Licence guides
Pilot licence conversion guide
Step-by-step conversion routes for commercial pilot licences — ICAO to EASA, FAA to EASA, EASA to GCAA (UAE), and EASA to UK CAA. Documents required, exams, costs, and timelines. Information sourced from official EASA, UK CAA, and GCAA regulatory documentation. Updated June 2026.
Note: Licence regulations change. Always verify current requirements directly with the relevant national aviation authority before taking any action. This guide is for general orientation — it is not legal or regulatory advice.
ICAO ATPL
→
EASA ATPL(A)
ICAO to EASA ATPL(A)
Pilots holding an ICAO ATPL issued by any ICAO contracting state not covered by a bilateral agreement with EASA. Common routes: South Africa, India, Canada, Thailand, Philippines, New Zealand, South Korea.
Conversion steps
1
Choose your EASA national authority
You apply through one EASA member state's national aviation authority (NAA). You do not apply to EASA directly. Popular choices: UK CAA (post-Brexit — see separate EASA→UK CAA route), CAA Netherlands (CAA-NL), Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), Civil Aviation Authority of Sweden (Transportstyrelsen). The authority you apply to will administer your exams and issue your EASA licence.
2
EASA Part-FCL theoretical knowledge examinations
You must pass all 14 ATPL theory examinations to the EASA standard. ICAO holders from non-EASA states must pass all 14 subjects regardless of their existing licence level. The 14 subjects are: Air Law, Aircraft General Knowledge (Airframe / Systems / Powerplant), Aircraft General Knowledge (Instrumentation), Mass and Balance, Performance, Flight Planning and Monitoring, Human Performance, Meteorology, General Navigation, Radio Navigation, Operational Procedures, Principles of Flight, Communications (VFR/IFR), and Aircraft General Knowledge (Electrics). Most candidates study via an EASA-approved ATPL ground school (CAE Oxford, Bristol Groundschool, Padpilot, etc.) and sit exams at approved test centres.
3
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
ICAO English language proficiency Level 4 or above is required. If your existing licence already has a current ICAO ELP endorsement at Level 4+, this may be accepted. Otherwise you will need an ICAO ELP test from an EASA-approved examiner.
4
EASA Class 1 medical
You must hold a valid EASA Class 1 medical from an EASA-approved Aero Medical Centre (AMC) or Aero Medical Examiner (AME). Existing ICAO Class 1 medicals from non-EASA states are not directly transferred — you must undergo a full EASA Class 1 assessment.
5
Skill test (type rating check)
You must complete a skill test with an EASA-authorised Flight Examiner on the aircraft type you wish to operate. If you are converting with an existing type rating (e.g., B737, A320), your skill test is on that type. If you have no current type rating, you must complete a full type rating course and skill test.
6
Application to NAA
Submit completed application form, certified copies of your ICAO licence, logbook extracts (verified by the issuing state), theory exam results, medical certificate, and skill test report to your chosen EASA NAA. Fees and processing times vary: Netherlands CAA typically 4–8 weeks; Irish IAA 4–10 weeks.
At a glance
Exams required
All 14 EASA ATPL theory subjects (Air Law, AGK × 3, Mass & Balance, Performance, Flight Planning, Human Performance, Meteorology, General Nav, Radio Nav, Operational Procedures, Principles of Flight, Communications)
Estimated cost
€2,000–€6,000 (theory exams and course) + €500–€1,500 (NAA application fees) + type rating if required
Timeline
3–12 months depending on theory exam pace and NAA processing times
Documents required
- Certified copy of current ICAO ATPL and all previous licences
- Certified translated logbook extracts verified by issuing state authority
- EASA Class 1 medical certificate
- ICAO ELP certificate Level 4+ (if not already on licence)
- All 14 EASA ATPL theory exam results
- Skill test report from EASA Flight Examiner
- Passport copy, passport-format photo
Important note
Australia, USA/FAA, and Canada do not have a full ATPL bilateral agreement with EASA — pilots from these states must complete the full EASA theory exam process. Check current bilateral agreements with your chosen NAA as these are updated periodically.
Official regulatory source →
FAA ATP
→
EASA ATPL(A)
FAA ATP to EASA ATPL(A)
US-licensed pilots (FAA ATP) wishing to operate in EASA airspace or join EASA-regulated airlines. Common for: US pilots joining European or Middle East carriers that require EASA licences, or US nationals relocating to Europe.
Conversion steps
1
Select EASA NAA
As with ICAO conversions, you apply through one EASA member state NAA. The Netherlands (CAA-NL), Ireland (IAA), and Germany (LBA) are frequently used for FAA ATP conversions. Each NAA has its own application form and fee schedule.
2
EASA ATPL theoretical knowledge exams — credits may apply
FAA ATP holders from the USA may receive credits on some EASA ATPL theory subjects under certain bilateral arrangements, but as of 2026, the USA does not hold a comprehensive bilateral with EASA that eliminates the ATPL theory requirement. Most FAA ATP holders must pass all 14 EASA ATPL theory subjects. However: if you hold an FAA ATP and have completed an FAA ATP-CTP (Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program), this may be noted in your application.
3
EASA Class 1 medical
Your FAA first-class medical does not transfer directly. You must complete a full EASA Class 1 medical assessment at an EASA-approved AMC or AME. EASA and FAA medical standards are similar but not identical — some conditions that pass FAA Class 1 may not meet EASA Class 1 standards. Seek medical advice before committing significant funds to the conversion if you have any known health conditions.
4
English Language Proficiency
If your FAA ATP already endorses ICAO ELP Level 6 (Expert), this is accepted. For Level 4 or 5, a separate EASA-approved ELP assessment is required if not already endorsed on your FAA licence. Most native English speakers are tested and awarded Level 6.
5
Skill test on EASA type rating
You must complete a type rating skill test with an EASA-authorised Flight Examiner on an EASA-approved aircraft type. Your FAA type ratings do not transfer. If you are joining an EASA airline that will provide your type rating, this is typically done as part of your joining type rating course.
6
Application and validation
Submit application with FAA licence (certified), FAA medical history, logbook extracts, theory results, skill test report, and EASA medical certificate. Processing at major NAAs: 4–10 weeks.
At a glance
Exams required
All 14 EASA ATPL theory subjects required (FAA-EASA bilateral does not eliminate theory requirement as of 2026)
Estimated cost
€2,000–€6,000 (theory exams) + €400–€1,200 (NAA fees) + type rating course if required
Timeline
4–14 months (theory exam pacing is the primary variable)
Documents required
- Current FAA ATP (certified copy)
- FAA first-class medical records
- Certified FAA airman records (IACRA or similar)
- Logbook extracts certified by FAA (or notarised)
- All 14 EASA ATPL theory results
- EASA Class 1 medical certificate
- ICAO ELP certificate if not on FAA licence
- Skill test report from EASA Flight Examiner
Important note
The EU-USA bilateral safety agreement (BASA) covers maintenance and some operational areas but does not provide a direct ATPL equivalence. FAA Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) holders cannot convert directly to EASA ATPL — they must complete an EASA integrated or modular ATPL course.
Official regulatory source →
EASA ATPL(A)
→
GCAA UAE Validation
EASA ATPL(A) to GCAA (UAE) Licence Validation
Pilots with an EASA ATPL(A) joining a UAE-based airline (Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, flydubai, Emirates SkyCargo, etc.) or operating under UAE authority. The GCAA (General Civil Aviation Authority) is the regulatory authority for civil aviation in the UAE.
Conversion steps
1
Employer-initiated process
For pilots joining UAE airlines, the GCAA validation process is typically initiated and managed by the airline, not the individual pilot. Your employer will submit the application on your behalf once you have received a conditional offer of employment. Attempting to obtain a GCAA validation independently (without a UAE employer) is possible but rarely done in practice.
2
Document submission
Your EASA ATPL(A) must be current and valid. You must also provide certified copies of: your EASA medical certificate, logbook extracts verified by your issuing EASA NAA, and your current type rating certificate. The GCAA requires notarised translations of documents not in English or Arabic.
3
GCAA validation — no theory exams required
The GCAA recognises EASA ATPL(A) as a validated licence without requiring candidates to retake ATPL theory examinations. This is one of the advantages of the EASA-GCAA relationship. The GCAA issues a UAE validation permit (not a standalone GCAA licence) that allows the holder to operate within the UAE regulatory framework.
4
GCAA medical requirements
You will need to complete a GCAA Class 1 medical assessment at a GCAA-approved Designated Medical Examiner (DME). This is a separate assessment from your EASA Class 1, even if your EASA medical is current. UAE-based medical facilities include: General Civil Aviation Authority (Abu Dhabi), Dubai Aviation Medical Centre (DAMC), and approved private medical facilities.
5
English Language Proficiency
ICAO ELP Level 4 minimum is required. If your EASA ATPL already endorses Level 4, 5, or 6 with a valid expiry date, this is accepted by the GCAA without a separate assessment.
6
Validation permit issuance
The GCAA issues a UAE licence validation permit. Processing time when managed by the airline is typically 2–6 weeks. Pilots may not operate commercially in the UAE until the validation permit is issued — this timeline is factored into joining dates by UAE carriers.
At a glance
Exams required
No ATPL theory exams required. GCAA recognises EASA ATPL(A) directly.
Estimated cost
GCAA application fees: approximately AED 500–2,000 (managed by employer). GCAA medical: AED 800–2,000.
Timeline
2–6 weeks (employer-managed). Slower if self-initiated.
Documents required
- Current valid EASA ATPL(A) (original + certified copy)
- EASA Class 1 medical certificate
- Logbook extracts verified/stamped by issuing EASA NAA
- Current type rating certificate
- ICAO ELP endorsement (current, Level 4+)
- Passport (original + copy)
- UAE residence visa (or Emirates ID if already in UAE)
Important note
The GCAA validation is tied to your employment with a UAE AOC holder. If you leave the airline, the validation lapses and must be re-initiated by a new UAE employer. The GCAA does not issue standalone licences to foreign pilots not employed by UAE AOC holders — you cannot hold a GCAA licence as a non-UAE-based freelance pilot.
Official regulatory source →
EASA ATPL(A)
→
UK CAA ATPL(A)
EASA ATPL(A) to UK CAA ATPL(A)
Pilots holding an EASA ATPL(A) issued by any EU member state NAA (e.g., CAA-NL Netherlands, IAA Ireland, LBA Germany, DGAC France, etc.) who wish to operate under UK authority — including pilots joining UK-based airlines such as British Airways, easyJet (UK), Jet2, TUI Airways, or Virgin Atlantic, or those relocating to the UK.
Conversion steps
1
Check your conversion route — post-January 2023
The UK CAA's simplified EASA conversion process (SRG2158) was discontinued on 31 December 2022. From 1 January 2023, EASA ATPL(A) holders are treated as third-country licence holders for the purpose of UK Part-FCL conversion. If you transferred your EASA licence to UK authority before that date, you already hold a UK CAA licence. All post-2022 applicants must follow the third-country ATPL conversion route set out on the UK CAA website.
2
UK ATPL theory knowledge examinations
EASA ATPL(A) holders converting post-January 2023 are entitled to full credits as regards the requirements to undergo a training course prior to taking the UK theoretical knowledge examinations, provided their EASA ATPL contains a valid type rating for the aircraft to be used for the skill test and they have met the ATPL experience requirements under UK Part-FCL. All UK CAA theoretical knowledge examinations must still be passed. 14 subjects, closely aligned with EASA Part-FCL syllabus but administered independently by the UK CAA.
3
UK CAA Class 1 medical
A valid UK Part-MED Class 1 medical certificate must be held before a UK Part-FCL licence can be issued. You must attend a UK CAA-approved Aero Medical Centre (AMC) or Aero Medical Examiner (AME). An EASA Class 1 certificate does not transfer.
4
English Language Proficiency
If your EASA ATPL has a current ICAO ELP endorsement at Level 4 or above, the UK CAA credits this — you do not need a separate ELP assessment. If Level 4 or 5 has expired on your EASA licence, you will need to attend a UK CAA approved language school for assessment.
5
Skill test on type
An ATPL skill test must be passed in accordance with UK Part-FCL, conducted by a UK CAA-certificated examiner in a UK CAA-approved simulator. For pilots joining UK airlines, this is typically arranged as part of the joining type rating process.
6
UK CAA application — form SRG1183
Submit application form SRG1183 (issue of a UK Part-FCL licence based on a third-country ATPL) to the UK CAA Flight Crew Licensing team, together with: certified copy of your EASA ATPL, EU NAA licence verification letter, UK CAA medical certificate, ELP endorsement, and theory exam results. For queries, contact fclweb@caa.co.uk. UK CAA processing time: currently stated as 10 working days at target service level, though this varies.
At a glance
Exams required
All UK CAA ATPL theory subjects — full exam credit from training waived for EASA ATPL holders on type, but all examinations must still be passed
Estimated cost
UK CAA application fee per scheme of charges (SRG1183) + theory exam fees + UK CAA Class 1 medical (approximately £600–£1,500)
Timeline
4–12 weeks for standard conversion; longer if theory exams required or processing backlogs
Documents required
- Current EASA ATPL(A) from EU NAA (certified copy)
- EU NAA licence verification letter (from your issuing authority)
- All UK CAA ATPL theoretical knowledge exam results
- Valid UK Part-MED Class 1 medical certificate
- ICAO ELP endorsement (current, Level 4+)
- Skill test report from UK CAA-certificated examiner
- SRG1183 application form with applicable fee
Important note
UK-issued EASA licences transferred automatically to UK CAA ATPL(A) on 1 January 2021. EU-issued EASA licences did not — holders must convert via the third-country route. Pilots can hold a UK Part-FCL and an EASA Part-FCL simultaneously — this dual-licence approach is used by many pilots operating across UK and EU airspace. For conversion queries, contact fclweb@caa.co.uk.
Official regulatory source →
