When you move to an airline in another region, your licence may need to be converted to, or validated by, the new country's authority. The rules are detailed and change from time to time, so this article is only a general map. Always check the official authority pages below, and the airline's own guidance, before you make decisions.
Conversion or validation?
Broadly, authorities offer two routes:
- Validation: permission to use your existing foreign licence for a limited time or purpose, usually with conditions.
- Conversion: getting a full licence from the new authority, which usually involves theory exams and a skill test or flight test, plus licence verification from your original authority.
Which route applies depends on the authority, the type of operation and how long you'll be flying there. Airlines recruiting from abroad often explain which route they support.
Europe (EASA)
Pilot licensing in EASA member states is set out in the Aircrew Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011), including the rules on licences issued by non-EU countries. Applications are handled by the national authority of the member state, not by EASA directly.
Official source: >EASA – Aircrew regulations.
United States (FAA)
The FAA can issue a US private pilot certificate on the basis of a foreign licence under 14 CFR 61.75. That certificate does not on its own allow you to fly commercially; commercial and ATP privileges need the full FAA certificates. The FAA also has a foreign licence verification process that must be completed first.
Official sources: >14 CFR 61.75 (eCFR) and >FAA – Foreign license verification.
Australia (CASA)
CASA says that if you plan to fly in Australia for longer than 12 months you can apply to convert your overseas licence, and for short-term aviation work you can apply for a Certificate of Validation. For a CPL, MPL or ATPL, conversion requires Australian theory exams and a flight test, and CASA states that it does not recognise foreign exam credits. You also need at least ICAO level 4 aviation English proficiency, licence verification from your issuing authority and security checks.
Official sources: >CASA – Converting an overseas flight crew licence and >CASA – Overseas licence conversion exams.
Practical tips
- Start early. Verification, security checks and exam bookings can take weeks or months.
- Keep certified copies of your licence, medical, logbook and training records ready.
- Ask the recruiting airline exactly which licence it needs you to hold, and by when.
- Budget for exams, medicals and travel, and check who pays for what.
Next steps
- Check your overall readiness with the free Self-Check.
- The Airline Move Playbook includes a move-planning checklist alongside technical and interview preparation.
