Tips for pilots to convert to U.S. 'unrestricted' tickets

(Version française)

AOPA has received reports that Canadian pilots are experiencing difficulties with FAA flight standards district offices (FSDOs) when trying to convert their Transport Canada Civil Aviation pilot certificates to "unrestricted" certificates that allow them to fly U.S.-registered aircraft in the United States.

In December, a bilateral agreement between the United States and Canada made it easier for pilots to convert their certificates. However, instructions beyond the FAA's advisory circular (http://www.aopa.org/members/files/ac/ac61-135.pdf) about how to do this have not been sent to FSDOs - the offices responsible for this conversion - and will not be until sometime February, according to the FAA. Therefore, not all FSDOs are converting pilot certificates.

AOPA recommends that Canadian pilots wishing to get an unrestricted certificate to take the following steps:

First contact the FSDO you wish to work with to see if they will process the paperwork. Then begin the verification of authenticity process (http://www.aopa.org/epilot/redir.cfm?adid=10447) at least 90 days before you plan to go to the FSDO in person.

The FAA's Airmen Certification Branch in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, will send that FSDO a letter - which is good for only six calendar months - with your authentication.

Contact the FSDO to set up an appointment within those six months, and have your written test score with you at the meeting. You will need a U.S. medical certificate, and AOPA recommends having it on hand for the appointment to prevent possible delays.

Submitted by AOPA