Convert your FAA licence to EASA
Holding a FAA pilot licence and moving to European Union? Here's what converting to a EASA licence actually involves — the paperwork, exams, flight test, medical and English requirements at PPL, CPL and ATPL level. A bilateral agreement can streamline part of this route (see below). Every requirement below is set by EASA, the authority issuing your new licence.
Bilateral: FAA ⇄ EASA (BASA)
The EU–US BASA streamlines PPL conversion (FAA AC 61-143). Professional licences (CPL/ATPL) are not covered by the agreement — the full conversion above applies.
FAA to EASA: PPL — Private Pilot Licence
- Application
- Conversions are handled by the national aviation authority (NAA) of the EASA member state where you live or will work — apply to them. Regulation (EU) 2020/723 sets the credits.
- Theory exams
- Pass all 9 EASA PPL theoretical-knowledge exams — no credit is given for your existing PPL exams.
- Flight test
- Pass an EASA PPL skill test with an authorised examiner.
- Medical
- Hold an EASA Part-MED Class 2 medical.
- English
- Pass an EASA English Language Proficiency assessment — an ICAO ELP endorsement on your current licence is not accepted for the conversion.
FAA to EASA: CPL — Commercial Pilot Licence
- Application
- There is no automatic conversion. Apply to your member-state NAA; training/experience credits under (EU) 2020/723 may reduce the requirements.
- Theory exams
- Pass the required EASA theoretical exams (CPL, or ATPL theory if you hold ATPL-theory credit). Foreign exam passes are not credited.
- Flight test
- Pass an EASA CPL skill test (plus IR skill test if you want the instrument rating).
- Medical
- Hold an EASA Part-MED Class 1 medical.
- English
- Pass an EASA ELP assessment.
FAA to EASA: ATPL — Airline Transport Pilot Licence
- Application
- No automatic conversion of an ICAO ATPL to an EASA Part-FCL ATPL. Apply via your member-state NAA; credits under (EU) 2020/723 may apply.
- Theory exams
- Pass all 13 EASA ATPL(A) theory exams (within 6 sittings / 18 months, max 4 attempts each). Without ATPL-theory credit you must complete the full ~650-hour approved theory course.
- Flight test
- Pass the required EASA skill test(s); experience credits may apply toward the licence minimums.
- Medical
- Hold an EASA Part-MED Class 1 medical.
- English
- Pass an EASA ELP assessment.
Official EASA sources
Requirements change — always confirm the current rules with EASA before you start.
FAA → EASA: frequently asked questions
Is there a shortcut to convert a FAA licence to EASA?
The EU–US BASA streamlines PPL conversion (FAA AC 61-143). Professional licences (CPL/ATPL) are not covered by the agreement — the full conversion above applies.
Do I have to retake theory exams to convert my FAA licence to EASA?
Pass all 9 EASA PPL theoretical-knowledge exams — no credit is given for your existing PPL exams. At commercial level: Pass the required EASA theoretical exams (CPL, or ATPL theory if you hold ATPL-theory credit). Foreign exam passes are not credited.
Do I need a flight test (skill test) for a EASA commercial licence?
Pass an EASA CPL skill test (plus IR skill test if you want the instrument rating).
What medical do I need for a EASA airline (ATPL) licence?
Hold an EASA Part-MED Class 1 medical.
Does my ICAO English proficiency transfer to EASA?
Pass an EASA ELP assessment.
How do I apply to convert to a EASA PPL?
Conversions are handled by the national aviation authority (NAA) of the EASA member state where you live or will work — apply to them. Regulation (EU) 2020/723 sets the credits.
Converting to fly in European Union?
AvLink matches you to European Union pilot roles by your actual hours, ratings and type certificates — so you can line up the seat while your conversion is underway.