I'm a Swedish citizen, can I own an N-reg airplane and operate it in Europe? No, you must either be a US citizen or green card holder to own a N-registered airplane.
So how can I own and operate a N-reg airplane in Europe? N-reg aircraft around the world are owned by trust ownership.
What is the advantage of having N-reg in Europe? I believe the main reason is the simplified maintenance regime for owners. This will make it cheaper for owners to own and operate N-reg in Europe. Other major benefits are Easier installation of modifications and easier STCd aftermarket accessories which are already approved in the USA but aren't in Europe (EASA approved).
Can I fly N-reg airplane on my Swedish Private pilot? Yes, as long as you fly inside the Swedish airspace you can use your Swedish License. If you leave Swedish airspace then you must be in possession of a valid US FAA licence. Please read this letter (From the FAA)
Is it legal to operate a US registered (N-reg) aircraft in the EU? Yes, as long as the aircraft has the usual documentation (Registration and Airworthiness certificates, Radio Licence, and approved Aircraft Flight Manual).
What are the options for getting an FAA Private Pilot's Licence (or Private Pilot Certificate as it's properly called)? There are two options. The first is an FAA licence based on an existing ICAO licence (often referred to as a 'piggyback' or 61.75 licence). The second is a standalone FAA Private Pilot Certificate.
Can I get a piggyback Commercial or ATPL? No. Whatever grade of ICAO licence you hold you can only obtain a piggyback Private Pilot Certificate.
I have an Instrument Rating on my Swedish Private Pilot License, can I add this to my piggyback? Yes you can. You must take a written knowledge test and then it can be added to your piggyback licence.
I have a piggyback license based on my EASA PPL, can I train and get my FAA instrument rating here in Europe? Yes you can and I can help you with that, You need to have met the experience requirements and pass the written knowledge test and take the flight test. The Instrument Rating will be added to your piggyback license and marked as US Test Passed. The knowledge test have to be done in US and the Flight Test can be done in Europe with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). I can arrange it so the exam can be done at your local airport.
I have a piggyback license (EASA PPL), do I need a flight review when flying my n-reg airplane? As long as you fly within the airspace of the country that issued your license you will not need a flight review, but once crossing the airspace to another country you will be flying on your FAA licenses and they need to be current. So yes, a flight review is needed if you are planing to fly across Europe.
Can I do an FAA Flight Review (formerly known as BFR) in an EASA registered airplane? Yes you can. FAR 61.56 does not state that you must be in a US registered airplane. It just states what must be done as a minimum.
Can I do a Flight Review without an FAA medical? Yes you can. In this case I as an instructor have to act as PIC.
I don't have access to an airplane to do a Flight Review, can you assist finding an airplane for me? Yes I can. You can use my DA-42 for your Flight Review. But it will require that you have a multi engine rating on your FAA license. If you have never flown a DA42 before I will require at least 1 - 2 hours training in my DA42 before doing a Flight Review.
I'm thinking to buy a PA28 and have it on N-registration, I currently hold FAA PPL and instrument rating and no EASA licenses. Can I just fly under my FAA licenses and operate it in Sweden? No, you Can't. EASA has managed to introduce a law which requires all pilots whose "operator" is resident in the EU to have EASA licenses and medicals - even if the aircraft is registered outside the EU. These licenses would be in addition to the State of Registry (e.g. FAA) licenses required by ICAO. The simple answer is that you need to have both FAA and EASA licenses and medical.
What types of training requires TSA approval? For light aircraft there are 3 training events that require TSA approval before starting the course. 1 - Initial Standalone FAA license (private pilot, recreational, or a sport pilot certificate) 2 - Instrument Rating 3 - Multi Engine
How do I obtain TSA AFSP approval? 1 - Create a user account on TSA’s AFSP website Visit www.flightschoolcandidates.gov and create a login account by clicking on “Create New Student Account” (you will receive an account within few days) 2 - Apply for training on TSA’s AFSP website 3 - Wait for training provider (in this case me) to acknowledge your training request 4 - Pay the $130 processing fee per training request. Allow 2-10 business days for processing 5 - Look for a “Preliminary Approval” email from TSA 6 - Submit fingerprints to TSA per instructions (you will have to visit an approved fingerprint collector to have your fingerprints taken) 7 - Wait for TSA to notify you and your training provider ot its decision.
How long does the whole TSA AFSP approval process take? If you have submitted all the documents correctly it should take around 14 days.
Are you registered as a training provider with TSA AFSP? Yes, I'm registered and have approval to initiate one of the courses that requires approval.
Can we start training while waiting for the approval from TSA? No, we can't.
If you cannot find the answer to your question above or you need further information then please contact us.