NEDude

Interesting. When I was going through this process every authority and every school that I was in contact with insisted that license application must be through the authority of the state which held you medical records. In fact several of the license application forms for various countries state that the application cannot be processed unless your medical records have been officially transferred to that state. Perhaps it is not an EASA wide regulation, but a national regulation that most, but clearly not all nations, have adopted.

That is one of the interesting and maddening things about EASA. While it is the regulatory authority in Europe, there are still national differences which can be hard to figure out. The radio license is a perfect example. Most states require it, but then I find out Ireland does not.

Anyway, good luck in the process. There are several of of here who have been through it so feel free to ask if you have more questions.

Starlifter

No medical records have ever been transferred. Been flying on this JAA/EASA license for 12 years...

NEDude

Oh I don't doubt you. It just highlights one of the frustrating things about EASA, once you think you got it figured out you find out something new. I was told that EASA will make you love the FAA.

Starlifter

That my friend is one of the wisest statements I have read on these boards in some time.

I was "all in" to JAA/EASA for some time...ready to throw the FAA to the wind. I learned, which this is part of the reason why I reconnected with the FAA/US before I really screwed myself. By no means a utopia but as you said, EASA inconsistencies as well my experience with age discrimination here in Europe, I am thankful to be reconnected with the FAA, the US and US carriers...

If BK wants to PM, I might be able to guide, as I said, I'm also retired US military. Which creates some other issues unique to those who journey off like this...

Lifter

NEDude

The age discrimination is a real concern. However if my experience of the last three weeks since receiving the EASA ATPL is representative of the current situation, 45 is not at all too old in Europe. Five applications filed, five interviews in three weeks (plus a firm offer on a sixth job).

I do have an EU passport (on top of my US), so that may have helped a bit.

Starlifter

You are fortunate. I hope you find your home "carrier" and can stick with it until retirement. I on the other hand found there is too much to loose financially to stick this out that long, with no back-up. I now have that back-up going on three years...so no harm no foul. I have the dual citizenship as well but not willing to go to the extremes...

CFI Guy

I may have some information which may help but before you get too deep you should find out about job requirements and your citizenship.

I am dual citizen (born in the U.S. but obtained citizenship from a country within the EU through my parents). I have two passports. My European passport permits travel and work rights anywhere in the EU. I'm not sure if just being a "permanent resident" gives you the same rights. Most jobs I've looked at state in the requirements that you must have unrestricted work rights anywhere in the EU.

The only way around not taking the writtens is if you have been say a major airline captain here in the U.S with a few thousand hours of heavy int'l time. I don't know anyone who has gone this route but sounds like EASA can validate your license based on this experience but who knows what other hoops you have to jump through.

The other route which I looked at (if you hold a FAA ATP) is taking a checkride in the EU on a aircraft you currently fly. You need 500hrs in a multicrew turbojet and have to take a type ride (which is to ATP standards of course) in the UK with one of their examiners. I understand it's also possible to fly out an examiner here to the states and do the checkride but you foot the bill (biz class tickets, hotels, etc).

If you do the type ride option you still need to take the 14 writtens but you can self-certify (no official correspondence program). I'm sure you are aware the tests are much harder than the FAA version. Studying the question bank (15000+ questions) and taking the test is not feasible but maybe you're rain man. Also, you can only sit for a couple exams at a time and they're only offered a couple times a month.

If you do not have a FAA ATP nor meet the experience above, then you must complete an approved correspondence school (Bristol and Oxford are well known). There is also a school in Florida where you can take the writtens versus traveling to the UK. Your initial medical however does need to be completed overseas but there are a couple EASA docs in the U.S. which are authorized to do renewals.

Converting your ratings are another hurdle. Contact Naples Air Center in FL as they are EASA approved. You used to have to complete a number of hours in EU airspace and retake both your instrument and multi engine checkride. Maybe they can do that here now but I'm not sure.

bkmoore

Thanks for all the good advice. I signed up for the ATPL course at Cranfeld Aviation in Dortmund today. Plan is to pursue the EASA ATPL and a job here first. If it doesn't work out, can always go back to the U.S. and do the RJ- to major route. I have a family with children, so no matter which route I take, we go together.