rotorEMS Posted June 4, 2011 Report Share Posted June 4, 2011 I would like to have the option to fly in both U.S. and the European Union. R22 or R44. Is the EU license valid in the U.S., and vice-versa? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lelebebbel Posted June 5, 2011 Report Share Posted June 5, 2011 No, you need to convert it either way. Converting from European (JAA) to US (FAA) is fairly easy. They will issue you a US restricted Private License based on your JAA license. Then you can take a simple written test and do a flight test to get a FAA commercial license. You need to get a TSA background check before you can do any flying in the US though. Converting from FAA to JAA is much, much harder and involves several expensive tests. Apparently, helicopters must be harder to fly in Europe or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rotorEMS Posted June 5, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2011 No, you need to convert it either way. Converting from European (JAA) to US (FAA) is fairly easy. They will issue you a US restricted Private License based on your JAA license. Then you can take a simple written test and do a flight test to get a FAA commercial license. You need to get a TSA background check before you can do any flying in the US though. Converting from FAA to JAA is much, much harder and involves several expensive tests. Apparently, helicopters must be harder to fly in Europe or something. Thank you for the response. Regarding the TSA background check, I am a U.S. citizen living in Europe. I think it will make things easier. Are there any government websites that would explain the process? Best Regards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lelebebbel Posted June 5, 2011 Report Share Posted June 5, 2011 (edited) OK, I don't think the TSA check is required for US Citizens.Then all you need to do is get in touch with a US flight school. You will need a rated instructor anyways to sign you off for the CPL written test. They'll also be able to help you get a FAA restricted private license issued and sort you out for a CPL flight test afterwards. The FAA CPL(H) requires a certain amount of night flying and some simulated IFR. You will have to meet those requirements before attempting a CPL flight test. The hours are listed in the "FAR/AIM" Book (FARs Part 61), which you can buy on Amazon for example. Edited June 5, 2011 by lelebebbel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecco1 Posted June 5, 2011 Report Share Posted June 5, 2011 REQUIRMENTS The candidate must have logged at least 150 hours of flight time consisting of at least: 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in helicopters. 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least: 35 hours in helicopters; and 10 hours cross-country flight in helicopters. 20 hours of dual training that includes at least: 10 hours of instrument training in an aircraft One 2 hour straight-line 50 nautical mile cross-country day VFR flight in a helicopter One 2 hour straight-line 50 nautical mile cross-country night VFR flight in a helicopter 3 hours flight test preparation within the 60-day period preceding the date of the test 10 hours of solo flight in a helicopter which includes at least: One straight-line 50 nautical mile solo cross-country flight with landings at a minimum of three points, 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern). Once you meet the above requirements you need to do the following 1. Fill out and submit the verification of authenticity form and fax it to the number below, along with a copy of your valid medical and Canadian licence. Download and print this form: - Here - In box# 10 : "Seattle FSDO, Renton, WA." Fax #405-954-4105 2. Study for your written exam using a copy of the ASA flight test prep book available online from major bookstores. 3. Once you have received a verification letter from the FAA you need to book a meeting with the FAA at the Seattle FSDO (Flight Safety District Office ) and also book a time for the written flight test through LaserGrade. Seattle/Renton FSDO Telephone: 425-227-1813 LaserGrade: - Location - Postal Code: 98101 Exam Type: FAA - All other tests We have had good experience with these two: Galvin Flying Services, Boeing Field Wings Aloft, Boeing Field. 4. Take your original Authenticity Letter to the FAA meeting and have them issue a FAA private licence 5. Come home and book your commercial flight-test. A map to the FAA building can be found here: 1601 Lind Ave SW, Renton, WA 98057 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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