Foreign License
Conversion to FAA
Already a licensed pilot in your home country? We'll help you convert your foreign pilot's license to an FAA certificate and start flying in the United States.
FAA Part 61 Approved · Miami, FL · KHWO Airport · Since 2014
How the Conversion Process Works
Flight Center International offers conversion training from your foreign pilot's license to an FAA license. The first step is to convert your foreign license to an FAA PPL.
To do so, you must request a Foreign Verification Letter from the FAA — this can be done from your home country. Once you arrive in the US, you will arrange a meeting with an FAA DPE with all your paperwork. The meeting consists of a short interview and review of your documents. The DPE will then certify you as a Foreign-Based Private Pilot. To be current, you will also need a valid Medical Exam and a completed Flight Review.
We aim to provide the most up-to-date information, but please check with the appropriate regulatory authority for the latest regulations. More information can be found on the FAA website.
Choose Your Conversion Path
Select the option that matches your current license and flying goals
Private Pilot Conversion
Foreign-Based FAA PPL
Total Estimated Cost
For private pilots seeking to convert their Private Pilot License only. You complete the Foreign-Based FAA PPL process and then maintain both licenses current at all times.
Note: This license depends on your foreign-based license and the validity of the Foreign Verification Letter, which expires every 6 months.
- Request Foreign Verification Letter
- Meet with FAA DPE in the US
- Valid FAA Medical Exam required
- Complete a Flight Review
Commercial Pilot Conversion
Less than 1,500 Hours
Months to Complete at FCI
Convert your foreign commercial license equivalent to an FAA CPL by obtaining the Foreign-Based FAA PPL first, then completing IFR Rating and Commercial Pilot training at our school.
- Foreign-Based FAA PPL (first step)
- Instrument Rating (IFR) training
- Commercial Pilot License training
- Completed in 2–4 months at FCI
ATP License Conversion
Airline Transport Pilot
Weeks for Flight Training & Checkride
For pilots with 1,500+ hours meeting all ATP requirements. Complete an ATP-CTP course at a certified training program, then fly in our Piper Seneca PA-34 for the ATP checkride.
- Current CPL or ATP foreign equivalent required
- ATP-CTP at external certified program
- Flight training in Piper Seneca PA-34
- ATP checkride conducted at FCI
Step-by-Step: Foreign-Based FAA PPL
Required for all conversion types — every pilot starts here
Request FAA Verification Letter
Apply for a Foreign Verification Letter from the FAA — can be done from your home country
Meet with FAA DPE
Arrange a meeting with an FAA DPE in the US. Bring all your paperwork and documents
Interview & Certification
Short interview and document review. DPE certifies you as a Foreign-Based Private Pilot
Medical & Flight Review
Complete a valid FAA Medical Exam and a Flight Review to become current and legal to fly in the US
Foreign License Conversion — Cost Estimates
Private Pilot License
FAA DPE Payment
Medical Exam
Ground Instruction
1 Hour with CFI
Dual Flight Training
1.5 Hours in Cessna 172
Total — Private Pilot License
Instrument Rating
Dual Flight Training
15 Hours in Cessna 172
Redbird Flight Simulator
5 Hours with CFI
Ground Instruction
20 Hours with CFI
TSA Application
Written Exam
Check-ride Exam
Total Training
Total — Instrument Rating
Commercial Single with Multi Add-On
Dual Flight Training — BE-76
10 Hours in PA-34 Piper Seneca
Dual Flight Training — Cessna 172
10 Hours in Cessna 172
Ground Instruction
10 Hours with CFI
TSA Application
Written Exam
Check-ride Exams
Single + Multi
Total Training
Total — Commercial Single with Multi Add-On
Note: Average time to complete the program is two months. Estimates are based on minimum flight training requirements per certificate. Actual cost may be higher or lower depending on the need for additional training or if you already have some requirements completed. Additional costs may include: time-building for 250 hours, headsets and flight kits, non-owned aircraft rental insurance policy, online course prep for written exam, navigation materials, and other optional materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first step is to request a Foreign Verification Letter from the FAA. This can be done from your home country before arriving in the US. Once you have the letter and arrive in Miami, we'll help coordinate the rest of the process with an FAA DPE.
The Foreign Verification Letter expires every 6 months. For pilots holding only a Foreign-Based FAA Private Pilot License, both your original foreign license and the Foreign Verification Letter must be kept current at all times for your US PPL to remain valid.
Yes! If you hold a foreign CPL equivalent with fewer than 1,500 hours, you can convert it to an FAA Commercial Pilot's License. The process involves obtaining the Foreign-Based FAA PPL first, then completing IFR Rating and CPL training at our school — typically 2 to 4 months at FCI.
Pilots with 1,500+ hours who meet all ATP requirements can obtain an FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate. You'll need to complete an ATP-CTP course at a certified training program, followed by a few hours of flight training in our Piper Seneca PA-34 and an ATP checkride. The flight training and checkride process at FCI takes approximately 2–4 weeks.
No! You can request the Foreign Verification Letter from the FAA while still in your home country. Once you arrive in Miami, we will guide you through arranging the DPE meeting and the rest of the conversion steps. Contact us before your trip to plan your training schedule and minimize your time in the US.
For CPL conversion training, we use our Cessna 172 and Piper Seneca PA-34. For ATP conversion, flight training is conducted in a multi-engine aircraft. All training takes place at North Perry Airport (KHWO) in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
The complete conversion process from a foreign CPL equivalent to an FAA Commercial Pilot License typically takes 2 to 4 months when training full-time at Flight Center International. This timeline includes the Foreign-Based PPL process, IFR Rating training, and CPL training. Individual results may vary based on prior experience and training pace.
Ready to Fly Under Your FAA Certificate?
Our experienced instructors have helped pilots from around the world convert their licenses to FAA. Let's plan your conversion today.