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5 Answers

I do have my Costa Rican Private Pilot License, Im trying to get the FAA one

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FAA Regulations, General Aviation, Private Pilot

Hello guys,  Recently I obtained my PPL in Costa Rica and I´ll be traveling to Miami next April and I do want to get my FAA PPL. Could you please explain me the process? Is it necessary to take a checkride? 

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5 Answers

  1. Best Answer


    Kris Kortokrax on Nov 22, 2014

    It depends.

    You can get a U.S. Private pilot certificate based on your Costa Rica license by having the FAA verify your Costa Rica license and then apply at your local FSDO. The U.S. certificate will remain valid as long as your Costa Rica license remains valid.

    Or, you could apply the training you have received toward an unrestricted U.S. Private pilot certificate. In this case, you would need to take the knowledge test and practical test.

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  2. David Damazzio on Nov 23, 2014

    Hi Kris!

    Thank you for responding!!! 😉 do you know if I send my documents now, they will be valid until next april?

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  3. Kris Kortokrax on Nov 23, 2014

    The letter of verification issued by the FAA is good for a six month period.

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  4. damazzio21 on Nov 23, 2014

    last question Kris (I swear) 🙂

    My Costarican Medical Certification is set in spanish, do I need to aks my Authority to give me an international certification (in English) or the original will be ok?

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  5. Kris Kortokrax on Nov 23, 2014

    I believe the FAA will verify the date on your medical as well as your license. Does your medical have no English translation on it at all? According to ICAO, English is the language used in international aviation. I would think that your license and medical would show enough English translation to establish your qualifications.

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