Frequently Asked Questions

You may have heard about DPEs and certain FSDOs conducting Zoom sessions for administrative (non-practical test) based functions during Covid. Some have continued with this practice. However, Remote Technology (RT) or Zoom sessions were recently authorized by the FAA for DPEs, ASIs and ASTs on a limited basis under FAA Order 8900.689:

https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Notice/N_8900.689.pdf

If the DPE has been authorized, trained and directly observed by the FAA conducting RT/Zoom activities, then only the following activities are approved for the use of RT/Zoom:

SOE - Supervised Operating Experience limitation removal

IGI/AGI - Ground Instructor Certificates

Flight Instructor Renewals

Military Competency Conversions

All other functions such as an SIC type rating - 61.55(d), 61.75 Private Pilot Foreign Pilot Issuance, Canadian IPL or EASA TIP-L Conversions, or Gold Seal, still need to be conducted in-person and CANNOT be completed over Zoom.

After October 17th 2024, I am accepting online Zoom appointments for the 4 approved functions listed above. Please reach out to roger@dpewoz.com for pricing and scheduling.

So lets start with the difference between an actual license/certificate conversion and a Private Pilot based on foreign certificate. The FAA has three processes for foreign pilots: 1) 61.75 Private Pilot Based on Foreign, 2) Canadian IPL Conversion for all certificate grade levels and Type Ratings, 3) EASA TIP-L Conversions for Private and Instrument. 

Option 1 is not really a conversion - just allows you to operate in the US National Airspace System using your foreign certificate. Option 2 and 3 are true conversions and you will be issued a Standard US and unrestricted pilot certificate (more below):

Private Pilot Based on Foreign (Restricted Certificate) - 61.75

1) Under FAR 61.75, the FAA allows a pilot from an ICAO member state to be issued a US Restricted pilot certificate based on their foreign certificate. ICAO Member States can be found here: https://www.icao.int/about-icao/pages/member-states.aspx

The steps for a 61.75 Private Pilot based on Foreign are fairly simple:

1) Create an FAA IACRA profile and account: https://iacra.faa.gov/iacra/login.aspx

2) Start the Foreign Verification Letter process in IACRA and submit application.

3) The FAA verification process could take 30-60 days

4) Obtain an FAA Medical - at least 3rd class. Some cases apply where your foreign medical 

is eligible and can be verified, if your verification letter says your foreign medical could not be verified - then you need at least a 3rd Class FAA medical from an AME. 

5) A list of AMEs can be found in the FAA DMS Locater - https://designee.faa.gov/designeeLocator

6) Dr. Greer in Lake Park, FL can issue all FAA medical certificates: https://greerdr.com/ 

7) Once you receive the foreign verification letter in IACRA, you will then need to create another application 8710-1. Most applicants skip this step (because they already submitted an application for the verification letter), but it's required to make another application for the actual pilot certificate now.

8) This time under the 'applicant' profile, create a private pilot based on foreign application (8710-1). Fill out all the appropriate fields and aeronautical experience.

9) Schedule the appointment with me voice/text at 561-281-5444 or roger@dpewoz.com and provide the FTN & Application ID.

10) You don't need an FAA/PSI Written Knowledge test unless you want to carry over instrument privileges - the 'IFP' written is required. The normal Instrument Rating test (IRA or IRH) cannot be used, must be the IFP test.

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

11) Pay the scheduling deposit using this form:  https://dpewoz.com/scheduling

12) When we meet, you will need all of your documents, certificates, medical, pilot logbook records, Government ID (passport).

13) Zoom and other online forms of collaboration are not allowed (per the FAA), we must meet in person to complete the process.

14) Review the ICAO Level 4 English Proficiency Requirements - AC 60-28B: https://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/media/advisory_circular/ac_60-28b.pdf

15) Please also have your FAA IACRA username and password available.

16) Keep in mind that you cannot hold a US pilot certificate in the past to complete this process (other than a student pilot certificate).

Canadian IPL Conversion process is explained in more detail in the attached FAA AC 61-135A:

https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_61-135A.pdf

1) This process still requires the foreign verification letter in IACRA to be requested and FAA Medical. FAA written test is also required depending on the US rating sought. However, the pilot certificate process is more complex and cannot be completed in IACRA. A paper FAA 8710-1 will need to be completed:

https://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/media/form/faa_8710-1.pdf

2) Bring a digital PDF version and we can make edits and corrections before printing.

3) At least an FAA 3rd Class medical is required, your Canadian medical will not suffice.

4) FAA written knowledge tests - If you are converting an ATP AMEL from Canada then you need to take the CTP/ATP program and produce a PDF version of the certificate. You then need to take the respective Canadian Conversion written test:

The full written test matrix can be located here:

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

EASA TIP-L Private and Instrument Conversion

1) This is a newer process but supported in IACRA. An FAA Medical is required, foreign verification letter in IACRA and potentially two written tests (PPL - PEP and Instrument - IEP). More information can be found in the attached AC:

https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_61-143.pdf

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

2) You will also need to receive a flight review under 61.56 and provide a copy of the endorsement. 

3) If you are seeking an instrument rating, you will also need to complete an IPC with an authorized instructor and provide a copy of the endorsement.

4) Again, the longest step in the overall process is obtaining the FAA foreign verification letter in IACRA - so best to start that process now in IACRA: https://iacra.faa.gov/iacra/login.aspx

5) Also, UK certificates cannot be converted due to Brexit and the UK not being part of the EU.

In some cases where a pilot has a multiengine VFR only limitation, this can be removed with a limited practical test. This limitation has to do with the pilot applicant initially not having an instrument rating in an airplane and completing a subsequent multiengine practical test (and not being tested on the instrument related tasks in the AMEL PTS/ACS), and then later adding the instrument rating in an ASEL.

Since the instrument rating was not completed in the multiengine airplane, the VFR only limitation exists.

To remove the limitation you'll need to schedule a practical test and complete the tasks in the respective AMEL ACS (Private or Commercial), depending what grade of certificate you hold:

Private ACS:

https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/training_testing/testing/acs/private_airplane_acs_change_1.pdf

Commercial ACS:

https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/training_testing/testing/acs/private_airplane_acs_change_1.pdf

You'll see in page A-16 that the following tasks are minimally required for testing and limitation removal:

Removal of the “Airplane Multiengine VFR Only” Limitation The removal of the “Airplane Multiengine VFR Only” limitation, at the Commercial Pilot Certificate level, requires an applicant to satisfactorily perform the following Area of Operation and Tasks from the Commercial Pilot ‒ Airplane ACS in a multiengine airplane that has a manufacturer’s published VMC speed. 

X. Multiengine Operations Task C: Engine Failure During Flight (Simulated) (solely by Reference to Instruments) (AMEL, AMES) 

Task D: Instrument Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated) (solely by Reference to Instruments) (AMEL, AMES)

Please keep in mind that it's a practical test and all areas in the ACS can be tested.

A paper/manual 8710-1 is required since this path is not supported in IACRA. Please complete the attached 8710-1 PDF using BLOCK CAPITAL letters, best to bring a digital copy so edits and corrections to the 8710 can be made before printing..

https://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/media/form/faa_8710-1.pdf

Many pilots have restricted ATP certificates for not meeting the full ATP requirements of 61.159 and 61.153 at the time of their ATP practical test:

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/61.159

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/61.153

This can typically be from not being 23 yrs old, not meeting the total time or cross-country aeronautical experience requirements, 

Once you schedule an appointment for an administrative event on my scheduling page, you should create an IACRA 8710-1. Login as an applicant and pick the "Limitation Removal without a Practical Test' path. 

You'll need to complete all of the information and be very specific with all the aeronautical experience boxes. 

When we meet to process the paperwork, you'll need to provide all the detailed records showing you meet the aeronautical experience requirements in 61.159

Zoom and other online forms of collaboration are not allowed (per the FAA), we must meet in person to complete the process.

Many pilots take their initial jet or turboprop type ratings in a Level D FSS. Unless you have prior Jet/Turboprop time and previous Type Ratings - FAR 61.64 requires a PIC limitation to be added. This is also known as Supervised Operating Experience (SOE).

To remove this SOE limitation - you'll need to provide signed logbook entries from the PIC of each flight, attesting that you were supervised by him/her performing the duties as the PIC (PF).

Once you schedule an appointment for an administrative event on my scheduling page, you should create an IACRA 8710-1. Login as an applicant and pick the 'Limitation Removal without a Practical Test' path. 

https://dpewoz.com/scheduling-%26-payment

https://iacra.faa.gov/IACRA/Default.aspx

Zoom and other online forms of collaboration are not allowed (per the FAA), we must meet in person to complete the process.

14 CFR 61.197 explains the different methods on how to renew your CFI certificate every 24 months.  

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/61.197

Many airline pilots tend to let their CFI certificate expire and then later on determine they want to teach again. To reinstate your CFI certificate - a practical test with a DPE is required. An online FIRC will no longer work for renewal.

If you hold multiple CFI ratings, then you can reinstate any one of the ratings held and all of them become active again. So first decide what rating renewal path you would like to complete - review the respective PTS document and prepare for the practical test:

https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_standards##Flight-Instructors

You will find a reinstatement matrix that details what are the minimal items that the DPE needs to test. It is suggested you are prepared in all areas of the PTS/ACS.

You will then need to complete an 8710-1 in IACRA - login as an applicant and select Flight Instructor, Reinstatement. 

A written knowledge test is not required, nor is an IACRA RI sign-off or endorsements from a recommending instructor - unless the reinstatement test resulted in a previous disapproval.

Another option is to add an additional instructor rating as defined in 61.199(a)(2) but this process is not supported in IACRA since the CFI certificate is expired already. Therefore a paper 8710-1 is required for processing. 

Military pilots can apply for a standard FAA Commercial certificate based on his or her military pilot qualifications. A military pilot who passes the military competency (non-category specific) knowledge test and possesses the appropriate documents will be issued a commercial pilot certificate, and/or a flight instructor certificate.

For Pilots:

• An official U.S. Armed Forces aeronautical order of flight status as a rated military pilot;
• An official U.S. Armed Forces form or logbook showing flight status as a rated military pilot;
• An official U.S. Armed Forces aeronautical order showing graduation from a U.S. Armed Forces undergraduate pilot training school and receipt of a rating qualification as a military pilot;
• An official U.S. Armed Forces record showing that the pilot passed a pilot proficiency check and instrument proficiency check in an aircraft as a military pilot in the U.S. Armed Forces.

For Instructors:

• An official U.S. Armed Forces record or order documenting the individual’s current or past qualification as a U.S. Armed Forces military instructor pilot or pilot examiner for the flight instructor rating sought.
• An official U.S. Armed Forces record or order documenting the individual’s completion of a U.S. Armed Forces instructor pilot or pilot examiner training course, and receipt of an aircraft qualification as a military instructor pilot or pilot examiner that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought.
• An official U.S. Armed Forces record or order documenting that the individual passed a U.S. Armed Forces instructor pilot or pilot examiner proficiency check in an aircraft as a military instructor pilot or pilot examiner that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought.

You will also need to complete the MCN written knowledge test for a pilot certificate issuance and the MCI knowledge test for the flight instructor certificate.

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

The overall paperwork process is supported in IACRA and you should login as an applicant and follow the paths for a commercial or flight instructor application and select military competency

DRS FAA 8900.1 DPE/ASI Guidance

https://1drv.ms/b/s!AiwipRy_ocHDi79b7cHdN2Toc3uGrQ?e=W8gmK8

The biggest issue with this process is providing the appropriate military paperwork and establishing eligibility. Military contractors or foreign military members stationed with the US military are not eligible. 

There are times when a pilot may not be eligible for an FAA medical due to various medical conditions/reasons and he/she needs to demonstrate their abilities to the FAA. Most common are due to vision issues, prosthetic limb or some sort of mild color blindness. Depending on the condition and class of medical being requested, the FAA may require both a ground review and flight. 

Typically, the SMFT is an FAA FSDO and ASI  (Aviation Safety Inspector) based function, however, after Covid, the FAA designated select DPEs to conduct the SMFT and process the paperwork.

The first step in the process is to contact the FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine - Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI):

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/cami

You will need to request an Authorization letter from CAMI to conduct the Special Medical Flight Test. Ask them to send it to the South Florida SO19 FSDO. CAMI will also send you a similar version of the authorization letter (less technical in nature). The CAMI Authorization Letter will explain the condition and what steps, actions and tests within the FAA DRS FSIMS 8900.1 that are required to be tested. It may also require coordination with a local ATC facility to setup a light gun test.

https://drs.faa.gov/browse/ORDER_8900.1/doctypeDetails

https://1drv.ms/b/s!AiwipRy_ocHDi79aqoPYaM6cCL2Nxw?e=UP35Ub

Once you receive confirmation that the authorization letter has been sent, I can contact the local SO19 FSDO and they will decide to either assign an ASI to conduct the SMFT or allow a DPE to conduct the test on their behalf. 

But until you contact CAMI and request the SMFT/SODA Authorization letter, nothing can be done.