FAA to EASA License Validation – What It Is, How It Works, and When You Need It

A Complete Guide to Validating FAA PPL, CPL, or ATPL to EASA – Based on the TIP-L Agreement

Validation vs. Conversion of FAA Licenses to EASA — Under the Bilateral Agreement

The process of converting or validating an FAA certificate into an EASA license is governed by the Technical Implementation Procedures for Licensing (TIP-L), as part of the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) between the United States and the European Union. This agreement facilitates a mutual recognition framework for private pilot certificates and ratings, specifically for single-engine (SEP) and multi-engine piston (MEP) land aircraft for single-pilot operations, and includes night and instrument ratings. It excludes type ratings.

Understanding Validation and Conversion

Contrary to common perception, validation and conversion under the TIP-L are essentially the same procedural framework with very similar requirements. Both terms refer to the recognition and acceptance of an FAA certificate within EASA member states. The key difference is in their intended purpose and duration of use:

• Validation typically refers to using the FAA license temporarily under EASA oversight — for example, during a contract job or short-term assignment with a European AOC holder.
• Conversion refers to a more permanent adaptation of the FAA license into an EASA Part-FCL license.

However, both processes follow the same core technical requirements, and the TIP-L does not provide a materially simpler or shorter path for validation over conversion.

Limitations of EASA-Validated Licenses

An EASA license obtained via validation (without full EASA Part-FCL training and exams) may have the following restrictions:

• Valid for a maximum of 60 months (5 years);
• Restricted to private pilot privileges even if the original FAA certificate is CPL or ATPL;
• Type ratings cannot be validated or converted under TIP-L (only SEP/MEP class ratings).

If after 5 years the pilot wishes to continue operating under EASA, they must complete full EASA training and licensing procedures.

When to Choose Validation Over Full Conversion

Validation under the TIP-L agreement results in an EASA PPL (Private Pilot License) only, regardless of the level of your FAA certificate. Therefore, it cannot be used for any commercial activity or compensated flying within EASA airspace.

Validation may be appropriate:

• If you plan to fly privately or recreationally in Europe using an EASA-registered aircraft;
• For temporary stays where full EASA conversion is not practical;
• If you plan a single trip or short-term visit and want to rent an aircraft for personal travel;
• As a first step before considering full conversion, especially if your future use of the license in Europe is uncertain.

However, for long-term flying in Europe, or for those considering residency, recurrent operations, or further ratings, full conversion is a more practical and stable solution — especially since a converted EASA PPL is not time-limited unlike the TIP-L validation (which expires in 60 months).

Required Training for TIP-L Conversion/Validation

While the TIP-L agreement simplifies the theoretical and practical requirements, a minimum familiarization training is still strongly advised. This is due to several EASA-specific maneuvers and procedures that are not covered under standard FAA training (e.g., stall recovery at base-to-final turn, EASA-style PBN procedures, abnormal flap operations).

We recommend at least 5 hours of brush-up training with an EASA-certified instructor prior to the skill test. The training can be completed at the SkyEagle Aviation Academy campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Instrument Rating (IR) Validation

If you hold a valid FAA Instrument Rating (IR) as part of your license, you may also obtain an EASA IR(A) through the TIP-L process — together with your EASA PPL(A). This is conditional on:

• The FAA IR being valid and current;
• You passing an EASA IR skill test with an authorized examiner;
• Demonstrating adequate IFR experience and logbook entries;
• Successfully completing the oral assessment of theoretical knowledge in IFR procedures, airspace, and systems.

The IR(A) will be appended to your EASA PPL(A), but will still carry private privileges only (i.e., not usable for IFR in commercial contexts).

Single and Multi-Engine Validation

TIP-L allows for both Single Engine Piston (SEP) and Multi Engine Piston (MEP) class ratings to be validated. If your FAA license includes both, the following applies:

• If both ratings are valid, and you wish to validate both, you will generally be required to pass a skill test for each class.
• However, some authorities allow combined testing if the examiner is approved for both classes and the test is conducted in a way that covers the required elements of both.
• Your MEP rating must be is either issued within the last 12 months or you can prove recent flight experience in multi-engine aircraft (logbook).

You should clarify with the chosen competent authority (CAA) in advance whether dual validation with one skill test is possible or if two separate skill tests are required.

Key Requirements for Conversion or Validation (per TIP-L)

• Hold a valid FAA certificate at Private level or above;
• Hold valid FAA and EASA Class 2 medical certificates;
• Hold a valid English language proficiency endorsement (Level 4 or above);
• Demonstrate required theoretical knowledge to the EASA examiner before the skill test.
• Pass a skill test with an EASA examiner in Europe (SEP/MEP/IR); The skill test can also be arranged at SkyEagle Aviation Academy in Fort Lauderdale, with a visiting EASA-certified examiner. We organize examiner availability on demand.
• Provide a verification letter from the FAA (via form 8060-71);
• Have recent IFR flight time (if applying for IR).

Why Choose SkyEagle Aviation Academy as your flight school?

SkyEagle Aviation Academy provides full support for FAA to EASA validation:

• FAA license verification processing
• EASA medical scheduling in Florida
• Flight training for EASA maneuvers (5–10 hours typical)
• Skill test scheduling with partner examiners in the U.S. or Europe
• Optional continuation into full EASA conversion

📞 Ready to Start?

Contact us at contact@skyeagle.aero or visit www.skyeagle.aero
Fly European skies — the smart way.

Popular Questions

• Are there 13 exams required for conversion?

No. Under TIP-L, no ATPL theoretical exams are required. Only a single EASA knowledge test covering differences in rules, airspace, and procedures is required.

• Can I convert my FAA CPL or ATPL to an EASA CPL/ATPL?

No. TIP-L only permits conversion to an EASA PPL, regardless of the FAA license level. Further modular training is needed for higher EASA licenses.

• What is the duration of a validated EASA license?

A license issued via TIP-L validation is valid for up to 5 years, subject to class/IR rating currency.

• Do I need to take a flight test?

Yes. A skill test with an EASA examiner is mandatory.

• Can I take the skill test in the United States?

Yes. SkyEagle Aviation Academy in Florida offers on-site EASA skill tests with visiting EASA-certified examiners. We handle the logistics and examiner arrangements for you.

• Do I need flight training?

While not always mandated, at least 5 hours of EASA-focused flight training is recommended. .The training can be completed at the SkyEagle Aviation Academy campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

• Can I validate both single- and multi-engine privileges with one test?

It depends on the authority. Often, two separate skill tests are required, but some authorities may allow a combined test. Confirm this with your chosen CAA.

• Can I validate my FAA Multi-Engine (MEP) class rating?

Yes, but only if your MEP rating is either issued within the last 12 months or you can prove recent flight experience in multi-engine aircraft. If neither is true, the MEP validation may be denied.

• Who qualifies under TIP-L?

FAA certificate holders applying in one of the 27 EU countries (not including UK, Switzerland, Norway, etc.).

Andrey Borisevich is the CEO, Training and Development Manager of SkyEagle Aviation Academy in Florida, responsible for new training programs, marketing, and business strategy. An aerobatic pilot, entrepreneur, and owner of the academy, Andrey has over 20 years of experience in aviation. He has flown more than 65 aircraft types and holds both fixed-wing and helicopter licenses. His YouTube channel, “Andrey Borisevich About Aviation”, offers aircraft reviews, flight training insights, and advice for aspiring pilots​.

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