Converting a foreign (FAA) pilot licence

Canada-US bilateral agreement (Implementation Procedures for Licensing) lets holders of certain FAA Airman Certificates get the equivalent Canadian licence, no flight test.

Eligible FAA certificates (TC AIM LRA 1.13):

• Private Pilot, Aeroplane or Rotorcraft
• Commercial Pilot, Aeroplane or Rotorcraft
• Airline Transport Pilot, Aeroplane or Rotorcraft

Also needs written TC exam FAAPA: 20 questions, 1 hour, 60% pass, Air Law and procedures (TP 12880).

Ratings and qualifications endorsed on the certificate also convert:

• instrument rating
• aircraft class or type rating
• night rating or qualification

Exclusion: certificate endorsed "issued on the basis of a foreign licence" is NOT eligible.

Trap: assuming any FAA certificate qualifies. Only private, commercial, ATP (aeroplane or rotorcraft) do.

Practice