Aviation is international — but pilot licenses unfortunately are not automatically. If you hold an EASA license from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland and want to fly in the US, you need an additional FAA authorization. And vice versa. What's behind it, how the process works, and what really matters — here's the practical overview.

Two Worlds of Aviation Authorities

The EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) regulates aviation in all EU member states plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is the US authority. Both have their own license structures, medical requirements, and operating regulations — with significant differences in the details.

License Structure Comparison

LicenseEASAFAA
Entry LevelLAPL (Light Aircraft Pilot Licence)Sport Pilot Certificate
Private PilotPPL/A (45 h minimum)Private Pilot Certificate (40 h minimum)
Commercial PilotCPL/A (200 h total, theoretical ATPL)Commercial Pilot Certificate (250 h total)
Airline PilotATPL/A (1,500 h total)ATP Certificate (1,500 h total, theory exam)
IFR AuthorizationIR (Instrument Rating) — standalone authorizationInstrument Rating — add-on to license
MedicalClass 1 (CPL/ATPL), Class 2 (PPL)First Class (ATP), Second Class (CPL), Third Class (PPL)

FAA License for EASA Holders — The Transfer Process

The direct path to an FAA Private Pilot Certificate for an EASA PPL holder is clearly regulated (14 CFR 61.75 — "Piggyback License"):

  • Valid EASA PPL/A + valid EASA Medical
  • Pass the FAA Private Pilot Written Test (theory exam, 60 questions, 70% pass mark)
  • Checkride with an FAA DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) — practical exam
  • FAA Third-Class Medical (examination by an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner)

Time required: 2–4 weeks intensive preparation for the written test, + appointments for medical and checkride. Total cost: approx. USD 1,000–2,500. The advantage: an FAA Private Pilot Certificate allows you to operate all US N-registered aircraft — including those not available in Europe.

Why an FAA license makes sense for Europeans: Many attractive pre-owned aircraft (Cirrus SR22, Bonanza, Mooney) are significantly cheaper in the US than in Europe. Anyone planning to buy an N-registered aircraft and ferry it to Europe needs an FAA license — at least for the ferry flight.

EASA License for FAA Holders — The Reverse Path

For US pilots with an FAA Private Pilot Certificate who want to fly in Europe, the process is more complex — EASA does not recognize FAA licenses via automatic transfer. The path goes through the respective national aviation authority of the EASA member state:

  • Application to the LBA (Germany), Austro Control (Austria), or FOCA (Switzerland)
  • Proof of valid FAA license + medical + hour logs
  • Theory exams in European air law and other subjects
  • Practical skill test with a national examiner
  • EASA-compliant medical (Class 2 for PPL)
Swiss exception: Switzerland is not an EU member but is an EASA member state. The FOCA (Federal Office of Civil Aviation) has partially more favorable recognition of foreign licenses. For FAA holders, Switzerland can be a faster entry into the EASA system.

Instrument Rating — The Most Important Authorization

The Instrument Rating (IR) is separate in both systems — and in both, it's the most important step toward safety. EASA and FAA have different IR standards, however:

  • EASA IR: Higher requirements, more exam subjects, more expensive (approx. EUR 15,000–25,000) — considered more demanding
  • EASA EIR (En-Route Instrument Rating): Lighter IR, only for en-route flight in controlled airspace, not for precision approaches
  • FAA IR: More beginner-friendly, less expensive (approx. USD 5,000–10,000), globally recognized (ICAO)

Tip for Europeans: obtaining an FAA IR in the US (e.g., in Florida or Arizona with good flying weather) and then converting to EASA is often cheaper and faster than doing a direct EASA IR in Germany or Austria.

Mutual recognition between EASA and FAA is a complex, constantly evolving field. Outdated online information can be incorrect. Always get current information directly from the LBA, Austro Control, or your national aviation authority — and check the current Part-FCL regulations.

The good news: EASA and FAA recognize each other — not automatically, but with manageable effort. Those who hold both licenses fly on two continents and can buy and operate aircraft from both registries.

For Airvalon customers who want to import aircraft from the US or operate internationally: ask us about licensing and registration questions — we'll connect you with specialized aviation lawyers and regulatory consultants.