Expert: D. Norkus - 8/28/2011

Question
Hi, im speaking from Sao Paulo Brazil, im about to finish my private pilot course here and would like to know if I could do just my 40 hours flying hours, is it alowed or not, my course is accepted there, ill be on vacation for 30 days and going to america soon... would like to know if I can do that and then validate my hours afterwords here... please let me know more about my situation  thank you very much

Answer
Camilo

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration doesn't accept foreign "courses". You must complete all requirements as required for U.S. private pilot certification OR you must submit your foreign pilot certification for issuance of an FAA pilot certificate. In addition, the process takes 45-90 days, so 30 days before your vacation begins is not enough time.

"The Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760 must have the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) verify the validity and currency of the foreign license and medical certificate or endorsement before you apply for an FAA certificate or authorization.  The processing of the Verification of Authenticity of Foreign License, Rating, and Medical Certification form takes approximately 45 to 90 days to complete.  NOTE: Do not schedule any travel and/or checkrides, etc until a valid Verification Letter has been obtained from AFS-760.

Foreign applicants who require a visit to a FAA Flight Standards District Office or are applying for the issuance or replacement of an airman certificate in accordance with 14 CFR 61.75 must contact their selected Flight Standards District Office upon receipt of this verification letter to schedule an appointment with a FAA Inspector or authorized certifying official. Do not anticipate an appointment earlier than two weeks after this initial contact, due to enhanced security procedures."

http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/foreign_license_ve

I suggest you contact the FAA Airman Certification Branch in Oklahoma City for specific inquiries about your request or needs.

Contact:

Ms. Carrie LaFollette
FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center
Civil Aviation Registry, AFS-700
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125

Phone: (405) 954-4331
Fax: (405) 954-5759


Good Luck,
Dottie