Step 1) Visit the official FAA website for more information on the foreign license verification process, including the application forms.

Step 2) Fill out the AC 8060-71 application form.

Step 3) Note that there are additional requirements for applicants from Australia, Cyprus, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. In addition to the procedures stated under “Verify the Authenticity of a Foreign License, Rating, and Medical Certification” in the link above, airmen from these countries must contact their respective CAA to complete additional forms that are required prior to providing the requested information to the Airmen Certification Branch.

Step 4) Once you have completed the forms above, send them to the appropriate locations. Form AC 8060-71 should be sent to the address/email/fax provided on the application. Malaysian forms should be sent directly to the country. The FAA Airmen Certification Branch should not receive additional Malaysian Forms. This process can take anywhere from 45-90 days. It’s important that you do not schedule any travel or testing until you have received a verification letter from the FAA Airmen Certification Branch.

Step 5) Once you’ve received your verification letter, contact your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). When you arrive in the United States, you’ll need to set up an appointment with an FSDO inspector or a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) who will review all of your paperwork. Before this meeting, make sure you:

• Have completed an Airman Certificate Application (FAA Form 8710).
• Are able to speak, read, and write English fluently.
• Hold a current FAA medical certificate (at least 3rd Class).
• Bring your instrument rating knowledge test report with you if you wish to convert an instrument rating as well.

It’s important to realize this meeting is not a test; it’s simply a means to verify your identity and the validity of your documents. After this meeting, you’ll be issued a temporary airman certificate and will be able to exercise private pilot privileges in the United States.

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Transport Safety Administration (TSA) took on the responsibility of ensuring that all foreign flight students, resident aliens, and tourists seeking flight training do not pose a security threat. Any person who is not a citizen or national of the United States is considered an alien. This also includes resident aliens (green-card holders) and visa holders in the United States. Aliens are required to seek and obtain permission to receive flight training through a process of citizenship and background verification by the TSA. The Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) is mostly web-based and is usually completed in 14 days or less.

In general, unless you have an FAA-issued “stand-alone” pilot certificate, you’ll need TSA approval (although certain courses still require approval, even with a stand-alone certificate).

To get TSA approval:
Step 1) Visit the AFSP website and create a user account.

Step 2) Apply for training under the “Application Guide” tab.

Step 3) Wait for us to acknowledge your request, which will be sent to us by the TSA.

Step 4) Pay the processing fee.

Step 5) Wait for a “Preliminary Approval” email from the TSA, which both you and your flight school will receive once your payment has been processed. This does not grant you permission to receive training; it’s simply a confirmation of your application and payment.

Step 6) Submit fingerprints to the TSA. If the preliminary decision is favorable and your payment is verified, you’ll receive an email from the AFSP instructing you on fingerprint submission. Do not submit fingerprints prior to submitting your payment and receiving the official AFSP fingerprinting instructions. In most cases, we’ll suggest that you get your fingerprints taken upon your arrival in the US. We’ll walk you through the best option for you and your situation.