Foreign PPL Conversion to a European PPL
Regarding your recent enquiry on foreign PPL conversion to a European (JAA) PPL. The process of converting your licence is very simple. If you are looking to fly around Europe crossing boundaries between countries, you need to be looking at a JAA (Joint Aviation Authorities) PPL as opposed to a national PPL issued by a particular country. For example, in the UK we have two PPL's. One for those wishing to fly only within the UK airspace called the National PPL or NPPL and the European PPL known as the JAA PPL. Currently in Europe we are transitioning to EASA (European Aviation Safety Administration) which may affect the requirements but once you hold the JAA licence the transition shouldn't affect you. The crux of the argument is, any JAA state can issue a JAA PPL as long as you have the required experience but different JAA states may have slightly different requirements for the initial conversion so it is worth talking with several different flight schools around Europe to see what their conversion policies are. Assuming you meet the required hours in the key training areas ie. cross country etc... it should simply be a case of passing air law and possible the RT exam, a few hours training and a flight test. These key training areas should be met as I certainly know these PPL's well and they are very closely aligned with Europe. This should make the PPL conversion a simple process. It is also worth looking at the JAA website jaa.nl. Turkey is currently not a member state of the JAA so I would suggest if you are looking at gaining a license in a country you spend a lot of time in, Romania or Poland are your best options. Another consideration could be cost of running your aircraft. It might be prudent to look at an American FAA licence and run an N registered aircraft. I know this is very popular for private aircraft right up to large biz jets but I'm afraid that the technicalities of this are not my speciality. I know that tax implications were discussed for this in the UK and France but I have no knowledge of what those discussions came to. I hope this information is helpful to you and if you need any more information please do not hesitate to contact me. With my kindest regards |
