Will the FAA still issue a Private Pilot certificate based on a foreign pilot’s previous experience?

The answer is… well that depends! In the past, the FAA would issue a Private Pilot certificate on the spot if a foreign pilot made application at the local FSDO. In July of 2002 the FAA instituted a program that changes FAR 61.75. The FAA plans to verify all foreign pilot certification prior to issuing or allowing any certification actions, i.e. a practical test, etc based on that certification. This program requires all persons holding a foreign pilot certificate wishing to obtain a US certificate to submit a Foreign Pilot Verification form. The process usually takes less than 60 days for return and in most cases, the FAA will send the initial response via e-mail. The e-mail is satisfactory evidence to proceed with your certification needs.

Now, if you hold a foreign pilot certificate, but you apply for a US certificate without using your foreign pilot certificate for qualification, then no verification is needed. I have attached a link to the FAA’s website at: http://registry.faa.gov/docs/verify61-75.pdf