The method that you take to obtain the JAA licence will depend upon the licence you hold, the licence you are trying to obtain, and in some cases, the hours or types of aircraft you have experience on.

Conversion of your ICAO licence to a JAA ATPL has been laid down in the regulations of JAR FCL 1 and for further evaluation, you may submit a request to us, or to the UK CAA.

Private Pilots Licence (PPL)

Converting to a JAA PPL

Orlando Flight Training can offer you a conversion of your ICAO PPL to a JAA PPL based upon you completing the following:

Pass the Class 2 JAA Medical exam (this can be completed in the USA).
Pass ALL 7 JAA Private Pilots Theory exams
Pass the Radio Telephony operators practical test
Pass the PPL Skills test

However, if you have more than 100 hrs total flight time there are some exemptions:

Pass the Class 2 JAA Medical exam (this can be completed in the USA).
Pass the Human Performance & limitations, Air Law, and Radio Telephony JAA Private Pilots Theory exams
Pass the Radio Telephony operators practical test Pass the PPL Skills test

All tests can be done at Orlando Flight Training. The training for the flight test is usually 'Training as Required'

Converting to a JAA ATPL

First Option

If you hold 500 hrs multi crew experience on a JAR 25 or 23 (type as laid down in JAR FCL 1 section F), hold a type rating on that type (A second in command certificate as issued by the FAA is acceptable), and will be doing your ATPL skills test on that type you are exempt from the whole Type rating course and doing any type of training for the ground examinations, you can simply just enter and sit them without any help, then go and do the skills test. Typical training providers for the type rating course here in the USA are Flight Safety and Simuflight. Although we do not get involved in the type rating course, we will assist you in locating a training provider.

Second Option

There is an option for a restricted licence which will allow you to start flying in Europe quicker. However there are some restrictions and requirements.

Requirements:

A minimum of 3,000 hours as pilot of public transport aircraft over 30,000 kgs MTOW on scheduled international or similar routes, a minimum of 1,500 hours of which must have been as Pilot-in-Command.

Restrictions:

The restriction is to fly UK registered aircraft only. However, this may be removed if you go on to complete the remaining examinations within 18 months of siting your initial exams.

The course requirements are as for the first option, but you are only required to sit two written exams, which are Human Performance and Limitations, and Air Law.

Due to the restrictions, many airlines will not actually accept this licence and so very few people attempt it. However, some have completed this and gone onto job in the UK.

Third Option

If you do not meet any of the requirements, you will be required to  complete a Ground school course, pass the examinations, and pass a JAA Commercial check ride wither by sitting the full approved course, or by completing training as required if you already hold an ICAO CPL The Instrument rating can be done by conversion if you hold an ICAO IR. This is a 15 hr course which must be completed in Europe.


All options require you to attain a Class 1 Medical for the JAA licence. This initial licence must be done in Europe, but if you have a UK issued JAA medical, then it can be renewed in Florida.