FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I've heard about several Pilot forums that offer great information for free. Is this true?

Do I need my Logbook?

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can I just explain what the logbook entries mean to the examiner in case he doesn't understand them?

If the examiner cannot readily determine that the applicant's logbook contains at least the minimum entries and

authorized flight instructor endorsements required for the flight test according to the FAA requirement, then the

process will immediately stop and all fees and expenses will be forfeited. Remember, the planning and preparation for the flight test will have taken weeks or even months and the applicant and instructor will have had ample time to make sure that the correct entries and endorsements are entered. So if the log book doesn't meet the requirement on the examiner's first inspection then the minimum requirement for the flight test has not been met. A VERY UNNECESSARY BUT FAR TOO FREQUENT MISTAKE, ESPECIALLY WHEN TRAINING WITH NON-FAA INSTRUCTORS! IF THE INSTRUCTOR PUT YOU FORWARD FOR THE FLIGHT TEST, THEN HE HAS SWORN THAT YOU HAVE MET ALL THE REQUIREMENTS.

Do I need to bring original documents?

Yes. All original documents, plus 1 copy of each, MUST be presented to the Examiner at the time of service.

Refer to the Mandatory Requirement section for a detailed checklist of documentation for each type of license. Obviously, you will also need the relevant aircraft documents and equipment as well for any flight test.

Should I register for IACRA in advance?

Yes, although this can be carried out with the Examiner, it adds time.

An ID card is acceptable in most of Europe. Will this be sufficient?

No. The FAA ONLY accept a current and valid passport from non-US citizens.

My Medical Certificate has run out, but I have an appointment booked for renewal. Will this be OK?

No. All documents must be current and all MUST have the correct address, date of birth, full names, etc. All documentation must be both current and consistent.

How much will it cost?

This depends on what license you want and how far the examiner has to travel. Expenses will be cheaper if there are several applicants to share the cost!

Will I be paying for First Class air travel and top hotels?

No. The Examiner tries, where possible, to pick the cheapest flight for commercial travel. If weather and circumstances allow, the Examiner will use his own aircraft.

Isn’t it cheaper in the US?

Can I pay in Euros, or by cheque?

The fee is payable in cash or by a bank transfer in GBP (Sterling) ONLY.

Is it possible to save costs by traveling to the Examiner?

Yes. This is often the case for 61.75 License Validation. We have facilities at Old Buckenham Airfield , Norfolk in the UK (EGSV) and an office at Le Touquet, France (LFAT).

I have a plastic US License. Do I still need a Verification Letter?

Yes if the license is based on a Non-US license, or the service is on the basis of a Non-US license. Remember, expiration dates on the license and verification letter must match up. If the license has expired, so has the letter!

How do I get a Verification Letter?

Go to the "Useful Links" section on this website for advice.

Do I need TSA Approval?

Yes, for all Private, Instrument & MEL, and for any first issue of a Standalone FAA License even if you already have a ’61.75’.

How do I apply for TSA Approval?

Refer to your FAA Instructor/Provider for help, or look at the "Useful Links" section.

I have a JAA medical certificate. Is this suitable suitable for an FAA ATP Flight test.?

No. An FAA Medical Certificate must be provided for any grade of FAA License such as Private, Commercial or ATP.

I get very nervous in test situations. Have you any advice?

Yes. Make sure that you are well prepared. Worrying about having the correct documents with you adds to the stress so double check everything before attending. Make sure that you are well prepared for any flight test and that your instructor is confident in your abilities. A certain amount of stress is normal and allows us to perform at our best. The Examiner is extremely professional and experienced – the rest is up to you!

My English is poor. Will this matter?

English Proficiency is an essential requirement. If the Examiner feels that you do not understand basic instructions then the test will be called off.

Will I receive my license immediately?

A paper Temporary Airman Certificate will be issued if you are successful. This is valid for 4 months, by which time you will have received your plastic license from the US. Currently, plastic licenses are taking 6-8 weeks to arrive, if IACRA is used.

What happens if I fail? Can I re-take?

A re-take can be arranged. If the Examiner’s schedule permits, and the reason for failure can easily be put right, this could be carried out during the Examiner’s visit if your Instructor is available to provide additional training. If not, a new date will have to be scheduled.

Does my Flight Instructor need to accompany me on the flight test day?

There are no regulations that stipulate that your Instructor must accompany you on the day of the flight test

however, in the event of a paperwork mistake or a retake everything comes to a screeching halt. Remember,

once the Flight Instructor has signed the logbook and 8710-1 application, he has sworn that the applicant has

met the minimum requirement for the flight test. If any corrections are required, it can't be done without him. A very

expensive problem since the examiner cannot fix it.

Should I ask to see the Examiner's credentials?

Absolutely. You should ask to see the examiner's:

Instructor's Certificate

Medical Certificate (Minimum FAA 3rd Class required)

Examiner's Certificate of Authority

Suitable Visa or Work permit that authorizes the examiner to charge for the service

Will the Examiner issue a receipt for fees paid?

In the event that the Examiner, Instructor or training organization can't or won't issue a receipt or invoice for the flight test or validation service, then you should not hand over payment of any kind including expenses! YOU SHOULD INFORM THE HOME OFFICE AND THE LOCAL CUSTOMS AUTHORITY IMMEDIATELY. Applicants testing in Italy should be extremely cautious. Regardless of the payment arrangement, or nationality of the Examiner, you, the applicant are legally bound to ensure that the Examiner is operating according to local labour law prior to money exchanging hands. It's the Law!


	FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS I've heard about several Pilot forums that offer great information for free. Is this true? *NO!* Do I need my Logbook? Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can I just explain what the logbook entries mean to the examiner in case he doesn't understand them? If the examiner cannot readily determine that the applicant's logbook contains at least the minimum entries and authorized flight instructor endorsements required for the flight test according to the FAA requirement, then the process will immediately stop and all fees and expenses will be forfeited. Remember, the planning and preparation for the flight test will have taken weeks or even months and the applicant and instructor will have had ample time to make sure that the correct entries and endorsements are entered. So if the log book doesn't meet the requirement on the examiner's first inspection then the minimum requirement for the flight test has not been met. A VERY UNNECESSARY BUT FAR TOO FREQUENT MISTAKE, ESPECIALLY WHEN TRAINING WITH NON-FAA INSTRUCTORS! IF THE INSTRUCTOR PUT YOU FORWARD FOR THE FLIGHT TEST, THEN HE HAS SWORN THAT YOU HAVE MET ALL THE REQUIREMENTS. Do I need to bring original documents? Yes. All original documents, plus 1 copy of each, MUST be presented to the Examiner at the time of service. Refer to the Mandatory Requirement section for a detailed checklist of documentation for each type of license. Obviously, you will also need the relevant aircraft documents and equipment as well for any flight test. Should I register for IACRA in advance? Yes, although this can be carried out with the Examiner, it adds time. An ID card is acceptable in most of Europe. Will this be sufficient? No. The FAA ONLY accept a current and valid passport from non-US citizens. My Medical Certificate has run out, but I have an appointment booked for renewal. Will this be OK? No. All documents must be current and all MUST have the correct address, date of birth, full names, etc. All documentation must be both current and consistent. How much will it cost? This depends on what license you want and how far the examiner has to travel. Expenses will be cheaper if there are several applicants to share the cost! Will I be paying for First Class air travel and top hotels? No. The Examiner tries, where possible, to pick the cheapest flight for commercial travel. If weather and circumstances allow, the Examiner will use his own aircraft. Isn’t it cheaper in the US? Yes. Can I pay in Euros, or by cheque? The fee is payable in cash or by a bank transfer in GBP (Sterling) ONLY. Is it possible to save costs by traveling to the Examiner? Yes. This is often the case for 61.75 License Validation. We have facilities at Old Buckenham Airfield , Norfolk in the UK (EGSV) and an office at Le Touquet, France (LFAT). I have a plastic US License. Do I still need a Verification Letter? Yes if the license is based on a Non-US license, or the service is on the basis of a Non-US license. Remember, expiration dates on the license and verification letter must match up. If the license has expired, so has the letter! How do I get a Verification Letter? Go to the "Useful Links" section on this website for advice. Do I need TSA Approval? Yes, for all Private, Instrument & MEL, and for any first issue of a Standalone FAA License even if you already have a ’61.75’. How do I apply for TSA Approval? Refer to your FAA Instructor/Provider for help, or look at the "Useful Links" section. I have a JAA medical certificate. Is this suitable suitable for an FAA ATP Flight test.? No. An FAA Medical Certificate must be provided for any grade of FAA License such as Private, Commercial or ATP. I get very nervous in test situations. Have you any advice? Yes. Make sure that you are well prepared. Worrying about having the correct documents with you adds to the stress so double check everything before attending. Make sure that you are well prepared for any flight test and that your instructor is confident in your abilities. A certain amount of stress is normal and allows us to perform at our best. The Examiner is extremely professional and experienced – the rest is up to you! My English is poor. Will this matter? English Proficiency is an essential requirement. If the Examiner feels that you do not understand basic instructions then the test will be called off. Will I receive my license immediately? A paper Temporary Airman Certificate will be issued if you are successful. This is valid for 4 months, by which time you will have received your plastic license from the US. Currently, plastic licenses are taking 6-8 weeks to arrive, if IACRA is used. What happens if I fail? Can I re-take? A re-take can be arranged. If the Examiner’s schedule permits, and the reason for failure can easily be put right, this could be carried out during the Examiner’s visit if your Instructor is available to provide additional training. If not, a new date will have to be scheduled. Does my Flight Instructor need to accompany me on the flight test day? There are no regulations that stipulate that your Instructor must accompany you on the day of the flight test however, in the event of a paperwork mistake or a retake everything comes to a screeching halt. Remember, once the Flight Instructor has signed the logbook and 8710-1 application, he has sworn that the applicant has met the minimum requirement for the flight test. If any corrections are required, it can't be done without him. A very expensive problem since the examiner cannot fix it. Should I ask to see the Examiner's credentials? *Absolutely. You should ask to see the examiner's:* *Airman's Certificate* *Instructor's Certificate* Medical Certificate (Minimum FAA 3rd Class required) *Examiner's Certificate of Authority* *Passport* Suitable Visa or Work permit that authorizes the examiner to charge for the service Will the Examiner issue a receipt for fees paid? In the event that the Examiner, Instructor or training organization can't or won't issue a receipt or invoice for the flight test or validation service, then you should not hand over payment of any kind including expenses! YOU SHOULD INFORM THE HOME OFFICE AND THE LOCAL CUSTOMS AUTHORITY IMMEDIATELY. Applicants testing in Italy should be extremely cautious. Regardless of the payment arrangement, or nationality of the Examiner, you, the applicant are legally bound to ensure that the Examiner is operating according to local labour law prior to money exchanging hands. It's the Law!