FAA-Approved Type Ratings, ATP-CTP & Full-Flight Simulator Training
FAALicense Conversion
A precision-engineered pathway for EASA, DGCA, and ICAO license holders seeking FAA recognition and global operational eligibility.
Table Of Contents
Every conversion pathway in one place, plus the comparison tools that help you choose the right route into FAA certification.
Conversion Pathways
Three guided routes into FAA certification — ICAO, EASA, and DGCA.
Who This Is For
The international pilots each pathway is built around.
How Conversion Works
The shared three-step framework behind every conversion we run.
Compare Pathways
Originating authority, key requirement differences, and typical timeline side by side.
Why Convert Through Simulator Center
Level D simulation, FAA-approved training, and experience across all three pathways.
Related Programs
ATP-CTP, type ratings, and simulator training that sequence with your conversion.
FAQs
Written exams, timelines, and combining conversion with a type rating.
Conversion Pathways
Three guided routes into FAA certification, each built around the requirements of the authority that issued your current license.
ICAO to FAA ATP
For pilots holding a license issued by any ICAO-recognized authority seeking FAA ATP recognition.
View PathwayEASA to FAA
For EASA-licensed pilots converting to FAA certification under the FAA-EASA bilateral licensing agreement.
View PathwayDGCA to FAA
For India DGCA-licensed pilots pursuing FAA certification.
View PathwayWho This Is For
FAA conversion serves four distinct pilot profiles. If any of these describe where your career is heading, one of the three pathways above is your route.
International Airline Pilots Targeting US Carriers
Experienced crew members on foreign licenses preparing to compete for positions with US operators, where an FAA certificate is the baseline requirement.
EASA-Licensed Pilots Relocating to US Operations
Pilots holding EASA certificates who are moving their career to the United States and need FAA recognition under the bilateral licensing framework.
DGCA-Licensed Pilots Pursuing US Certification
India-licensed pilots building toward US airline or corporate operations, where FAA certification opens a fundamentally different job market.
Pilots Building Dual-Authority Eligibility
Crew members deliberately holding both an FAA certificate and their home-country license — maximizing eligibility across two regulatory systems and two hiring markets.
How Conversion Works
Every FAA conversion we deliver follows the same three-step structure. The pathway-specific detail lives on each program page — this is the shared framework behind all of them.
Step 01
License & Credential Verification
Your existing license, medical, and logbook are reviewed and verified against FAA requirements. The FAA confirms the authenticity of your foreign license with your issuing authority before any certificate action — this is the stage that sets the pace for everything that follows.
Outcome: You know exactly what your current license earns you and what remains to be completed.
Step 02
Theoretical / Written Exam Requirements
Depending on the pathway and the FAA certificate level you're pursuing, knowledge test requirements are mapped out — which written exams apply, what preparation is required, and how to present for them without wasted attempts.
Outcome: You sit the required knowledge tests with a preparation plan built around your background.
Step 03
Practical Test & FAA Certificate Issuance
The oral and practical test is prepared and presented to FAA practical test standards — briefing, systems knowledge, and flying performance to published tolerances — culminating in the issuance of your FAA certificate.
Outcome: You hold FAA certification and are eligible for US operations.
Compare Pathways
Originating authority, key requirement differences, and typical timeline — all three pathways side by side.
| Pathway | Originating Authority | Key Requirement Differences | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICAO to FAA ATP | Any ICAO-recognized authority | Foreign license verification; ATP knowledge test; practical test for ATP privileges | 14–21 days of training once FAA verification is complete (about 45–55 total program hours) |
| EASA to FAA | EASA member state authority | FAA-EASA bilateral licensing framework; verification of EASA license and medical | 21–30 days on site (about 45–60 total program hours) |
| DGCA to FAA | Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India | DGCA license verification; FAA knowledge test requirements; practical test standards | 21–30 days on site — 30–40 ground hours plus 10–20 flight/simulator hours (40–60 total) |
Timelines cover training time on site and exclude FAA verification of your foreign license, which is controlled by your issuing authority and commonly takes 45–90 days. Your exact schedule is confirmed at the eligibility assessment.
Why Convert Through Simulator Center
Whichever pathway you're on, the training environment, simulation fidelity, and instruction standard do not change.
Level D Full-Motion Simulation
Conversion training and practical test preparation run in Level D full-motion simulators — the same fidelity of device airlines use for their own qualification programs.
FAA-Approved Training
Programs are delivered under FAA-approved training structures, so every hour and every session counts toward the certificate you're pursuing.
Experience Across All 3 Conversion Pathways
ICAO, EASA, and DGCA conversions each carry different verification and exam requirements. We run all three, so pathway-specific detail is built into the plan from day one.
Integrated With Type Rating & ATP-CTP
Conversion rarely stands alone. Our type rating and ATP-CTP programs sequence directly with your conversion, so you leave with the full credential set US operators expect.
FAA Conversion FAQs
The questions international pilots ask before starting a conversion — pathways, written exams, timelines, and combining with a type rating.