The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is responsible for aviation safety in Europe, setting regulatory standards for aircraft operations, maintenance, and pilot licensing. To fly European-registered aircraft or work for European airlines, you must obtain an EASA license. This certification comes in various levels, including licenses for private pilots, commercial pilots, and airline pilots, along with ratings for specific aircraft types and privileges like instrument ratings and multi-engine ratings.
EASA typically imposes stricter requirements, especially for higher-level licenses such as the CPL (Commercial Pilot License) and ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License), compared to the American FAA standards. In the EU, national aviation authorities issue EASA licenses in line with European regulations.
Since 2003, EASA has been responsible for aircraft certification in the EU. Beyond EU member states, countries like Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein also recognize EASA licenses.
Obtaining an EASA license opens doors for professional pilots. With this license, you can work in commercial aviation, training, aerial photography, and even governmental services. It’s particularly beneficial for those aiming to join major airlines like Ryanair, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar, EasyJet, Lufthansa Group, and Wizz Air.
The range of qualifications, including licenses for private, commercial, and transport pilots, along with additional ratings and privileges, allows for diverse career paths and skill development.
An EASA license is recognized globally, offering the flexibility to work for international airlines or convert the license to a national one in the desired country. This recognition is particularly valued in regions like the Middle East, where EASA certification can lead to significant career opportunities.
European aviation safety standards are among the highest globally, ensuring that licensed pilots adhere to top quality and professionalism, making them highly sought after by employers.
Training for an EASA pilot license doesn’t require living in or traveling to Europe. Due to the high costs and complex airspace in Europe, training outside of Europe, particularly in the USA, has become popular. There are established flight schools in the USA that offer EASA programs and have been doing so for over a decade. In the USA, you can also find EASA-approved testing centers, instructors, medical examiners, and examiners, allowing you to obtain a full EASA Commercial Pilot license without leaving the country.
Interestingly, the FAA Commercial Pilot and EASA Commercial Pilot programs have similar requirements and flight hours, enabling students to pursue both licenses simultaneously, offering great value.
EASA and the FAA are distinct entities with their own sets of rules, standards, and pilot licenses. FAA licenses are recognized in the USA and in countries that accept their standards. Holding both EASA and FAA licenses opens up global career opportunities, as these are two of the most recognized and valued licenses worldwide.
From 2024, SkyEagle Aviation Academy will offer EASA training programs in the USA, allowing students to obtain both European and American licenses concurrently. This program includes EASA online ground school, 14 exams, and an additional 15 hours of flight training with an EASA instructor.
European and other international students can gain significant advantages by training in the USA. Choosing a $60,000 FAA license program and adding $20,000-$30,000 for an EASA license is cost-effective, leveraging the same flight hours and program but resulting in dual certification.
Training costs in the USA are often lower than in Europe, even when accounting for living expenses. Plus, training in the USA offers unique experience in American airspace.
Florida, with its favorable climate, is an ideal location for flight training, offering year-round flying conditions that aren’t available in Europe. This can significantly shorten the training duration compared to European programs.
Ultimately, holding both licenses expands your international career pathway, making you more attractive to global airlines.
Interested in learning more? Visit our program page at https://easa.skyeagle.aero or contact our office for more information.
