For the majority of the experiences suggested you will not require an FAA licence.
If you have a JAR licence and wish to fly solo, for example for day trips, an FAA licence will be required.
While over the past few years this has become a bit more troublesome, it is still fairly easy but requires a bit of planning ahead.
While I have attempted to provide guidance for the process this is based on current (June ‘08) rules and I would recommend that you satisfy yourself that you have done what is required.
Where possible I have provided links to what is currently the sources of information.
If you have a UK or UK JAA Licence (or Australian) you will require to have the CAA provide information to the FAA prior to applying to the FAA for your FAA licence.
For UK JAA Licence holders you will have to complete and send two forms to the CAA together with the current fee.
Form 1.
“UK Licence Verification Authorisation for Licence Validation”
Form 2.
“PLD Payment Method Form”
Check what he current fee for this service is (currently £40 but check with CAA link - current link June ‘08)
Civil Aviation Authority
Personnel Licensing Department
Aviation House
Gatwick Airport South
West Sussex
RH6 0YR
Fax: 01293 573996
90 days prior to expecting to pick up your FAA licence provide the FAA with your licence ,rating and medical certificate information. I would suggest you use the following PDF form.
Verification of Authenticity of Foreign License, Rating, and Medical Certification
Also make a copy of your medical certificate and pilots licence.
Within the form you will be asked to nominated the Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) where you will pick up your licence.
The local FSDO to this area of Florida is:
North Florida FSDO
ASO-FSDO-15
5950 Hazeltine National Drive, Suite #500,
Citadel International,
Orlando,
FL 32822-5023
(Location for other FSDOs can be found here)
Send the completed form along with the copies of your licence and medical certificate to the Airmen Certification Branch of the FAA
By mail:
Federal Aviation Administration
Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City,
OK 73125-0082
USA
Or by fax
011-405-954-9922
After about a 4 - 6 weeks I would suggest contacting the North Florida FSDO to check if they have to information and are able to issue your license and pick it up when you get there (take ID)
ASO-FSDO-15
5950 Hazeltine National Drive, Suite #500,
Citadel International, Orlando, FL 32822-5023
Phone: (407) 812-7700 Fax: (407) 812-7710
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday - Friday by appointment only
Once you have your license it is not usable until you have met the requirements to use it legally, ie you will have to complete and have signed by an instructor a BFR (Biennial Flight Review).