How do I convert my Canadian pilot license to FAA?

The five main things you need to do to convert your Canadian ATPL to an FAA ATP certificate are:
  1. Make sure your Canadian license/medical are current;
  2. Get an FAA medical;
  3. Get your foreign license validated;
  4. Take the ATP CTP course (potentially including a time-consuming TSA clearance);
  5. Take the ACM knowledge test; and.




Converting a Canadian (TCCA) pilot license to a U.S. (FAA) certificate is relatively straightforward due to a Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA). In 2026, the process starts with submitting a Verification of Authenticity form to the FAA, which coordinates with Transport Canada to verify your credentials. Once verified, you will receive a Letter of Authenticity (valid for six months). Unlike other foreign pilots, Canadians do not have to take a full checkride for Private, Commercial, or ATP levels; instead, you must pass a specific "conversion" knowledge test that focuses on the differences between U.S. and Canadian federal aviation regulations. After passing the written test, you meet with an FAA Inspector or an authorized examiner to complete the paperwork and receive your temporary certificate. You must also hold a valid FAA Medical Certificate (at least Class 3) to exercise the privileges of your new U.S. license.

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As you probably know, you can fly your own Canadian aircraft in the United States and American pilots can fly theirs into Canada, but that only applies to any Canadian registered aircraft. There is a process to obtain a Canadian (TCCA) licence if you already hold an American (FAA) certificate.

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FLY IN THE US WITH YOUR FOREIGN LICENSE You will be able to have your ICAO foreign license validated by the FAA, so that you will be able to fly in the US within your rating limitations, and you'll be able to fly a US registered aircraft anywhere in the world!

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In order to exercise airmen privileges in flight, an airmen must have a valid medical certificate. In many cases a foreign medical will not be able to be verified/validated, or is expired. A medical certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 67, by a United States Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), will be satisfactory.

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Obtaining an FAA piggyback licence couldn't be easier. NO medical, NO extra exams, just a bit of paperwork and you can convert your EASA to an FAA licence. Watch the video for the information you need. Your FAA PPL will remain valid for as long as your primary PPL is.

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the largest transportation agency of the U.S. government and regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the country as well as over surrounding international waters.

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The CAA implements the ICAO SARPs in national legislation and is responsible for regulatory oversight. FAA is the Federal Aviation Administration. As the Civil Aviation Authority of the USA, it is responsible for establishing aviation regulations in the US.

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Foreign aircraft may fly in the U.S. if they have an airworthiness certificate equivalent to a U.S. standard airworthiness certificate. Otherwise, they require a Special Flight Authorization ( SFA ) as described in Title 14 CFR 91.715. This may be obtained by applying to FAA .

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