First Aviator

Academy USA

Home / Airline & Advanced / License Conversion

Professional pilots · FAA conversion

Foreign license conversion to FAA

Already a licensed pilot in another country? We help you convert your experience into an FAA certificate, with clear guidance on verification, training and testing in English or Spanish.

ICAO

Foreign license from an ICAO member state

Verification

FAA confirms your license first

Your hours

Logged flight time can count

EN / ES

Bilingual guidance

The process

Turn your license into an FAA certificate

There are two common routes. A private pilot certificate issued on the basis of your foreign license lets you fly privately in the U.S. To fly professionally, you earn a standalone FAA certificate, using your existing experience toward the requirements.

Pilots who are not U.S. citizens need TSA Flight Training Security Program approval before flight training.

At a glance
License conversion
Who it is forPilots with a foreign ICAO license
First stepFAA license verification
TrainingBased on your logbook review
FAA examsKnowledge tests + checkride
SupportEnglish and Spanish
How it works

From foreign license to FAA certificate

Every pilot’s path is different, so we start by reviewing your license and logbook.

01

Logbook review

An advisor reviews your license, ratings and logbook to recommend the right route.

02

License verification

Request FAA verification of your foreign license, which can take several weeks.

03

FAA training

Train on FAA regulations, procedures and U.S. airspace with our instructors.

04

Tests and checkride

Pass the required FAA knowledge tests and practical test for your new certificate.

Why convert with us

Guidance from start to finish

Bilingual team

Guidance in English and Spanish, plus help with aviation English.

Clear plan

A logbook review shows exactly what you need and nothing more.

International support

Help with visas, TSA approval and arrival in Miami.

Career pathway

Continue to CFI ratings or our airline pathway after conversion.

FAQ

License conversion FAQ

What foreign-licensed pilots ask us most.

In most cases, yes. Flight time logged under your foreign license can be used toward FAA experience requirements. Your advisor will confirm during the logbook review.

FAA verification of a foreign license can take several weeks, so we recommend starting it early in the process.

For a standalone FAA certificate, yes. You will pass the FAA knowledge tests and practical test for the certificate you are earning.

Yes. FAA certificates require English proficiency. Our bilingual team helps you strengthen your aviation English during training.

Admissions

Fly in the USA with an FAA certificate

Request information and an advisor will review your license and logbook and recommend the right route.

Free advising session
Get your personal training plan
Scroll to Top