Originally Posted by
Yfe330
Hi all.
My apologies if this topic is covered in another area. Any recommendations for FAA to EASA conversion. I work overseas as Captain. Any help or suggestions are appreciated.
A couple months ago I researched this a little and came up with the following.
In the U.S. right now there are few schools that to FAA to EASA conversion. It's a pretty extense process that involves getting EASA medical, passing the 14 written exams, check rides, etc.
If you are already a Captain I assume you have an ATP which qualifies you for a
shorter process. But still, all in all, it would take about 1-2 years of dedicated time and study to fully get your EASA license I believe.
With Norwegian recently entering the U.S. market, the US pilots being hired into Norwegian are required within I believe it's 2 years to get their EASA license. Of course, Norwegian provides the means and materials to do this but they utilize a school in Florida, that school is Gulf Coast Training Solutions.
Right now it would seem that Gulf Coast is your best bet if you're an FAA ATP US pilot looking for a EASA ATP.
This is the email that I received from Gulf Coast a couple months ago when I was researching all this, it pretty much explains the process.
Thank you for your inquiry regarding converting your license into an EASA license. The process to convert can be completed in just a few simple steps which I will explain in some detail:
Step 1: Pass 14 Written Exams
The first step in all cases is to pass the EASA written examinations. Our course divides those subjects into 3 phases with the subjects split 5/6/3. While there is no set study time required, in most cases it can be expected to take from 5-8 months of studying for the full course. The amount of work that an individual puts in will reflect the timeline. Please note, once you first sit an exam you then have 18 months from that date to pass all 14 subjects.
With our course you will receive:
Full color course notes for the subjects in electronic format with the option to upgrade to black and white paper manuals
Free access to our App- designed to mirror our online learning center, compatible with both the Ipad and Ipad mini, no internet connection required
Approved Flight computer and Jeppesen Student Pilot Route Manual
Access to the online classroom where there are more than 10,000 questions, most of which you will see in the actual exams
Support from EASA approved instructors
A total of 70 hours in class at our facility in the Pre-Exam course to make sure you are ready for the final exams. The time is split across the subjects.
Here is where the hours and ratings come in. If you have an ATP with 500 hours on type Multi-Crew, we can exempt you from the Pre-exam course section of the program. However we do still recommend you attend as it is a valuable resource at your disposal.
The cost of the course is $2450 and you choose whether to receive the 14 manuals in bound paper books or fully searchable USB Memory stick. Both contain the same material, but it depends upon your preference.
Step 2: Pass an EASA Class 1 Medical
This step must be completed in Europe for the initial issue and then may be renewed in the USA.
Step 3: Type Rating Training Organization
Pass an EASA check ride at an EASA TRTO (Type Rating Training Organization) in the simulator for the aircraft on which you have more than 500 hours and pass an EASA check ride. When you get to this step, we can assist you in selecting a TRTO.
Upon completion you will receive a full ATPL issued by the authorities with an EASA PIC type rating attached to your license.
I hope this has answered your questions. Should you have any other questions/concerns please do not hesitate to contact me, or if you are ready to get started please follow this link to enroll.
http://www.easalicense.com/courses/
Thank you,
You mentioned you're already flying overseas, would this be in a gulf carrier?
The EASA conversion is a great option to apply at European airlines but you usually have to have citizenship or legal right to work in Europe or any country for the airline you're looking to apply.
In my case I have US and Italian citizenship so it was definitely an option for me.
Hope this info helps out!