FAA Foreign Licence Validation Letter

[navajopilot]

Hey everyone!

I recently got a job flying in the US and need to convert my TC commercial license to FAA. I was wondering if anyone has applied for a TC licence validation with the FAA, could tell me how long it took to get their validation letter back from the FAA. I know their website says it can take 45 days but I have heard that it normally comes faster than that.


Thanks!

[Tylerjohnston]

Hey!
I recently went from FAA to Transport Canada, and it was a lengthy process to say the least. I have heard that the other way around is much longer. I heard of a guy waiting up to 6 months, but I guess that depends on a lot of factors.

Good luck!
Cheers

[rolowang]

Hi navajopilot

It took me around 2 weeks to get the validation letter. then you can do your conversion exams and medical. The real pain for me was the actual license, took me around 3 months after I went to FSDO.

Enjoy!

[MIQ]

CPL or ATPL conversion?
I second rolowang's post. The actual validation letter comes fairly quickly. Did mine pretty much a year ago and it would say around two weeks for the letter is realistic. Definitely not 45 days. I also recall waiting for a long time for the actual FAA licence in the mail. To a point where I thought that it got lost in the mail. However you do get a temporary certificate that is valid for 30 (?) days right away.

[Panama Jack]

However you do get a temporary certificate that is valid for 30 (?) days right away.

120 Days

[Cessna 180]

Took me about 2 weeks, maybe a bit less (I had them fax the letter). I then made an appointment with a designated person near Rochester and I was issued a temporary certifcate on the spot using the IACRA system. I believe you can go write the conversion exam at a testing center before you receive the validation letter. I did a license validation not a conversion so it was a little easier. There are lots of FAA medical examiners here in Canada that can do your medical (lots of them over charge however). I would get the test and medical done now so you're all ready to go as soon as you get the validation letter.

[Pilot_Flip]

Hi navajopilot

It took me around 2 weeks to get the validation letter. then you can do your conversion exams and medical. The real pain for me was the actual license, took me around 3 months after I went to FSDO.

Enjoy!

+1

[x15]

Can you get a verification letter and take your type ratings from your TC license? If I do a Challenger 604 rating next month. Then apply for the letter of verification, will my CL64 rating go over? or do I need to do an FAA ride?

I hear for the CPL you can. But the ATPL you cannot.

Anyone do this recently? Since AC 61-135A came out?