FAR 61.75 — Foreign License Conversion
FAR 61.75 explains how holders of a foreign pilot license can obtain a U.S. private pilot certificate, including ratings, instrument, and English requirements.
In Plain English
FAR 61.75 lets a pilot who holds a foreign pilot license (private level or higher) issued by an ICAO contracting State apply for a U.S. private pilot certificate based on that foreign license — without retesting for proficiency.
Key requirements for issuance:
- The foreign license must not contain an ICAO non-compliance limitation.
- The applicant cannot already hold a U.S. pilot certificate (other than a student pilot certificate).
- The applicant must hold a Part 67 medical or the medical issued by the foreign country.
- The applicant must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
- The U.S. certificate will list the foreign license number and country of issuance.
Ratings on the foreign license can be placed on the U.S. certificate for private pilot privileges only. An instrument rating can also be added if the foreign license authorizes instrument privileges and the applicant passes the appropriate knowledge test within the preceding 24 months.
Why it matters: the U.S. certificate issued under §61.75 is piggybacked on the foreign license — you must carry both, and any limitation on the foreign license also limits the U.S. certificate.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.75§ 61.75 Private pilot certificate issued on the basis of a foreign pilot license.
(a)A person who holds a foreign pilot license at the private pilot level or higher that was issued by a contracting State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation may apply for and be issued a U.S. private pilot certificate with the appropriate ratings if the foreign pilot license meets the requirements of this section.
(b)A U.S. private pilot certificate issued under this section must specify the person's foreign license number and country of issuance. A person who holds a foreign pilot license issued by a contracting State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation may be issued a U.S. private pilot certificate based on the foreign pilot license without any further showing of proficiency, provided the applicant:
(1) Meets the requirements of this section;
(2) Holds a foreign pilot license, at the private pilot license level or higher, that does not contain a limitation stating that the applicant has not met all of the standards of ICAO for that license;
(3) Does not hold a U.S. pilot certificate other than a U.S. student pilot certificate;
(4) Holds a medical certificate issued under part 67 of this chapter or a medical license issued by the country that issued the person's foreign pilot license; and
(5) Is able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft.
(c)Aircraft ratings listed on a person's foreign pilot license, in addition to any issued after testing under the provisions of this part, may be placed on that person's U.S. pilot certificate for private pilot privileges only.
(d)A person who holds an instrument rating on the foreign pilot license issued by a contracting State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation may be issued an instrument rating on a U.S. pilot certificate provided:
(1) The person's foreign pilot license authorizes instrument privileges;
(2) Within 24 months preceding the month in which the person applies for the instrument rating, the person passes the appropriate knowledge test; and
(3) The person is able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft.
(e)A person who receives a U.S. private pilot certificate that has been issued under the provisions of this section:
(1) May act as pilot in command of a civil aircraft of the United States in accordance with the pilot privileges authorized by this part and the limitations placed on that U.S. pilot certificate;
(2) Is limited to the privileges placed on the certificate by the Administrator;
(3) Is subject to the limitations and restrictions on the person's U.S. certificate and foreign pilot license when exercising the privileges of that U.S. pilot certificate in an aircraft of U.S. registry operating within or outside the United States; and
(f)A person may use only one foreign pilot license as a basis for the issuance of a U.S. pilot certificate. The foreign pilot license and medical certification used as a basis for issuing a U.S. pilot certificate under this section must be written in English or accompanied by an English transcription that has been signed by an official or representative of the foreign aviation authority that issued the foreign pilot license.
(g)A U.S. pilot certificate issued under this section can only be exercised when the pilot has the foreign pilot license, upon which the issuance of the U.S. pilot certificate was based, in the holder's possession or readily accessible in the aircraft.
[Docket 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997, as amended by Amdt. 61-124, 74 FR 42556, Aug. 21, 2009]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1You hold a foreign private pilot license. What does it take to get a U.S. private pilot certificate based on it?
Per FAR 61.75, the foreign license must be from an ICAO contracting State at private level or higher with no ICAO non-compliance limitation, you can't already hold a U.S. pilot certificate (other than student), you need a valid medical, and you must read, speak, write, and understand English.
Q2If your U.S. certificate was issued under §61.75, what must you have with you to exercise its privileges?
FAR 61.75(g) requires that the underlying foreign pilot license be in your possession or readily accessible in the aircraft whenever you exercise the privileges of the U.S. certificate.
Q3Can you add an instrument rating to a §61.75 certificate based on your foreign instrument privileges?
Yes. FAR 61.75(d) allows it if the foreign license authorizes instrument privileges, you pass the appropriate knowledge test within the preceding 24 months, and you meet the English language requirement.
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Related Sections in Part 61