AC 61-143

U.S. Department

of Transportation

Federal Aviation

Administration

Advisory

Circular

Subject: Conversion Process for Pilot

Certificates in Accordance with the

Technical Implementation

Procedures - Licensing as Part of the

Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement

Between the FAA and EASA

Date: 6/22/21 AC No: 61-143

Initiated by: AFS-800 Change:

This advisory circular (AC) provides the procedures for converting a European Union Part-Flight

Crew Licensing (EU Part-FCL) pilot license to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot

certificate. This AC also contains information on whom to contact and where to find the process

for converting an FAA pilot certificate to an EU Part-FCL pilot license.

Robert C. Carty

Deputy Executive Director, Flight Standards Service

6/22/21 AC 61-143

CONTENTS

Paragraph Page

1 Purpose of This Advisory Circular (AC) .................................................................................. 1

2 Audience ................................................................................................................................... 1

3 Where You Can Find This AC.................................................................................................. 1

4 Effective Date ........................................................................................................................... 1

5 References ................................................................................................................................. 1

6 Background ............................................................................................................................... 2

7 Definitions................................................................................................................................. 2

8 Related Reading Material ......................................................................................................... 5

9 Contact Information .................................................................................................................. 6

Table 1. Countries Eligible for Conversion .............................................................................. 7

Table 2. Countries Not Eligible for Conversion ....................................................................... 8

10 Issuing an FAA Private Pilot Certificate and/or Instrument Rating on the Basis of an

EU Part-FCL Pilot License, Instrument Rating, and/or Night Rating ...................................... 8

11 Administrative Procedure to Apply for an FAA Private Pilot Certificate and/or

Instrument Rating on the Basis of an EU Part-FCL Pilot License, Instrument Rating,

and/or Night Rating................................................................................................................. 15

12 Obtaining an EU Part-FCL Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, and/or Night

Rating on the Basis of an FAA Pilot Certificate and/or Instrument Rating ............................ 19

13 Request for Information .......................................................................................................... 19

14 AC Feedback Form ................................................................................................................. 19

6/22/21 AC 61-143

1 PURPOSE OF THIS ADVISORY CIRCULAR (AC). This AC describes the

procedures for converting a European Union Part-Flight Crew Licensing (EU Part-FCL)

pilot license to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificate. It also contains

information on whom to contact and where to find the process for converting an FAA

pilot certificate to an EU Part-FCL pilot license. This AC describes how this conversion

process is different from the process for obtaining an FAA pilot certificate issued on the

basis of a foreign pilot license under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations

(14 CFR) part 61, § 61.75 and for which the FAA certificate is limited by the foreign

license.

1.1 Effects of Guidance. This guidance is not legally binding in its own right and will not be

relied upon by the FAA as a separate basis for affirmative enforcement action or other

administrative penalty. Conformity with the guidance is voluntary only, and

nonconformity will not affect rights and obligations under existing statutes and

regulations. This AC uses mandatory terms, such as “must,” when the language is

describing an established statutory or regulatory requirement or to reflect the special

conditions of Annex 3, Pilot Licensing, and/or the procedures in the Technical

Implementation Procedures - Licensing (TIP-L). Adherence to this AC provides an

acceptable method by which the FAA may convert an EU Part-FCL pilot license to an

FAA pilot certificate.

2 AUDIENCE. This AC is intended for persons converting an EU Part-FCL license to an

FAA pilot certificate and persons converting an FAA pilot certificate to an EU Part-FCL

license.

3 WHERE YOU CAN FIND THIS AC. You can find this AC on the FAA’s website at

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars.

4 EFFECTIVE DATE. The effective date of this AC is May 18, 2021.

5 REFERENCES.

5.1 Related Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts.

• Title 14 CFR Part 61, Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors.

• The CFRs can be found at https://www.ecfr.gov.

5.2 Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA).

• Agreement Between the United States of America and the European Community on

Cooperation in the Regulation of Civil Aviation Safety (“The Agreement”), available

at https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/international/bilateral_agreements/baa_basa_l

isting/media/EU-US-agreement-R0A5.pdf.

• Annex 3, Pilot Licensing, to The Agreement, available at

https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/international/bilateral_agreements/baa_basa_list

ing/media/US_EU_annex_3.pdf.

• Technical Implementation Procedures - Licensing (TIP-L), available at

https://fsims.avs.faa.gov/FSIMS/FSIMS.nsf/pubkeys/US-EU_TIP-L?opendocument.

6/22/21 AC 61-143

5.3 European Union (EU) Requirements.

• Regulation (EU) No. 2018/1139 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and

in Annex I to Commission Regulation (EU) No. 1178/2011, (Part-FCL).

• Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) and Guidance Material (GM) to Part-FCL

are published as Decision No. 2011/016/R of the Executive Director of the European

Aviation Safety Agency.

6 BACKGROUND. The FAA and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

entered into an agreement titled “The Agreement Between the United States of America

and the European Union on Cooperation in the Regulation of Civil Aviation Safety,” and

referred to as “The Agreement.” Annex 3, Pilot Licensing, to The Agreement permits

reliance on each other’s pilot licensing and oversight systems to the greatest extent

possible. On November 19, 2020, the United States and the European Union (EU)

approved the Technical Implementation Procedures Licensing (TIP-L), which details the

conversion of an EU Part-FCL private pilot license (PPL(A)), and night and instrument

ratings (IR(A)) for single-engine piston (SEP) land airplane and multiengine piston

(MEP) land airplane categories for single-pilot operations, excluding type ratings. The

TIP-L also details and provides the technical requirements for converting an FAA pilot

certificate at the private pilot certificate level or higher with privileges for the airplane

category rating and/or instrument rating for single-engine land airplane and multiengine

land airplanes for single pilot operations, excluding type ratings. The TIP-L only allows

conversion to the private pilot license/certificate level regardless of whether or not the

applicant holds a higher level of pilot license/certificate.

7 DEFINITIONS. The following defined terms are used throughout this AC:

7.1 Acclimatization Flying. Flight training for the purpose of accustoming applicants for

FAA instrument ratings and EU Part-FCL IR(A) with the specificities of the airspace in

the United States and the EU Member States, respectively.

7.2 Aviation Authority (AA). A responsible government agency or entity of an EU Member

State that exercises legal oversight on behalf of the European Community over regulated

entities and determines their compliance with applicable standards, regulations, and other

requirements within the jurisdiction of the European Community.

7.3 Annex 3. This is an addition to an agreement between the United States and the European

Community titled “The Agreement between the United States of America and the

European Community on Cooperation in the Regulation of Civil Aviation Safety.”

Annex 3 is titled “Pilot Licensing.” It lists the basic requirements for the conversion

process and calls for a TIP-L agreement to detail the procedures used to accomplish this

conversion process.

7.4 Class Rating.

7.4.1 With respect to an EU Part-FCL pilot license, a valid rating attached to a pilot license.

The privileges of the holder of an SEP and MEP class rating are to act as pilot on the

6/22/21 AC 61-143

class of aircraft specified in the rating as outlined in the “List of Aeroplanes – Class and

Type Ratings and Endorsement List” published on the EASA website.

7.4.2 With respect to an FAA pilot certificate, a classification of aircraft within a category

having similar operating characteristics as outlined in part 61, § 61.5(b)

(e.g., single-engine land and multiengine land).

7.5 Conversion. The issuance of an EU Part-FCL license on the basis of an FAA pilot

certificate or the issuance of an FAA pilot certificate on the basis of an EU Part-FCL

license, in accordance with the provisions of the TIP-L.

7.6 Currency. The acceptance of the privileges of a class or type rating on an FAA pilot

certificate, based on the recent experience of the certificate holder (part 61 and

Regulation No. 1178/2011, Annex III, Part C).

7.7 EU Part-FCL. This refers to the European Union (EU) Flight Crew Licensing (FCL)

rules and regulations in the same way that the United States uses part 61 to contain its

pilot licensing rules and regulations.

7.8 Flight Review. An assessment in which the airman is required to demonstrate the safe

exercise of the privileges of the airman’s pilot certificate to an authorized instructor.

7.9 Flight Time Under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).

7.9.1 For FAA pilot certificate holders, flight time during which the aircraft is being operated

solely by reference to instruments under actual or simulated instrument meteorological

conditions (IMC).

7.9.2 For EU Part-FCL pilot license holders, all flight time during which the aircraft is being

operated under IFR.

7.10 Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The rules governing the procedures for conducting

flight under IMC.

7.11 Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). The weather conditions below the

minimums prescribed for flight under visual flight rules (VFR).

7.12 Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC). As set forth in the TIP-L procedures, an FAA

aeronautical knowledge and experience check for an FAA instrument rating that consists

of the areas of operation and instrument tasks required in the Instrument Rating—

Airplane Airman Certification Standards (ACS) found at

https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/.

For the FAA, a person does not have to operate under IFR to operate an aircraft solely by reference to instruments

in simulated IMC as long as that person complies with 14 CFR part 91, § 91.109(c)

This definition for IFR is from 14 CFR part 170, § 170.3. While a person that meets the applicable requirements of

part 61 may operate under IFR during visual meteorological conditions (VMC), the rules themselves allow for flight

in IMC. See paragraph 7.9 for the differences between the FAA and EU for flight time under IFR.

6/22/21 AC 61-143

7.13 Instrument Rating.

7.13.1 With respect to an EU Part-FCL instrument rating, a valid rating on an EU Part-FCL pilot

license allowing for operation under IFR or in weather conditions less than the minimums

prescribed for VFR that is restricted to single-engine or multiengine operation or, in the

case of a multicrew pilot license (MPL), additionally restricted to multicrew operation.

7.13.2 With respect to a part 61 instrument rating, means a valid rating on an FAA pilot

certificate subject to currency and class of aircraft requirements, allowing for flight under

IFR or in weather conditions less than the minimums prescribed for flight under VFR.

7.14 Knowledge Test. A test on the aeronautical knowledge areas required for a pilot license

or rating conversion that will be administered in a written form or by a computer format.

7.15 Multiengine Piston (MEP) Land. With respect to an EU Part-FCL pilot license, those

airplanes for which the holder of an EU Part-FCL MEP land class rating has privileges to

act as pilot.

7.16 Night Rating. A night rating is attached to an EU Part-FCL pilot license, and it

authorizes a private pilot license holder to exercise license privileges in VFR conditions

at night. The night rating is issued without an expiration date.

7.17 Single-Engine Piston (SEP) Land. With respect to an EU Part-FCL pilot license, those

airplanes for which the holder of an EU Part-FCL SEP land class rating has privileges to

act as pilot.

7.18 Skill Test. A demonstration of skill for a license or rating issued, including such oral

examination as may be required in accordance with Annex I to Commission Regulation

(EU) No. 1178/2011, (Part-FCL).

7.19 Special Conditions. These are requirements that have been found, based on a

comparison of the respective regulatory licensing systems, not to be common to both

systems and that are significant enough to be addressed in Annex 3. The list of Special

Conditions is contained in Appendix 1 to Annex 3.

7.20 Valid Pilot License or Pilot Certificate. With respect to an FAA pilot certificate or an

EU Part-FCL pilot license, validity means that the certificate or license is not

surrendered, suspended, or revoked. For an EU Part-FCL rating, it also means that a

rating’s validity period stated on the pilot license has not expired.

7.21 Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The rules that govern the procedures for conducting flight

under visual conditions. The term “VFR” is also used in the United States to indicate

weather conditions that are equal to or greater than minimum VFR requirements. In

addition, “VFR” is used by pilots and controllers to indicate the type of flight plan.

6/22/21 AC 61-143

8 RELATED READING MATERIAL. The following is a list of reference materials to

supplement the information found in this AC.

8.1 FAA Resources (current editions).

8.1.1 ACs. You can find the current editions of the following publications on the FAA website

at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/.

1. AC 60-28, FAA English Language Standard for an FAA Certificate Issued Under

14 CFR Parts 61, 63, 65, and 107. This AC introduces the FAA Aviation English

Language Standard (AELS) and provides guidance to applicants, airmen, training

organizations, Designated Examiners (DE), and flight and ground instructors on how

to determine that an applicant for an FAA certificate or person holding an FAA

certificate meets the FAA AELS.

2. AC 61-98, Currency Requirements and Guidance for the Flight Review and

Instrument Proficiency Check. This AC provides information for FAA-certificated

pilots and authorized flight instructors to use in complying with the flight review

required by § 61.56 and the recent flight experience requirements of § 61.57.

8.1.2 Additional FAA Online Sources.

1. FAA Aeronautical Center (AC) Form 8060-71, Verification of Authenticity of

Foreign License and Medical Certification. The form is available at https://www.faa.

gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/foreign_license_verification/. You

may also submit the form through the following website at https://iacra.faa.gov.

2. Pilot Certification Frequently Asked Questions. This website provides certain

questions and answers that stakeholders posed to the FAA:

https://faa.custhelp.com/app/answers/list.

3. Medical Certification Information. This website provides stakeholders information

related to FAA medical certification:

https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/medical_certification/.

4. Training and Testing Information. This website provides all pilots useful training

handbooks, knowledge test guides, and a listing of FAA knowledge test center

locations: https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/.

5. Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO). This website provides all stakeholders

information regarding the FAA’s FSDO locations:

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo/.

6. FAA Handbooks, Manuals, and Other Publications. You can find handbooks,

manuals, and other publications on the FAA website at

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/.

7. Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). All pilots operating in the U.S. National

Airspace System (NAS) are encouraged to review the information contained in the

AIM. You may find a copy of the latest revision at

https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/.

6/22/21 AC 61-143

8.2 EASA Documents (current editions).

1. Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 of the European Parliament and of the Council of

4 July 2018: https://www.easa.europa.eu/document-library/regulations/regulation-eu-

20181139.

2. Annex I to Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011, (Part-FCL), as amended:

https://www.easa.europa.eu/document-library/regulations/commission-regulation-eu-

no-11782011.

3. Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) and Guidance Material (GM) to Part-FCL

as per Decision No. 2011/016/R of the Executive Director of the European Aviation

Safety Agency, as amended: https://www.easa.europa.eu/document-

library/acceptable-means-of-compliance-and-guidance-materials.

9 CONTACT INFORMATION. The following FAA and EASA offices are responsible

for administering this pilot conversion process.

9.1 FAA Certificates. For questions pertaining to pilot certification issues for converting

EASA pilot licenses to FAA pilot certificates:

For questions involving procedures or how to accomplish any of the required steps in

this process, your first point of contact should be your responsible FSDO, which can be

found at https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo/.

For policy questions, the offices listed below may be of assistance.

International Program Division

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/afx/afs/afs050/

800 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20591 USA

Tel: (202) 267-0962

Email: 9-AWA-AVS-AFS[email protected]

General point of contact to be copied on all FAA inquiries.

General Aviation and Commercial Division

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/afx/afs/afs800/

800 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20591 USA

Tel: (202) 267-1100

Email: 9-AFS[email protected]

To be contacted for airman training and certification questions.

Airmen Certification Branch

P.O. Box 25082

Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082

Tel: (405) 954-3261

Email: https://registry.faa.gov/Airmenemail/AirmenEmail.aspx

To be contacted for license verification questions.

6/22/21 AC 61-143

Regulatory Support Division

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/afx/afs/afs600/

P.O. Box 25082

Oklahoma City, OK 73125 USA

Tel: (405) 954-4431

Email: AFS-600-General-Correspondence@faa.gov

To be contacted for testing questions.

Office of Aerospace Medicine

800 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20591

To be contacted for medical certification questions.

9.2 EU Part-FCL Licenses. For questions pertaining to pilot licensing issues for converting

FAA pilot certificates to EU Part-FCL pilot licenses:

European Union Aviation Safety Agency

Flight Standards Directorate

Postfach 10 12 53 - 50452 Cologne Germany

Visiting address: Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3

D-50668 Cologne, Germany

Tel: +49 221 8999 000

https://www.easa.europa.eu/home

FCL@easa.europa.eu

Table 1. Countries Eligible for Conversion

Austria

France

Malta

Belgium

Germany

Netherlands

Bulgaria

Greece

Poland

Croatia

Hungary

Portugal

Cyprus

Ireland

Romania

Czech Republic

Italy

Slovakia

Denmark

Latvia

Slovenia

Estonia

Lithuania

Spain

Finland

Luxembourg

Sweden

Note: For questions about the specific pilot license/certificate conversion process for a

country listed above, contact the AA for that country.

6/22/21 AC 61-143

Table 2. Countries Not Eligible for Conversion

United Kingdom

(UK)

The UK is no longer a member of the EU as of December 31, 2020.

Therefore, a UK pilot license may not be converted to an FAA pilot

certificate under the TIP-L. UK pilots may still apply for an FAA

private pilot certificate based on a foreign license under § 61.75.

Iceland

Liechtenstein

Norway

Switzerland

These countries are European Free Trade Association States, but not

EU Member States and, as such, are not parties to The Agreement and

its Annex 3. Therefore, pilot licenses issued by these countries may not

be converted to FAA pilot certificates under the TIP-L.

Pilots from these

countries may still apply for an FAA private pilot certificate based on a

foreign license under § 61.75.

10 ISSUING AN FAA PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE AND/OR INSTRUMENT

RATING ON THE BASIS OF AN EU PART-FCL PILOT LICENSE,

INSTRUMENT RATING, AND/OR NIGHT RATING. This section details how a

pilot licensed in accordance with EU Part-FCL at the private pilot level or higher in the

airplane category with or without an instrument rating, and/or night rating, may qualify

for an FAA private pilot—airplane category and/or instrument rating, subject to the terms

of the TIP-L.

10.1 Applicability and Conditions.

10.1.1 These procedures are available to holders of an EU Part-FCL private pilot license or

higher level license with SEP land airplane and/or MEP land airplane class ratings for

single-pilot operations, excluding type ratings. Lower-level pilot licenses similar to a

sport pilot or a recreational pilot certificate are not eligible for this conversion. An

EU Part-FCL private pilot license holder or higher may also be eligible for conversion of

an instrument rating. Ratings such as the touring motor glider (TMG) rating are not

eligible for this conversion.

10.1.2 Aircraft type ratings cannot be converted from one system to the other. If a pilot holds an

EU Part-FCL type rating for which an endorsement is required according to part 61, the

privileges of the type rating will not be issued in accordance with this Agreement.

10.1.3 The EU Part-FCL pilot license and/or associated ratings must be valid prior to initiating

the conversion process. Expired ratings may not be converted under any circumstances.

The FAA will reference the Verification of Authenticity Letter and the EU-Part FCL pilot

license at the time of application for this purpose.

10.1.4 A person may credit flight training toward the requirements of an FAA private pilot

certificate or rating, if that person received the training from an EU Part-FCL flight

instructor outside the United States under § 61.41(a)(2).

10.1.5 An FAA pilot certificate that has been surrendered, suspended, or revoked will not be

reinstated through this process.

6/22/21 AC 61-143

10.1.6 The FAA will not use this conversion process to convert an EU Part-FCL pilot license or

rating that has been issued on the basis of another county’s license or rating. An FAA

certificate might be able to be issued based upon the provision in § 61.75 using a pilot

license from the original country that has not been issued on the basis of a pilot license

from a different country.

10.1.7 The FAA, upon converting an EU Part-FCL pilot license, will not require the surrender of

that EU Part-FCL pilot license.

10.1.8 A person who is exercising the privileges of an FAA pilot certificate is required to meet

the FAA flight review and recent flight experience requirements of part 61 to exercise the

privileges of the person’s FAA pilot certificate.

10.2 General Requirements. The FAA will follow these procedures to determine eligibility

for conversion of an EU Part-FCL pilot license to an FAA pilot certificate.

10.2.1 Compliance with Regulations. The conversion process will require compliance with a

variety of general and specific requirements. The general requirements are:

10.2.1.1 In order to apply for an FAA private pilot certificate with the associated

category/class (airplane single-engine land and/or airplane multiengine land)

and/or instrument rating issued on the basis of an EU Part-FCL pilot license

and/or instrument rating, the applicant must apply with the FAA as described

in § 61.13(a).

10.2.1.2 An applicant who already holds an FAA pilot certificate (other than one

issued on the basis of a foreign pilot license) may utilize this process for the

conversion of a rating on an EU Part-FCL pilot license. The applicant must

apply with the FAA as described in § 61.13(a).

10.2.1.3 The applicant must demonstrate, as per AC 60-28, English language

proficiency or provide evidence that he/she has acquired English language

proficiency (§ 61.103(c)). If the applicant holds an EU Part-FCL English

language proficiency endorsement at level 4 or higher it is deemed to be equal

to the “English Proficient” endorsement for FAA pilot certification.

10.2.1.4 The applicant must meet the appropriate medical certificate requirements

prescribed in § 61.39. The applicant must also possess a current and valid EU

medical certificate.

10.2.2 Valid Pilot License and Ratings.

10.2.2.1 Per § 61.13(a), an applicant who holds a valid EU Part-FCL pilot license and

associated ratings, if applicable, must complete and submit FAA AC

Form 8060-71 as described in this AC. This form may be found at

https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/foreign_license

_verification/.

6/22/21 AC 61-143

10.2.2.2 As set forth in the TIP-L procedures, an applicant must hold both a valid EU

medical certificate and a valid FAA medical certificate.

10.2.2.3 The FAA uses AC Form 8060-71 to request a license verification from the

applicant’s country’s AA to ensure that the EU Part-FCL pilot license is valid

and that there are no current investigations of the airman, nor a suspension or

revocation of the license.

10.2.2.4 Prior to initiating the application process, an EU Part-FCL pilot does not need

to meet the EU recent experience requirements to carry passengers

(e.g., FCL.060).

10.2.2.5 An applicant must hold a valid MEP class rating on the EU Part-FCL pilot

license in order for the FAA to issue an FAA private pilot certificate with

airplane category and multiengine land class ratings. An EU Part-FCL pilot

type rating for multiengine airplanes does not fulfill this requirement.

10.2.2.6 An applicant must hold both a valid MEP class rating and an IR(A) rating on

the EU Part-FCL pilot license in order for the FAA to issue an FAA private

pilot certificate with airplane category, multiengine land class, and instrument

ratings. An EU Part-FCL type rating for multiengine aircraft and an

instrument rating does not fulfill the requirement above.

10.2.3 Knowledge Test Requirement.

10.2.3.1 The FAA will require all applicants to present a valid, unexpired knowledge

test report with a minimum passing grade of 70 percent at the time of

application (§ 61.35(b)). A knowledge test report is valid for

24 calendar-months. The knowledge test will only be available in the English

language.

10.2.3.2 Knowledge tests will be administered through a written, computer-based

format.

10.2.3.3 Questions for the knowledge test will address specific FAA requirements

relating to:

• Rules and regulations relevant to the holder of an FAA pilot certificate

and/or instrument rating;

• Rules of the air/airspace; and

• Appropriate air traffic services practices, communications, and emergency

procedures.

10.2.3.4 The following are the authorized knowledge tests:

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• For Private Pilot Airplane, an applicant must take and pass the Private

Pilot Airplane EU Part-FCL Conversion knowledge test with the code

“PEP” (§§ 61.71(c) and 61.103(e)).

• For the Instrument Airplane, an applicant must take and pass the

Instrument Rating Airplane EU Part-FCL Conversion knowledge test with

the code “IEP” (§§ 61.65(a)(7) and 61.71(c)). As set forth in the TIP-L

procedures, an applicant who already holds an FAA instrument rating in

another aircraft category must still take and pass the IEP knowledge test.

Note: Only the test with the titles above are authorized for the

conversion process. Other exams with different titles cannot be

substituted in their place.

10.2.3.5 Per § 61.35(a)(3), an applicant will not be permitted to begin a knowledge test

without providing proper identification to the testing center proctor that

shows:

• A photograph of the applicant;

• The applicant’s signature;

• The applicant’s date of birth; and

• If the permanent mailing address on the identification is a post office box

number, then the applicant must provide a current residential address.

10.2.3.6 The FAA follows strict security procedures to avoid test compromise. If an

applicant is suspected of cheating, the test will be terminated. An FAA

investigation will then be conducted. If the investigation determines that

cheating or unauthorized conduct has occurred, then any FAA airman

certificate or rating that is held by the applicant may be revoked. The

applicant will be prohibited for 1 year, from the date of committing the act,

from applying for or taking any test for a certificate or rating under § 61.37.

10.2.3.7 If the applicant receives a grade lower than 70 percent and wishes to retest,

there is no mandatory waiting period to attempt the retest. The applicant must

present the following to the knowledge testing center proctor prior to taking

the retest:

• The failed Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR); and

• Written endorsement from an FAA-authorized instructor certifying that

additional instruction has been given, and the instructor has found the

applicant competent to pass the knowledge test.

10.2.3.8 If the applicant decides to retake the knowledge test in anticipation of a higher

passing score, the FAA allows the applicant to retake the same knowledge test

30 days after the date of the last attempt. The FAA will not allow an applicant

to retake a passed knowledge test before the 30-day period has lapsed. Prior to

6/22/21 AC 61-143

retesting, the knowledge testing center proctor will request the valid,

unexpired knowledge test report. The last test taken will reflect the official

score.

10.2.3.9 If the knowledge test report has expired, the knowledge testing center proctor

will request the expired knowledge test report (pass or fail), prior to retaking

the same knowledge test. If the applicant no longer has possession of the

original knowledge test, the applicant may contact the knowledge testing

center to obtain a duplicate copy.

10.3 Private Pilot Certificate—Eligibility Requirements.

10.3.1 General.

10.3.1.1 The FAA will not issue an FAA private pilot certificate in the airplane

category with single-engine land and/or multiengine land class rating(s) to a

person who holds a valid EU Part-FCL pilot license for airplanes with a

single-pilot SEP land and/or single-pilot MEP land class rating unless the

applicable requirements are met.

10.3.1.2 An applicant for an FAA private pilot certificate in the airplane category

multiengine land class must have fulfilled the minimum aeronautical

experience requirements under § 61.109.

10.3.2 Flight Review.

10.3.2.1 As set forth in the TIP-L procedures, at the time of the application, the

applicant must present documentation showing the applicant has satisfactorily

completed a flight review in accordance with § 61.56. The flight review may

be conducted in accordance with applicable FAA guidance material as

administered by an FAA-authorized flight instructor. After satisfactory

completion of the flight review, the authorized instructor will enter an

endorsement in the applicant’s logbook certifying that this person has

satisfactorily completed the flight review.

10.3.2.2 The successful completion of a flight review in a multiengine airplane will

satisfy currency requirements in both single-engine and multiengine airplanes.

10.3.2.3 An applicant who is converting an EU Part-FCL instrument rating

simultaneously with an EU Part-FCL pilot license will need to complete the

FAA private pilot conversion and FAA instrument rating conversion

knowledge tests as well as an IPC with an FAA-authorized examiner, an

aviation safety inspector (ASI), or an FAA-authorized instructor prior to

submitting an application for the conversion. The requirements of the flight

review may be accomplished in combination with the requirements of the IPC

and other applicable recent flight experience requirements at the discretion of

the reviewer.

6/22/21 AC 61-143

10.3.3 Limitations: Night Flying.

10.3.3.1 The FAA will issue a private pilot certificate with the limitation “Night Flying

Prohibited” unless the applicant holds an EU Part-FCL night rating or meets

the FAA night experience requirement, per § 61.109, of 3 hours of night flight

training in an airplane that includes:

• One cross-country flight over 100 nautical miles (NM) total distance; and

• 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a

flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport.

10.3.3.2 If the certificate is issued with a night limitation, in accordance with

§ 61.13(b), the applicant will not be permitted to exercise the privileges of the

certificate at night (as defined in 14 CFR part 1, § 1.1).

10.3.3.3 As set forth in the TIP-L procedures, the aeronautical experience requirements

may be completed in the EU Part-FCL system, the FAA system, or a

combination of both. This means that an applicant who has prior training

and/or aeronautical experience at night in the EU system may credit that time

towards the requirements mentioned in paragraph 10.3.3.1 above with a

similar amount of hours.

10.3.3.4 The requirement of flight instruction and cross-country navigation at night

may be fulfilled with pilot-in-command (PIC) aeronautical experience in

airplanes at night.

10.4 Instrument Rating Application—Eligibility Requirements.

10.4.1 General.

10.4.1.1 The FAA will issue an FAA private pilot certificate in the airplane category

with single-engine land and/or multiengine land class rating(s) to a person

who holds a valid EU Part-FCL IR(A) and a valid EU Part-FCL pilot license

for airplanes with a single-pilot SEP land and/or single-pilot MEP land class

rating, excluding type ratings, only when the applicable requirements are met.

10.4.1.2 An applicant is not required to apply for an FAA private pilot certificate and

instrument rating simultaneously. However, if the applicant applies for both, a

single application (FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating

Application) needs to be completed that displays that the applicant meets the

eligibility, knowledge, and experience requirements for all ratings sought.

10.4.2 Acclimatization Flying and IPC.

10.4.2.1 The purpose of this flight training is to have the applicants become

accustomed to the specifics of U.S. airspace.

6/22/21 AC 61-143

Note: EU Part-FCL licensed pilots seeking an FAA private pilot

certificate with an instrument-airplane rating must have a current flight

review under § 61.56 and meet the currency requirements of § 61.57 to

exercise the privileges of the FAA pilot certificate and/or rating.

10.4.2.1.1 As set forth in the TIP-L procedures, an applicant applying for an instrument

rating must have completed acclimatization flying in the United States,

including its territories, with an FAA-authorized instructor before the IPC is

administered under § 61.57(d).

10.4.2.1.2 The applicant for an instrument rating utilizing this process does not need to

complete acclimatization flying, if that person has:

• Prior experience of at least 50 hours of flight time under IFR as PIC in

airplanes gained after initial issue of the EU Part-FCL IR(A); or

• Prior experience of at least 10 hours of flight time under IFR as PIC in

airplanes in the United States gained after initial issuance of the EU

Part-FCL IR(A).

10.4.2.1.3 As set forth in the TIP-L procedures, the instrument flight time in airplanes,

during which a pilot has been piloting an aircraft solely by reference to

instruments and without external reference points, gained after initial issuance

of the IR(A), will be credited towards the flight time under IFR requirements

in paragraph 10.4.2.1.2 above by documenting time under IMC or simulated

IMC by having the pilot log the time spent under these conditions in that

pilot’s logbook and certifying this information with that pilot’s signature.

Note: An EU Part-FCL licensed pilot is required to log flight time in

accordance with FCL.050. This regulation allows pilots to log any PIC

flight time in airplanes operating under an IFR flight plan as

instrument time, regardless of the meteorological conditions.

10.4.2.1.4 As set forth in the TIP-L procedures, the acclimatization flying will be

completed as follows:

1. The acclimatization flying will include training from an FAA-authorized

instructor on the areas of operation listed in § 61.65(c).

2. The FAA-authorized instructor will determine the amount of

acclimatization flying needed based on whether or not the applicant meets

the standards in the Instrument Rating—Airplane ACS for the required

areas of operation in an aircraft, full flight simulator, or flight training

device that represents an airplane.

3. The acclimatization flying must be completed within the United States by

an FAA-authorized instructor with an instrument-airplane rating on that

pilot’s flight instructor certificate before the IPC is conducted.

6/22/21 AC 61-143

10.4.2.2 The applicant must also complete an IPC in the United States with an

FAA-authorized examiner, an ASI, or an FAA-authorized instructor prior to

application (§ 61.57(d)(3) and TIP-L procedures). The authorized person will

conduct the IPC in accordance with § 61.57(d) and the Instrument Rating—

Airplane ACS. The authorized person will also enter an endorsement in the

applicant’s pilot logbook that the applicant has completed the IPC

successfully.

10.4.2.3 The successful completion of an IPC does not constitute currency in each

category of aircraft that the pilot is rated. In addition, the pilot must continue

to maintain the instrument experience required by § 61.57(c) in order to act as

PIC of the aircraft under IFR or in weather conditions less than the minimums

prescribed for VFR.

10.4.3 Limitations. The applicant must fulfill the requirement in paragraph 10.3.3 above.

10.5 Revalidation and Renewal of the Ratings. An FAA pilot certificate is issued without an

expiration date. However, the privileges of an FAA pilot certificate are dependent upon

the currency requirements within the FAA’s aviation system. All pilots must adhere to

the currency requirements prescribed in part 61.

10.6 Conversion of Additional Ratings After Initial Conversion. Additional ratings which

are in the scope of Annex 3 may be included on the FAA private pilot certificate after the

initial conversion. The applicant needs to fulfill the relevant requirements for the rating.

All ratings which are outside the scope of the process described in this AC cannot be

converted and will only be issued according to the applicable rule.

10.7 Appeal and Conflict Resolution. There is no right of appeal to the EU Member State

when the FAA revokes or limits any FAA pilot certificate.

11 ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE TO APPLY FOR AN FAA PRIVATE PILOT

CERTIFICATE AND/OR INSTRUMENT RATING ON THE BASIS OF AN EU

PART-FCL PILOT LICENSE, INSTRUMENT RATING, AND/OR NIGHT

RATING.

11.1 Verification of an EU Part-FCL Licenses and Instrument Ratings.

11.1.1 The FAA will verify the validity of the EU Part-FCL pilot license with the appropriate

EU AA before an FAA certificate and/or rating application is accepted. To do so, the

pilot, per § 61.13(a), may submit a completed FAA AC Form 8060-71 through the

Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website at

https://iacra.faa.gov. The form may also be found at https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certific

ates/airmen_certification/foreign_license_verification/.

11.1.2 Additionally, the application for verification letter must include a legible copy of the EU

Part-FCL license and EU medical certificate or endorsement, under § 61.13(a).

6/22/21 AC 61-143

11.1.3 The applicant should submit a completed FAA AC Form 8060-71 to the FAA Airmen

Certification Branch at least 90 days before a meeting with an FAA-authorized examiner,

or at the FSDO where the applicant intends to apply for the FAA pilot certificate once the

applicant has met all the requirements for license conversion.

11.1.4 An applicant may submit FAA AC Form 8060-71 and the associated documents to the

Airmen Certification Branch either by mail, fax, or through IACRA website.

1. By Mail: Federal Aviation Administration

Airmen Certification Branch

P.O. Box 25082

Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082

For courier services that cannot deliver to a P.O. Box, use:

Federal Aviation Administration

Airmen Certification Branch

6425 South Denning Avenue

Oklahoma City, OK 73169-6937

2. By Fax: +1 (405) 954-4105

3. IACRA: https://iacra.faa.gov

4. FAA Website: https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/contact

_airmen_certification/

11.1.5 The applicant must provide the location of the FSDO or responsible Flight Standards

office in which an FAA-authorized examiner has been designated where application may

be anticipated. The FAA will not conduct the conversion process under the TIP-L outside

of the United States. In addition, the FAA-authorized examiner, ASI, or aviation safety

technician (AST) may not process the application remotely using video conferencing

technology (VCT) (§ 61.13(a)).

11.1.6 If the application and documentation for the verification process is received with missing

and/or illegible information, the applicant will be notified and required to resend the

missing or illegible documents.

11.1.7 Although the applicant must hold at least an FAA third class medical certificate at the

time of application for the conversion, as set forth in the TIP-L procedures, the applicant

does not need to hold an FAA third class medical certificate to submit FAA AC

Form 8060-71.

11.1.8 The FAA will request verification from the AA of original issuance and the

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will conduct a security threat assessment.

11.1.9 Individual AAs may require additional forms to be completed and a fee to be paid prior to

submitting a completed FAA AC Form 8060-71. Any forms or fees that are required by

the AA of original issuance must be sent directly to the AA.

6/22/21 AC 61-143

11.1.10 The security threat assessment conducted by TSA does not satisfy the requirements of a

foreign pilot training clearance.

11.1.11 The applicant will receive a Verification of Authenticity Letter from the FAA once the

verification process is complete. Upon the applicant’s positive receipt of the Verification

of Authenticity Letter, the applicant may schedule an appointment with an authorized

examiner or FSDO.

11.1.12 Due to security restrictions, if the applicant will be entering a FSDO, the applicant must

make an appointment directly with the FSDO.

11.1.13 If the applicant will be applying with an FAA examiner in a location other than a FSDO,

he/she will need to schedule with an examiner. An examiner may be found at https://av-

info.faa.gov/DesigneeSearch.asp.

11.1.14 The Verification of Authenticity Letters are normally valid for a period of 6 months

unless the pilot license expiration date is earlier. Some AAs verify the license for less

than 6 months.

11.2 Application for an FAA Pilot Certificate and/or Instrument Rating.

11.2.1 An application for an FAA pilot certificate must be made in person at an FAA FSDO or

with an FAA-authorized examiner. Per § 61.13(a), the application must be made using

FAA Form 8710-1. The form may be found at https://www.faa.gov/forms/index.cfm/go/d

ocument.information/documentID/1031493.

11.2.2 The FSDO or FAA-authorized examiner scheduled for processing of the EU Part-FCL

pilot license conversion will verify that FAA Form 8710-1 has been completed in

accordance with the instructions.

11.2.3 The applicant will need to show proof of identity. Acceptable methods of identification

include, but are not limited to, non-expired U.S. driver’s licenses, government-issued

identification cards, passports, and other forms of identification that enable verification of

the applicant’s identity. The method used must be current and valid.

11.2.4 Such identification must include an official photograph of the applicant, the applicant’s

signature, and the applicant’s residential address, if different than the mailing address.

This information may be presented in more than one form of identification.

11.2.5 The FAA-authorized examiner, ASI, or AST will request that the applicant present the

following:

• A valid PEP and/or IEP knowledge test report, as appropriate;

• A valid Verification of Authenticity Letter that the Airmen Certification Branch sent

to the applicant;

• A current and valid EU-Part FCL pilot license being used for the conversion at the

time of application;

6/22/21 AC 61-143

• A current and valid FAA medical certificate and current and valid EU medical

certificate;

• If the applicant is applying for conversion of an EU-Part FCL IR(A) to an FAA

instrument-airplane rating, the applicant must present a valid endorsement for the

required IPC;

• If the applicant is applying for conversion of an EU-Part FCL private pilot or higher

level license to an FAA private pilot certificate, the applicant must present a valid

endorsement for the required flight review; and

• If the applicant is using flight experience to meet any of the requirements in this AC,

the applicant must show this experience in the applicant’s pilot logbook and/or other

record and document this experience in FAA Form 8710-1, Section III, Record of

Pilot Time.

11.3 Issuance of an FAA Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating.

11.3.1 Temporary Pilot Certificates and Instrument Ratings.

11.3.1.1 If the applicant meets the requirements described in this AC, a temporary

FAA private pilot certificate and/or instrument rating will be issued by the

FAA-authorized examiner or FSDO.

11.3.1.2 The Temporary Airman Certificate is valid for a period of 120 days. If that

time period has elapsed since issuance and a permanent airman certificate has

not been received by the applicant, it is no longer valid. The applicant should

contact the FAA-authorized examiner or FSDO that issued the Temporary

Airman Certificate to ensure the application was processed correctly.

11.3.2 Permanent Pilot Certificates and Instrument Ratings.

11.3.2.1 Within 120 days, a permanent airman certificate will be mailed to the pilot at

the address listed on FAA Form 8710-1.

11.3.2.2 Contact the Airmen Certification Branch at the following with any questions:

1. Office Hours: Monday through Friday

7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central Time

2. By Telephone: (866) 878-2498

3. By Email: https://registry.faa.gov/Airmenemail/AirmenEmail.aspx

4. By Fax: (405) 954-4105

5. By Mail: Federal Aviation Administration

Airmen Certification Branch

P.O. Box 25082

Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082

6/22/21 AC 61-143

11.3.3 Where to Find FAA Forms.

• FAA Forms Website: https://www.faa.gov/forms/.

• FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application: https://www.faa.go

v/forms/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1031493.

• FAA AC Form 8060-71, Verification of Authenticity of Foreign License and Medical

Certification: https://www.faa.gov/forms/index.cfm/go/document.information/docum

entID/186251.

12 OBTAINING AN EU PART-FCL PRIVATE PILOT LICENSE, INSTRUMENT

RATING, AND/OR NIGHT RATING ON THE BASIS OF AN FAA PILOT

CERTIFICATE AND/OR INSTRUMENT RATING.

12.1 General. The TIP-L, Section B, details how a pilot certificated by the FAA at the private

pilot certificate level or higher with privileges for the airplane category and/or instrument

rating may qualify to be licensed in accordance with EU Part-FCL for a private pilot

license, instrument rating, and/or night rating for the airplane category. Please review the

EASA website for guidance on obtaining an EU Part-FCL license based on your FAA

pilot certificate. Contact the appropriate AA to obtain more detailed information on the

FAA to EU conversion process and to submit an application for conversion.

12.2 EASA Contact Information. Contact EASA at the following with any questions:

1. By Telephone: +49 221 8999 000

2. By Email: FCL@easa.europa.eu

3. By Mail: European Union Aviation Safety Agency

Flight Standards Directorate

Postfach 10 12 53

50452 Cologne

GERMANY

4. By Person: Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3

D-50668 Cologne, Germany

5. By Website: https://www.easa.europa.eu/home

13 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION. Direct comments and suggestions for improving

this publication to:

Federal Aviation Administration

General Aviation and Commercial Division

800 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20591 USA

14 AC FEEDBACK FORM. For your convenience, the AC Feedback Form is the last page

of this AC. Note any deficiencies found, clarifications needed, or suggested

improvements regarding the contents of this AC on the Feedback Form.

Advisory Circular Feedback Form

If you find an error in this AC, have recommendations for improving it, or have suggestions for

new items/subjects to be added, you may let us know by contacting the General Aviation and

Commercial Division at [email protected] or the Flight Standards

Directives Management Officer at 9-AWA-AFB-12[email protected].

Subject: AC 61-143, Conversion Process for Pilot Certificates in Accordance with the

Technical Implementation Procedures - Licensing as Part of the Bilateral Aviation Safety

Agreement Between the FAA and EASA

Date: _____________________

Please check all appropriate line items:

An error (procedural or typographical) has been noted in paragraph ____________

on page _______.

Recommend paragraph _____________ on page __________ be changed as follows:

______________________________________________________________________

In a future change to this AC, please cover the following subject:

(Briefly describe what you want added.)

______________________________________________________________________

Other comments:

______________________________________________________________________

I would like to discuss the above. Please contact me.

Submitted by: Date: ______________________