Aviation License Conversion: UK CAA, EASA, and FAA Complete Guide

License conversion is the process of obtaining a pilot license from one aviation authority based on holding a license from another authority. Since Brexit, conversion between UK CAA, EASA, and FAA has become especially important for pilots who want flexibility to work in different regions.

This guide explains:

• The difference between validation and conversion
• How to convert licenses between UK CAA, EASA, and FAA
• Typical requirements, timelines, and costs
• Strategic career considerations and exam-relevant points

1. What Is License Conversion?

1.1 Core Concepts

License Conversion means:

A new*, permanent license issued by the target authority

• Based on an existing license from another authority
• Reduced training requirements (you don’t start from zero)
• Full privileges in the target authority’s jurisdiction

• Temporary recognition of your foreign license
• No new license is created
• Valid only for a limited period (often 6–12 months)
• Often used for short-term work or transition periods

• One authority automatically accepts another’s license
• No conversion or validation required
• Example (pre-Brexit): EASA licenses used anywhere in the EU

1.2 Why Conversion Matters

• Geographic limits:
• UK license: for UK-regulated operations
• EASA license: for EASA member-state operations
• FAA license: for US-regulated operations
• Career mobility:
• Work for airlines in different jurisdictions
• Move base or region without restarting training
• Keep options open for future moves
• Post-Brexit reality:
• UK and EASA licenses no longer interchangeable

2. Validation vs Conversion

2.1 Validation (Temporary Use)

Typical characteristics:

• Time-limited (commonly 6–12 months)

• Often quicker and cheaper than full conversion
• Good for:
• Temporary basings
• Ferry work
• Short-term contracts
• “Testing the waters” in another market

• Expiry date – not a long-term solution
• May include operational restrictions
• Your original license must stay valid

2.2 Conversion (Permanent License)

Typical characteristics:

• New permanent license from the target authority
• Full operational privileges in that jurisdiction
• More requirements and higher cost than validation
• Best for:
• Long-term relocation
• Stable employment in that region
• Airline contracts requiring a specific license

• No dependence on foreign license afterward
• Easier admin for airlines and authorities
• Better long-term career flexibility in that region

3. UK CAA ↔ EASA Conversion

3.1 UK CAA to EASA

You can convert:

• UK PPL → EASA PPL
• UK CPL → EASA CPL
• UK ATPL → EASA ATPL
• UK IR → EASA IR

• Valid UK CAA license
• Valid medical (Class 1 / Class 2 / LAPL as appropriate)
• ICAO English Level 4 or higher
• Meeting EASA medical and licensing standards

Step-by-Step (Typical Flow)

1. Choose an EASA State of Licence Issue (SOLI)

• Fees
• Processing times
• Working language
• Where you plan to live/work long-term

1. Confirm requirements with that authority

• Application forms
• Documents needed
• Whether any extra exams or checks are required

1. Prepare documentation

• UK license (original or certified copy)
• UK medical certificate
• Certified logbook copies
• Passport/ID and photos
• English proficiency evidence (if not already endorsed)

1. Theory credit

• In most cases, UK ATPL theory passes are recognized by EASA (post-Brexit, still largely aligned, but check current rules).
• Validity periods apply (e.g. 7 years from completion for ATPL issue).

1. Skill test / proficiency check

• Usually required: flight test with an EASA examiner
• Type depends on license level (PPL, CPL, IR, ME, etc.)

1. Submit application and pay fees

• Application fee + examiner/test fees
• Then wait for processing

1. Receive EASA license

• Valid across all EASA states
• Your UK license remains a separate document

3.2 EASA to UK CAA

Reverse direction, process is similar:

You can convert:

• EASA PPL → UK PPL
• EASA CPL → UK CPL
• EASA ATPL → UK ATPL
• EASA IR → UK IR

• Valid EASA license and medical
• English Language Proficiency endorsement
• Meeting UK CAA medical and licensing standards
• Sometimes proof of UK residency/address (check current rules)

1. Check current UK CAA guidance and confirm if any residency requirements apply.
2. Prepare documents: license, medical, logbook, ID, proof of address if needed.
3. Theory is usually credited (same 14 ATPL exams, similar syllabi); re-exams are rarely needed but check validity dates.
4. Complete required skill test(s) with a UK examiner.
5. Apply via the UK CAA portal, pay fees, and wait for processing.

4. FAA ↔ EASA / UK CAA Conversion

4.1 FAA → EASA

Common for US-trained pilots wanting to work for European airlines.

Key points:

• FAA flight hours are usually accepted.
• No credit for FAA written exams: you must pass the 14 EASA ATPL theory exams.

1. Register with an EASA authority for ATPL theory and sit all 14 exams.
2. Have your flight hours validated: logbook checked against EASA requirements (cross-country, night, instrument, multi-engine, etc.).
3. Complete EASA skill tests (CPL, IR, ME as required).
4. Submit all documents and obtain your EASA license.

4.2 FAA → UK CAA

Broadly similar to FAA → EASA:

• You will need to pass 14 UK ATPL exams (no direct credit from FAA knowledge tests).
• Flight time is typically credited.
• UK skill test is required.

4.3 EASA / UK → FAA

European pilots often convert to FAA licenses if they want to fly for US operators.

Two main paths:

Path 1: Conversion Based on Foreign License (most common)

You already have an EASA/UK CPL or ATPL.

Typical steps:

1. FAA medical

• Obtain an FAA First or Second Class medical from an FAA AME.

1. Pass the FAA written

• Usually the FAA ATP or Commercial knowledge test.

1. Flight training and checkride

• Get familiar with FAA procedures, airspace, and regulations.
• Do the FAA practical test (checkride) with a Designated Pilot Examiner.

1. Receive FAA certificate

• You get an FAA Commercial or ATP certificate (depending on path).

Path 2: Full FAA Training

Less common if you already hold an EASA/UK license:

• You redo the full FAA PPL → IR → CPL sequence.
• Might make sense only in very specific scenarios (e.g. early in training, or special agreements with a US school).

4.4 Type Ratings

Important:

• Type ratings do not automatically transfer between authorities.
• An EASA A320 type rating does not equal an FAA A320 type rating and vice versa.
• Airlines or training organizations usually handle additional type training and checking needed for the target authority.

5. Other ICAO Conversions

For licenses issued by other ICAO states (e.g. Canada, Australia, South Africa):

• The general pattern is similar:
• Flight hours mostly credited
• Theory exams and skill tests required for EASA/UK/FAA
• Some states have bilateral agreements that simplify parts of the process.
• Always check directly with the target authority for up-to-date details.

• Submit your foreign license and medical for validation
• Get permission to operate for a limited time under defined conditions

6. Maintaining Dual Licenses

Many pilots end up with two or more active licenses (e.g. EASA + UK, or EASA + FAA).

6.1 Pros and Cons

Advantages:

• Maximum mobility and job options
• Easier to change region or airline
• A “backup” license if rules change in one jurisdiction

• More costs (medical, renewal, proficiency checks)
• More admin (tracking expiry dates, type currencies, etc.)
• Need to stay current on multiple regulatory systems

6.2 Practical Management

• Plan medical renewals so they align where possible.
• Use airline recurrent checks to satisfy multiple authorities when allowed (with carefully planned examiner approvals).
• Keep a simple tracking sheet for:
• License validity
• Rating expiry dates
• Medical expiry
• Required recency (e.g. takeoffs/landings, instrument time)

7. Strategic Career Considerations

7.1 Choosing Your “Home” License

Think about:

• Where you realistically want to work most of your career
• How hard it is to convert from that authority to another
• Training costs in each region

• EASA/UK → FAA: relatively straightforward (few exams, focused conversion).
• FAA → EASA/UK: more demanding (14 ATPL exams).

7.2 Example Career Paths

Example 1 – UK Training → EU Airline Job

• Train in UK, obtain UK CPL/IR/ATPL (frozen).
• Convert to EASA via an EU authority.
• Cost for conversion: ~€1,500–€2,500; time: a few months.

• Train in Europe, work a few years for an EU airline.
• Convert EASA ATPL to FAA ATP (knowledge test + checkride in US).
• Cost: around $10,000–$15,000; time: 2–4 months.

8. Documentation Checklist

For almost any conversion, you’ll need:

• Valid original license (or certified copy)
• Valid medical certificate
• Logbook with complete, clearly structured entries
• ID documents (passport, sometimes proof of residency)
• Evidence of ATPL theory passes and dates
• Language proficiency endorsement (ICAO English Level 4+)
• Where required: certified translations and notarised copies

9. Exam & Theoretical Knowledge Focus

From an ATPL theory perspective, exam questions on license conversion often test:

• The difference between validation and conversion
• The impact of Brexit on UK ↔ EASA recognition
• Which direction of conversion requires full ATPL exams (e.g. FAA → EASA)
• Whether type ratings automatically transfer between authorities (they don’t)

• Validation = temporary, no new license
• Conversion = permanent, new license issued
• UK and EASA are now separate systems
• FAA → EASA/UK almost always means 14 ATPL exams
• EASA/UK → FAA usually means one FAA knowledge test + checkride
• Type ratings and instructor ratings usually require separate approval/training in each system

10. Conclusion

License conversion is a crucial mechanism for pilots who want to work internationally. It allows you to:

• Move between UK CAA, EASA, and FAA jurisdictions
• Access a wider range of airlines and bases
• Future-proof your career against regional changes (like Brexit)

• Additional time and cost
• Careful documentation and planning
• Understanding of each authority’s regulatory requirements

• Choose your initial license strategically,
• Plan ahead for potential conversions,
• And budget realistically for theory exams and skill tests,

Related Articles:

• UK CAA Overview
• EASA Overview
• FAA Overview
• EASA Licensing Process
• FAA ATP Requirements