ppl-ppc

EASA PPL to FAA Private Pilot Certificate (BASA/TIP‑L)

A guide to converting your EASA Part‑FCL Private Pilot Licence (PPL) to a U.S. FAA Private Pilot Certificate under the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) and Technical Implementation Procedures – Licensing (TIP‑L)

Legal Framework: BASA & TIP‑L

The U.S.–EU Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA), through its Annex 3 – Pilot Licensing Annex and the Technical Implementation Procedures – Licensing (TIP‑L) , enables reciprocal acceptance of private pilot licences between EASA and the FAA.

The primary FAA guidance is Advisory Circular 61‑143, which describes the procedures for converting an EU Part‑FCL pilot licence to an FAA pilot certificate.

Effective Date: The TIP‑L came into force on 18 May 2021 and applies to conversions under the BASA framework.

BASA/TIP‑L vs. 14 CFR § 61.75 – Key Differences

Feature	BASA / TIP‑L Conversion	14 CFR § 61.75
Governing framework	FAA‑EASA Bilateral Agreement	FAA regulation (foreign licence basis)
Best for	EASA Part‑FCL holders seeking formal FAA certificate conversion	Pilots needing FAA privileges tied to existing foreign licence
Testing required	May involve testing depending on case	No further testing
Certificate status	Standalone FAA certificate	Foreign‑based – limited by underlying foreign licence
Primary reference	AC 61‑143, TIP‑L document	14 CFR Part 61, § 61.75

The key advantage of the BASA/TIP‑L route is that it results in a standalone FAA certificate, not a foreign‑based one tied to your EASA licence.

Eligibility Requirements

To convert your EASA PPL under BASA/TIP‑L, you must:

Requirement	Detail
Valid EASA Part‑FCL PPL	Hold a current EASA PPL (or higher) with applicable ratings
Valid medical certificate	EASA medical and FAA medical certificate
English proficiency	Demonstrate ability to read, speak, write, and understand English
FAA verification	Complete the FAA verification process (Form AC 8060‑71)
Ratings	SEP, MEP, IR, and/or Night Rating may be converted

Note: The BASA/TIP‑L agreement applies specifically to PPL(A) licences and associated ratings (SEP, MEP, Night Rating). Higher licences (CPL, ATPL) require different procedures.

Step‑by‑Step Conversion Process

Step 1: Verify Your Licence (45–90 days)

Submit a verification request through the FAA’s IACRA system or by mail using FAA Form AC 8060‑71 (Verification of Authenticity of Foreign License and Medical Certification).

Via IACRA (Preferred):
1. Register at iacra.faa.gov
2. Select “START FOREIGN VERIFICATION PROCESS”
3. Upload your EASA PPL
By Mail:
- Complete FAA Form AC 8060‑71
- Mail to: FAA Airmen Certification Branch AFB‑720, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125

The verification letter is valid for 6 months.

Step 2: Obtain an FAA Medical Certificate

You must hold a valid FAA medical certificate (at least Third‑Class) for the conversion. This is separate from your EASA medical.

Step 3: Complete FAA Form 8710‑1

Complete the FAA Form 8710‑1 (Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application). You can print this from IACRA.

Step 4: Schedule In‑Person Appointment

You must appear in person before an FAA‑authorised official. You have two options:

Option A: FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) in the U.S.

Contact your selected FSDO upon receipt of the verification letter
Allow ≥2 weeks for appointment

Option B: Designated Pilot Examiner – Foreign Pilot Examiner (DPE‑FPE) in Europe

Search the FAA Designee Locator (designee.faa.gov) for DPE‑FPE
Some flight schools in Europe have contracted DPE‑FPEs on staff

Step 5: Attend Appointment & Bring Required Documents

Bring originals:

Step 6: Receive Your Certificate

Temporary certificate issued on the spot
Permanent plastic card mailed later by FAA

What You Will Receive

Feature	Detail
Certificate type	U.S. Private Pilot Certificate (Standalone)
Ratings	Airplane Single‑Engine Land (ASEL) and other ratings from your EASA PPL
Validity	Independent of your EASA licence (not tied to it)
Privileges	Full private pilot privileges in U.S.‑registered (N‑number) aircraft

After Issuance – Maintaining Your FAA Certificate

Requirement	Frequency
Flight Review	Every 24 calendar months (14 CFR § 61.56)
Medical	Must remain valid (FAA medical)
Currency	FAA recency requirements (14 CFR § 61.57)
Ratings	Instrument, night, and other ratings remain valid as per FAA rules

Important Notes

No written exam required for PPL conversion under BASA/TIP‑L
A skill test may be required depending on the specific case
Higher licences (CPL, ATPL) are not covered by BASA/TIP‑L and require different procedures
The TIP‑L came into force on 18 May 2021 – conversions for licences issued after this date follow the TIP‑L framework

Summary Checklist

Key Resources

Resource	Link / Details
IACRA	`iacra.faa.gov`
FAA Designee Locator	`designee.faa.gov`
AC 61‑143	Primary FAA guidance for EASA → FAA conversion
FAA Form AC 8060‑71	`faa.gov/forms/`
FAA Form 8710‑1	Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application
Annex 3 – Pilot Licensing	FAA‑EASA BASA Annex 3
TIP‑L	Technical Implementation Procedures – Licensing
FAA Contact	`9-awa-avs-afs50@faa.gov` (Flight Standards, Annexes 2‑4)

Quick Reference: BASA/TIP‑L vs. 14 CFR § 61.75

Your Licence	ICAO Compliant?	Best Route	Result
EASA PPL	✅ Yes	BASA / TIP‑L	Standalone FAA certificate
EASA SPL	✅ Yes	14 CFR § 61.75	Foreign‑based FAA certificate
EASA LAPL	❌ No	Neither	Not eligible for conversion

Sources: 14 CFR § 61.75; FAA AC 61‑143; FAA‑EASA BASA Annex 3 – Pilot Licensing; TIP‑L; FAA Order 8900.1