For pilots looking to bridge their aviation journey between the United States and Canada, understanding the process of converting an FAA certificate to a Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) licence is crucial. Thanks to the Implementation Procedures for Licensing (IPL) agreement between Canada and the U.S., this transition can be made smoother, allowing pilots to operate within both territories without fully meeting the other country’s regulatory requirements. This blog post aims to guide you through the essentials of converting your FAA certificate into a TCCA licence, focusing on aeroplane and rotorcraft-helicopter categories.

Types of Licences and Certificates that Apply

Under the IPL agreement, pilots can convert their licences or certificates across several categories and levels, including:

• Private
• Commercial
• Airline Transport

This agreement also covers the conversion of aircraft type, aeroplane class, and instrument ratings.

Conditions for Conversion

Each licence level from Private to Airline Transport Pilot has specific conversion conditions outlined by TCCA. These conditions include age requirements, minimum flight hours, and passing relevant written examinations. For instance, converting a Private Pilot Licence requires proof of a minimum of 45 hours of pilot flight time and passing the FAAAA written examination.

Private Pilot Licence – Aeroplane Conversion

For aspiring pilots holding an FAA Private airman certificate and looking to soar in Canadian airspace, converting to a Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) Private Pilot Licence is the first step. Here’s what you need to know:

• Eligibility: Applicants must possess an FAA Private airman certificate with airplane category and class rating(s), be at least 17 years old, and have accumulated a minimum of 45 hours of pilot flight time.
• Medical Requirements: A Category 1 or Category 3 TCCA medical certificate is necessary, ensuring pilots meet the health standards for flying.
• Knowledge Test: The Conversion – Private Pilot Licence – Aeroplane (FAAPA) written examination tests your understanding of air law and communications procedures, fundamental knowledge every pilot should possess.
• Practical Skills: No additional flight test is required, streamlining the transition for FAA-certified private pilots into the Canadian aviation system.

Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane Conversion

Expanding your flying career into Canada with a commercial pilot licence involves a few more steps:

• Qualifications: Holders of FAA Commercial airman certificates or FAA ATP certificates with specific class ratings are eligible. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have logged a minimum of 200 hours of pilot flight time.
• Medical Certification: A Category 1 TCCA medical certificate is a prerequisite, upholding the health standards for commercial aviation operations.
• Knowledge Examination: Passing the Conversion – Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane (FAACA) written exam is essential, covering critical topics in air law and communication practices.
• Practical Examination: Similar to the private licence conversion, no additional flight test is required, making the process more straightforward for qualified pilots.

Airline Transport Pilot Licence – Aeroplane Conversion

The pinnacle of pilot certification, converting an FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate to a TCCA ATPL, allows pilots to command the largest and most complex aircraft:

• Requirements: Applicants must hold an FAA Airline Transport airman certificate with multi-engine land or sea class ratings, be at least 21 years of age, and demonstrate a total of 900 hours of flight time in aeroplanes.
• Medical Standards: A Category 1 TCCA medical certificate is mandatory, ensuring pilots are fit for the highest level of professional aviation.
• Knowledge Mastery: The Conversion – Airline Transport Pilot Licence – Aeroplane (FAAAA) written exam assesses in-depth knowledge of air law and communications, a critical step for pilots aspiring to reach the apex of their profession.
• Instrument Proficiency: Demonstrating recent competency in instrument flying through an FAA Instrument Proficiency Check is also a requirement, ensuring ATPL candidates are skilled in navigating complex flight environments.

Instrument Rating Conversion

Converting an Instrument Rating from an FAA certificate to a TCCA licence embodies a significant step for pilots looking to expand their flying capabilities in Canadian airspace. The conditions for this conversion are specifically tailored to ensure pilots can safely navigate under instrument flight rules (IFR) in Canada. To qualify, pilots must:

• Hold an FAA Certificate: Specifically, an FAA Private airman certificate with airplane category and class ratings that include airplane instrument privileges.
• Medical Fitness: Possess either a Category 1 or Category 3 TCCA medical certificate, underscoring the importance of health in performing under IFR conditions.
• Knowledge Examination: Successfully pass the Conversion – Instrument Rating – Aeroplane (FAAIA) written examination, focusing on air law and communications procedures. This ensures pilots are well-versed in Canadian aviation regulations pertinent to IFR operations.
• Instrument Proficiency: Demonstrate recent IFR proficiency by having passed an FAA Instrument Proficiency Check within the last 24 months, ensuring the pilot’s skills are sharp and up-to-date.

This rigorous process ensures that pilots converting their instrument rating are fully prepared to handle the complexities and challenges of IFR flying in Canada.

Type Rating Transitions

For pilots seeking to convert their type ratings from an FAA certificate to a TCCA licence, the path is straightforward, provided the aircraft type is recognized and certified for use in Canada. Key points include:

• FAA Certificate Requirements: Pilots must hold at least an FAA Private airman certificate with the appropriate airplane category and class ratings.
• Medical Certification: Similar to other conversions, pilots need either a Category 1 or Category 3 TCCA medical certificate, reinforcing the emphasis on health and fitness for flying.
• Simplified Process: Remarkably, no additional written examination or practical flight test is required for converting type ratings, streamlining the transition for qualified pilots.
• Aircraft Eligibility: It’s crucial that the aircraft type is certified in Canada, with the Canadian type designator listed in the CAR 421.40 Appendix A – Aircraft Type Designator Tables. For aircraft types not directly endorsed on the FAA certificate but requiring a Canadian type rating, proof of Pilot-in-Command (PIC) flight experience on type is necessary.

This component of the conversion process acknowledges the pilot’s existing qualifications and experience, focusing on ensuring that the aircraft operated are recognized and approved for Canadian skies.

The Conversion Process

To convert an FAA certificate to a TCCA licence, pilots should refer to the relevant Advisory Circular, either for aeroplanes or helicopters. The process involves a series of steps, each designed to ensure that applicants meet Canadian aviation standards without redundancy.

1. Prerequisites: Initially, it’s vital to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for conversion. This includes holding the appropriate FAA airman certificate and not having it based on another foreign pilot licence.
2. Medical Certificate: Obtaining a TCCA medical certificate is a mandatory step. The certification must align with the level of the licence you’re seeking to convert.
3. Application Process: The conversion application requires submitting the correct forms, supporting documentation, and the associated licensing fee to a TCCA regional office.
4. Written Examination: Applicants must pass a written exam focusing on air law and communication procedures. The exam’s specifics depend on the licence type being converted.
5. Flight Test: For some conversions, a practical flight test might be necessary, showcasing your compliance with Canadian flying standards.

Supporting Documentation

The application must include various documents such as the FAA Airman Certificate, proof of citizenship, and evidence of meeting the conversion conditions (age, experience, medical fitness, knowledge, and skill).

Refusal to Issue

It’s important to note that TCCA reserves the right to refuse issuing a licence based on factors such as incompetence, failure to meet qualifications, public interest concerns, or outstanding monetary penalties. Applicants will be formally notified if their application is refused.

Converting an FAA certificate to a TCCA licence opens new horizons for pilots seeking to explore or work within Canadian airspace. While the process is facilitated by the IPL agreement, thorough preparation and understanding of the requirements are key to a successful conversion. Whether you aim to fly privately or take command of commercial flights, navigating through this conversion process is your gateway to the vast and scenic expanse of Canadian skies.

For the most accurate and detailed information on the conversion process, including the latest updates on regulations and requirements, always refer to the official Transport Canada website and the specific Advisory Circulars dedicated to licence conversion.

If you want to chat with someone that’s been through the process, connect with me (Travis Whyte). I did all my initial licenses and rating in Arizona and later converted them to Transport Canada before starting my career in aviation.