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FAA License Conversion: How Pilots from Other Countries Can Get an FAA Certificate

By Brock Willes on Aug 25, 2026 16:08 PM |

It’s entirely possible for foreign pilots to fly in the United States without starting over with their flight training. Through direct conversion, pilots from other countries can reach the private pilot level, and they can continue gaining professional certificates on top of that through additional training.

This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process, allowing you to better understand how you can earn your foreign pilot FAA certification as efficiently as possible.

What “Converting” Your License Actually Means

The process to convert a pilot license in the USA is governed by 14 CFR 61.75. Established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), this allows a foreign pilot from an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) member state to obtain a U.S. private pilot certificate based on their valid foreign pilot license. The path from an ICAO to FAA license is streamlined, requiring no additional training or practical tests. Eligible aircraft ratings held on the foreign license may also be placed on the FAA certificate.

However, a foreign pilot with a commercial or airline transport pilot license will find that there is one key limitation: Their license still only converts to a U.S. private pilot certificate, and additional training is required for further credentials. The same applies to an EASA to FAA conversion.

Pilots who have a converted certificate should remember that it’s tied to their original foreign license, which means they have to keep their foreign license valid to maintain their U.S. private pilot license. It’s recommended that pilots carry both documents at all times.

Step One: FAA Foreign License Validation

To convert a pilot license in the USA, the FAA must validate your existing credentials. FAA foreign license validation must be completed before the FAA can issue your U.S. certificate, so it’s important to begin the verification process well in advance. It’s recommended that you begin the validation process 45 to 90 days ahead of when you need your U.S. private pilot certificate. During this time, do not schedule any travel until you receive a valid Verification Letter from the Airmen Certification Branch. Once you receive your letter, it’s valid for six months.

The FAA foreign license validation is required for any foreign pilot looking to convert under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 61, Section 61.75. The Airmen Certification Branch in Oklahoma City is responsible for verifying international credentials, and it works closely with the Civil Aviation Authority from the pilot’s home country to validate information and process credentials. To begin the process, you need to submit your application virtually using the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) or manually send Form 8060-71 to the Airmen Certification Branch in Oklahoma City. The electronic form is preferred, but the paper form is still accepted.

Be aware that there is an English proficiency requirement. All documents submitted must be in English or have a signed translation attached.

Step Two: Your Examiner Appointment

Once you receive your verification letter, you need to set up an in-person examiner appointment with an FAA inspector at a Flight Standards District Office or a Designated Pilot Examiner. Keep in mind that your verification letter is only valid for six months, so it’s important to make this appointment as quickly as possible.

Here’s what you can expect at the examiner appointment:

You will complete Form 8710 along with the examiner.
The examiner will confirm your identity and review the documents.
The examiner will verify that you are proficient in the English language.
The examiner will confirm that you have a valid FAA medical certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner.

This appointment is an administrative review, not a flight test. Once it is completed, your temporary U.S. private pilot certificate will be issued on the spot, and your permanent certificate will be mailed to you.

If you are joining PEA, you do not have to navigate this step alone. For incoming students who need to meet with an examiner to verify an existing pilot license, our team will coordinate the appointment and guide you through the process, making sure everything is completed correctly before you begin your training with us.

Adding an Instrument Rating

While your foreign pilot license translates into a U.S. private pilot certificate, you can add a foreign instrument rating to the converted certificate without a checkride under 14 CFR Part 61, Section 61.75. To do this, you must pass the appropriate FAA instrument knowledge test within the 24 months before applying for the instrument rating.

This is a valuable step for foreign pilots who are planning to fly professionally in the U.S.

Going Beyond a Private Certificate

Foreign pilots who want to fly professionally in the U.S. will find that there is no direct conversion to a commercial or airline transport pilot certificate. Regardless of the foreign credentials that you have, your conversion will lead to a U.S. private pilot certificate, and going beyond that involves additional training.

Foreign pilots earn their commercial or airline transport pilot certificates in the same way U.S. pilots earn them, through aeronautical experience, written exams, and checkrides. The good news is that existing foreign flight hours and relevant experience can be applied toward FAA minimums, which can help expedite the pathway toward higher-level flight credentials.

Depending on their circumstances and planned training, non-U.S. citizens may also need to satisfy additional requirements before beginning flight training, including:

A satisfactory TSA Security Threat Assessment through the Flight Training Security Program
An appropriate student visa, such as an F-1 visa

The FAA foreign license validation process is designed to support foreign pilots and provide them with a pathway toward flying in the U.S. However, going beyond the private pilot certificate involves additional training and administrative work, making it important to work closely with a flight training provider who is able to support you throughout the process.

How PEA Supports International Pilots

For decades, Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) has welcomed international pilots from more than 70 different countries. PEA is authorized to enroll eligible international students in F-1 programs and provides support as they navigate U.S. licensing requirements. This includes pilots pursuing an EASA to FAA conversion or ICAO to FAA license conversion.

PEA’s International Licensing Programs are designed to help candidates map their individual conversion path, and PEA’s Part 141 Professional Programs provide a structured route to adding FAA commercial and flight instructor ratings.

Beyond providing the comprehensive support that foreign pilots need to gain the credentials that align with their career goals, PEA is ideally located in the Class C airspace at Daytona Beach International Airport, where you can train in a complex, radar-controlled environment. Florida’s abundant sunshine leads to more than 300 flying days per year, giving you the ability to train year-round and quickly gain the experience you need to become a professional pilot.

Earn Your Foreign Pilot FAA Certification at PEA

If you are a foreign pilot, you can convert pilot license in the USA under 14 CFR Part 61, Section 61.75, which allows eligible pilots to obtain an FAA private pilot certificate based on their current foreign license. The first step to converting is FAA foreign license validation, and then you can invest in training to continue building your flight credentials.

Recognizing the investment that you have made into your flight training, PEA offers tailored support to help you learn how to convert your licenses and ratings based on your personal needs. The International Licensing Programs are designed to help you build on your existing experience and earn the credentials needed to fly in the U.S.

Contact PEA to learn more about foreign pilot FAA certification and the licensing programs that will streamline the conversion process for you.