FAA ↔ EASA Pilot License Conversion
FAA and EASA pilot licenses are not directly interchangeable. This guide outlines the conversion paths between an FAA certificate and an EASA Part-FCL license.
Issued / Governed By
FAA (United States) & EASA (European Union)
Time to Earn
Weeks to several months depending on exams, flight hours, and skill tests
Estimated Cost
Varies widely — theoretical exams, skill tests, and any required training can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars
Who needs this credential?
Commercial and airline pilots relocating between the US and EU, ferry pilots, and flight crews for operators working across both jurisdictions.
Prerequisites
- Hold a valid pilot license in your current region (FAA or EASA)
- A current medical certificate appropriate to the target authority
- Documented flight experience and logbooks
How to get certified
- 1
Determine the conversion direction
FAA-to-EASA and EASA-to-FAA follow different rules. Identify your starting license and the license class (PPL, CPL, ATPL) you need in the target region.
- 2
FAA to EASA Part-FCL
Convert by passing the relevant EASA theoretical knowledge examinations and a skill test. Credit may be available for your existing experience, but the EASA exams are required.
- 3
EASA to FAA
A US certificate can be issued on the basis of a foreign license under 14 CFR 61.75 (often for private privileges), or you can meet FAA requirements directly for full commercial/ATP privileges, including FAA written and practical tests.
- 4
Validate medical and language requirements
Obtain the appropriate FAA or EASA medical certificate and demonstrate the required English language proficiency (ICAO Level 4+).
Why pilot licenses require conversion
Although both authorities follow ICAO standards, the FAA and EASA maintain distinct licensing systems with different theoretical syllabi and checkride standards. A bilateral that automatically transfers individual pilot privileges does not exist for most license classes.
Credit for prior experience
Logged flight hours and ratings from one authority can often reduce the training burden when converting, but they rarely eliminate the requirement to pass the destination authority's exams and skill test.
Related career roles
Always verify current requirements with the issuing authority before you begin.
EASA Air Crew