Private pilot certificate issued on the basis of a foreign pilot license

This regulation allows pilots who hold a foreign private pilot license from an ICAO contracting country to obtain a U.S. private pilot certificate without additional flight testing.

To qualify, you must hold a valid foreign license without ICAO limitation notations, not already hold a U.S. pilot certificate (except student), have either a U.S. medical certificate or one from your licensing country, and demonstrate English proficiency. The U.S. certificate will list your foreign license number and country.

Aircraft ratings from your foreign license transfer automatically for private pilot privileges. Instrument ratings can be added if you pass the U.S. knowledge test within the preceding 24 months.

Critical limitation: You must carry your foreign pilot license whenever exercising U.S. certificate privileges—it must be in your possession or readily accessible in the aircraft. The U.S. certificate is essentially dependent on maintaining your foreign license. You can only use one foreign license as the basis for this certificate.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*