AMERICAN INSTRUMENT RATINGS   

Since September 11th 2001, there have been many changes in General Aviation in the USA. As FBI regulations regarding foreign pilots are constantly being updated, please call Mel to discuss the latest requirements for FAA flying here and in the USA. 

There are many reasons for choosing the American Licensing route to gaining Private and Commercial Licences and Instrument Ratings. Firstly, this route is fairly easy compared to many others and certainly much cheaper. FAA Ratings can be converted of course, to other ICAO countries such as the JAR UK CAA, Dutch, German, French etc. It is a fact that most of the world’s aircraft are of  American manufacture and most of the world’s pilots fly with American pilot certificates.

You fly in real weather. Good or poor - we can often guarantee the poor!

FAA Instrument Rating

Flying Requirements

The requirements prior to your FAA/IR flight test are basically as follows: 

• Hold at least a Private or Commercial Pilots Licence including 50 hours cross country as pilot in command.

• 40 hours Certified Instrument Training (some hours credit may be granted for a current IMC Rating)

• 250 nautical mile airways navigation route with an FAA Instructor

One option for the FAA Approved Ground School Course is a 14 hour King interactive multimedia CD Rom course which can be studied at home in your spare time – order your course from our Operations Manager. This course is supported by easy-to-use computer software in a similar format to the FAA computerised test and consists of the exact questions you will face in the exam. Our Flight Instructor will then give you a sign-off to sit the multi-choice 60 question written exam. 70% is the required pass mark and you will receive the result immediately. The pass certificate is valid for 24 months.  

Ground School courses can be arranged at relatively short notice and can be taken either at Soloflight, your home airfield or even at your own home.

Renewal / Validity Period

To maintain the validity ofyour FAA/IR, the requirements are to fly six approaches in the previous 6 months. If you are unable to comply, then an Instrument Competency Check with one of our Instructors is sufficient to revalidate your IR. A Biennial Flight Review is a requirement for all FAA Licence holders and is taken with one of our FAA Instructors and can be coincided with the dual flight requirement for your JAR licence, Instrument Competency Check and IMC renewal if required.

Multi-Engine Ratings

The requirement for an American multi-engine rating is 10 hours. During your Instrument training you may be signed off by our Civil Aviation Authority Examiner for a CAA Multi-Engine Rating, subject to passing the relevant written exams.

All FAA Licence holders MUST complete a one hour flight and one hour ground school with an FAA Instructor every two years. This includes Pilots whose licences are based on the validity of a foreign licence. A current Bienniel Flight Review (BFR) supports the validity of your FAA licence.

A Pilots Guide to the BFR is HERE

If you plan to convert an FAA/IR to a CAA/IR then we can help you further. Essentially the CAA, upon application from you, will send you a letter of assessment. In practice, if you have flown less than 600 hours, you will find that you are usually required to complete only 15 hours training at an Approved school to the satisfaction of the Chief Flying Instructor, who then signs a 170A certificate for you to take the Flight test.

There is plenty of excellent Bed & Breakfast and pub accommodation as well as hotels. Cost varies from £30 upwards. Our Operations Manager can provide you with a list of recommendations.

CONTACT  

The FAA web site for Pilots has a wealth of information on Licences & Certificates, Regulations, Flight Standard District offices as well as lots more.....
Federal Aviation Regulations HERE
FAA Aeronautical Information Manual HERE
FAA NOTAMs HERE
FAA Airmen Practical Test Standards HERE

Federal Communications Commission

All pilots flying N-registered aircraft outside the US must hold a Radio Licence issued by the FCC. You must receive an FCC registration number (FRN) before completing the application for the FCC Restricted Radio Telephone Operator Permits or FCC Radio Station Licenses. FCC Form 160 must be completed to obtain an FRN. FCC Form 605 and FCC Form 159 must be completed using the FRN to obtain the permit and licenses.

You are encouraged to use the FCC's Universal Licensing System to complete and submit all FCC applications (159, 160, 605). This systems returns the FRN immediately allowing completion of the 605 and 159 forms. Users are prompted for required information, thus alleviating the submission of incomplete forms. Applicants using paper forms may face delays from the Postal Service and incomplete forms causing forfeiture of the application fee.

• FCC Form 160: CORES Registration Form
• FCC Form 159: Application/Information for Remittance Advice
• FCC Form 605: Application, Instructions, Main Form, and Schedules C, E, and F for Aircraft Radio Station License and Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
• FCC Fee Filer

AOPA US
Soloflight recommends that all FAA Registered Aircraft Owners and Pilots belong to the US Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Check out their web site for details of all the benefits. Costs for an overseas member is approximately GB£30 per year.

Conversions

We also offer Private Pilot training and conversions.

First Contact

Mel Stewart (MRAeS) will be pleased to help with any FAA enquiries you may have. A qualified pilot herself, Mel has spent some 20 years running the office as well as answering queries on FAA licensing.

Call Mel on +44 (0)7770 210688 with your enquiries.

Flight Tests - A Guide to Managing Stress. Click HERE