAA certification requirements. Pilots employed by an airline or other operator should review their own contract and company policies rather than assume a general JAL, ANA, or industry-wide restriction.
Required Documents
- A completed foreign-license verification request submitted through IACRA or, when applicable, FAA Form 8060-71.
- A legible copy of the foreign pilot license.
- A copy of the foreign medical certificate or endorsement if the applicant asks the FAA to verify it.
- An English transcription of the foreign license or medical documentation when applicable. For a certificate issued under 14 CFR 61.75, the regulation requires the foreign license and medical certification to be written in English or accompanied by an English transcription signed by an official or representative of the issuing foreign aviation authority.
- Any additional documents requested by the FAA, JCAB, an FAA inspector, or an authorized certifying official for the applicant's specific certificate path.
Do not assume that a general translation service or an apostille substitutes for the verification process. Confirm document format and translation requirements for the specific application with the responsible authority or authorized certifying official.
Typical Timeline
- FAA foreign-license verification: approximately 45 to 90 days under the FAA's current published guidance.
- After the verification letter is issued, applicants who need an FSDO visit or are applying under 14 CFR 61.75 should contact their selected FSDO to arrange the next step with an FAA inspector or authorized certifying official.
- Other training, testing, medical, travel, or certification timelines depend on the certificate sought and the applicant's circumstances.
Do not schedule travel or a checkride until the FAA has issued a valid Verification Letter. The FAA also advises applicants not to anticipate an FSDO appointment earlier than two weeks after the initial contact following verification.
Cost Planning
| Cost Item | Planning Note |
|---|---|
| Foreign-license verification | Confirm current filing and document requirements with the FAA and JCAB. |
| Translation or transcription | Depends on the documents and the authority-approved format required for the application. |
| Medical, knowledge test, or practical test | Depends on the FAA certificate or rating sought; not every applicant follows the same path. |
| Independent advisory | USD 95-299 |
Request current quotes before committing to training, testing, translation, travel, or advisory services. This page does not estimate a universal total cost for JCAB applicants.
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Common Mistakes JCAB Pilots Make
- Scheduling travel or a checkride before receiving a valid FAA Verification Letter.
- Assuming that the FAA verification request is complete before the issuing CAA has responded to the FAA.
- Using an English translation or transcription without confirming that it meets the requirement for the specific application.
- Assuming an employer permits an additional foreign certificate without checking the applicable contract and company policy.
- Applying for the wrong FAA certificate level without confirming eligibility.
- Assuming that a foreign type rating will transfer to every kind of FAA certificate without checking the applicable rule and certification path.
FAQ
Does the FAA require a MOFA apostille from JCAB pilots?
The FAA's current public foreign-license verification instructions do not list Japan among the countries with additional CAA coordination requirements and do not state that a JCAB verification letter requires a Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs apostille. Confirm any case-specific request directly with the FAA, JCAB, or the authorized certifying official handling the application.
How long does FAA foreign-license verification take?
The FAA currently states that Verification of Authenticity of Foreign License and Medical Certification takes approximately 45 to 90 days. Other steps depend on the certificate or rating sought and the applicant's circumstances.
Can a JAL or ANA pilot hold an FAA certificate?
FAA certification rules do not establish an employer's internal policy. A pilot should review the applicable employment contract and company policies or obtain case-specific confirmation from the employer.
Do Japanese documents need an English translation?
For a certificate issued under 14 CFR 61.75, the foreign license and medical certification must be written in English or accompanied by an English transcription signed by an official or representative of the issuing foreign aviation authority. Requirements for logbooks or other records depend on the specific application and should be confirmed separately.
Can I complete the FAA process without traveling to the United States?
The FAA's published guidance requires an in-person meeting for foreign-pilot certification and directs applicants to contact the appropriate DPE, flight school, or FSDO after verification. Confirm the location and remaining steps for the specific certificate or rating before arranging travel.
Will my JCAB type ratings be placed on an FAA certificate?
Under 14 CFR 61.75(c), aircraft ratings listed on a qualifying foreign pilot license may be placed on a U.S. private pilot certificate issued on the basis of that foreign license, for private-pilot privileges. That does not mean a foreign type rating automatically transfers to an unrestricted U.S. certificate; the applicable FAA path and any testing must be confirmed for the specific rating.
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This guide is for educational purposes only. Requirements are subject to change. Final decisions are made by the JCAB and the FAA. FAAForeignPilot.com is not affiliated with any aviation authority.