Brett, I received a US pilot's license in 1993 on the basis of my Australian license. The whole process back then took less than one day. You need to have a current medical certificate as well. The commercial power license was no problem but getting a glider pilot license was more difficult because we don't have a license issued by the foreign CAA. After some persuading and showing them logbooks, FAI certificates etc, they gave me a private glider license. I just found the following link http://www.faa.gov/AVR/AFS/FAA/8700/CHANGE25/2_029_00.HTM which would have helped. Item N seems to cover the GFA situation so be prepared to quote that if you encounter any hassles.
Here is a link to FAR 61.75 which is the governing regulation: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/janqtr/14cfr61.75.ht m If you want to get a full US license, the big change since 9/11 is there are two types of flying schools, Part 61 and Part 141. As a foreign citizen you can't train at a Part 61 school and if you do, the Department of Homeland security can deport you and not let you back into the US for 10 years. Therefore you must ensure that you go to a Part 141 flying school. I don't know where you are planning to travel in the US. I have glided (what is the past tense of glide?) at California City near Palmdale CA and I currently fly at Caddo Mills near Dallas so can set you up with contacts if you need. Gliding at commercial centres in the US is more expensive than power flying (US$50 per hour for a Grob 103 vs about $45 per hour for a Cessna 150) so if you know a private owner or somebody in a club, your flying would be much more reasonable. Feel free to contact me offline if you have more questions. Good luck! Patrick Barfield _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
