Can a foreign-licensed pilot convert to a U.S. type rating, and if so, how?

• A. No; foreign licenses are not transferable.
• B. Yes; through regulatory procedures such as validation or conversion, meeting training and testing requirements.
• C. Yes; automatically upon arrival in the U.S.
• D. Only after 100 flight hours.

Answer: (B)

A foreign-licensed pilot can obtain a U.S. type rating through FAA-regulated procedures, either by converting to a U.S. certificate or by obtaining a formal validation of the foreign rating, with the appropriate training and testing completed.

In practice, you would pursue one of these paths and meet the required training and tests for the specific aircraft type. This typically means completing an FAA-approved training program for that airplane, passing the relevant knowledge examination and the practical flight test (checkride), and ensuring you meet medical and, if required, English-language requirements. Once these steps are satisfied, you’re issued a U.S. certificate with the type rating for that aircraft.

It’s not automatic upon arrival, and it’s not simply a matter of hours flown. The process depends on FAA procedures and satisfying the approved training and testing requirements.