Has anyone on here done the FAA to Transport Canada license conversion test for an ATP? How did it go?

Also, do you have any books or manuals that you would recommend to study with?


As I understand it, SIC type ratings do not exist with TC, so if I have a few of those and convert the license, will they convert as full PIC type ratings?

PM me... I haven't done it yet. But I have the information on how to convert everything.

Don't know about the SIC ratings though.

All of your SIC ratings will transfer and will show up on your TC license as the aircraft type rating but it doesn't distinguish it from a PIC or SIC. Use that to your advantage!

Additionally, when converting, you have to get your TC medical done first. Your medical license number is your pilot number. if you are in the US, do a search of FAA examiners to see if any are TC medical qualified as well. I did that in my city and found my FAA doc could check off both.

AFter you get the medical done, you then have to take the Canadian ATP test. Take a test prep (highly recommend). They have online study programs that cost about $75-100. You then have to take the exam at a TC test site, which are only in Canada. Once you past the test, you can take the certificate to any TC office and take your FAA licenses, your logbooks to confirm you have hours on each aircraft. The only issue that sometimes comes up with a TC office, which you need to print out ahead of time, so they understand is that the get confused about your ATP license. Many countries, including Canada want to see the ATP license and Instrument Rating (current) on our license. Of course, the FAA ATP includes the Instrument Rating and some TC staff don't understand. I had to have them pull out their manuals to show them, and even though had to argue. To make your life easier, bring the FAA verbiage on what an ATP license entails.

Hope that helps

I read about the type rating conversion and got excited. (I benefited from the TC to FAA conversion years ago)
However the better half of me stated, well I read about it on the internet, tread wisely.

I called the Hamilton, ON TC office, and the Safety Inspector reiterated what urge stated.
The words were something along the lines of "We'll give you what you have on your FAA certificate, however our typewriters don't have 'SIC' on them..."

Use that loophole wisely while you can.

If you have the right to work in Canada this loophole may help you, not sure as I have never had that right and competition for flying jobs is tough in Canada. The loophole will probably not help you in most Ex Pat jobs as they require PIC time on type. The SIC time and the type will be researched and investigated by the perspective employer. In Asia and the Middle East you need your flight times endorsed and notarized by your previous company where you flew those hours and if possible by the governing Aeronautical Administration. The US does not allow PIC Type rating license conversions.

Made the conversion last spring from FAA ATP to TC ATPL. The medical is the first step, you can use your current AME, but have him sign the form in original ink as this is what you need to send to the main Toronto office. They will take a US AME medical and give you a Canadian TC medical. First medical also requires an audiogram and ecg, so you need to get both of those done, by anyone in the US, and send those original reports with your AME original signed form. You then use this medical/license number to apply for the conversion. Then set up a time to write the 20 question test at one of the TC offices. I suggest self study of the TC AIM and the NAV Canada CAP GEN. Google will find you some online stores. I also suggest a short course, 1-3 days, offered by folks like pro ifr in BC. Some places may have conversion specific courses, or some may have ATP courses, anyhow they can be useful right before the test. 20 questions are not many, but it doesn't take getting many wrong to fail either.

Awesome thanks for all the advice guys.


You wouldn't happen to know of anything farther out east would you? I'm living in Montreal now so BC is a bit of a trek to do a prep course.

I would not waste your time with a prep course that you have to attend. That is an utter waste of time and money!! Just do an online course. I practice for two days and passed in the upper 80s. If you spend a week on it, you can't fail. You see all the questions in the practice exams and make sure you read the explanations. That's what helps you learn and understand in case you get a new question.

Urge, what practice exam did you use?

I'll post if i find it. On the road right now but not sure if i have the name or not.