Preparing for EASA (EU) check-ride in the US?

TheRedOne

TheRedOne

Well-Known Member
Hi all,

Not sure if someone can help me with this, but I though I just give it a try and see.

Situation: EASA ATP exams done - formerly known as JAA (EU)
Next: preparation for EASA CPL/IR checkride (multi).
I also hold a FAA CPL/IR (ASEL & AMEL) but I'm not current, it's been a couple of years since my last flight. I hold a CFI/II as well (did FIRC to maintain it).

Due to the insane pricing in Europe (multi-engine €500 to €600 / ~ $700 hr + landing fees / single engine (e.g C172) around €250 to €300 / ~ $350 hr) and the fact that I haven't been flying for a couple of years, I sure need a few additional hours to get back to speed again (and to be ready to take/pass the EASA checkride). This would cost me a fortune in Europe, so I'm thinking of doing this in the US, could combine this with a flight review and IPC to get my FAA Cert. current again. I'm aware that the EASA checkride "must" (?) be done in Europe, but I believe the preparation could be done in the US?

If there are peolpe on here who can provide some info, I'd appreciate if you could share your experience and/or give me some advise. Many thanks!

PS. not quite sure about further career steps afterwards, but since I hold a FAA CFI getting back into instructing would certainly be an option, if this opportunity would arise.
 
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You can do the everything but the IR in the US, you could even train for some of it but the check ride has to be done in Europe. The flight school i went to in Sweden is probably the cheapest one you will find for training though.
 
Also this may not apply to you but make sure you get your Class 1 medical certificate first (before all the flight training). Depending on the authority you did the ATPL exams with, it could take a while to get set up and booked. The UK CAA initial has to be done at Aviation House in Gatwick, which was a hassle but there's an AME in Arizona who can do the renewals. I also believe there is a time limit to complete the ratings after the final exam was passed (two years?).

I converted from FAA ATP to EASA ATPL a few years ago and it was an arduous process, good luck!
 
I did the FAA CPL to EASA CPL. My recommendation would be to do it in Sweden, Iceland, or Spain (but choose wisely). Some schools in Spain will take forever and some will get you done super fast. There are some good schools at a good price in Sweden and Iceland.
 
Thanks everybody for the feedback so far!

I've been looking into several countries in Europe, like Poland, Spain, Cyprus. But to be honest (no offense) it was sometimes difficult to communicate (I gave them a call) because of the poor English they spoke and I had the impression that if you don't speak the respective language, they try to rip you off!

Never considered Sweden or even Iceland, but thanks for the hint! Could you provide me with some names (of flight schools in Sweden or Iceland) to get in touch with? That would be great!

Alternatively, do you guys know of any "EASA" flight schools in the US? I know not quite the correct terminology, but I guess you know what I'm talking about. Thanks!
 
The list of all EASA ATOs overseas can be found here:
https://www.easa.europa.eu/download/ato/List-of-ATO-certificates.pdf

CAE Oxford in Phoenix is not listed and neither is the Lufthansa in Phoenix (ATCA). I have a friend who did a flight instructor rating at Oxford Aviation in the UK, and they said that if he could get a work permit in the US, they would hire him immediately to instruct at their Phoenix location. Both seem to be very decent CFI jobs in the US.

I sent you a PM with the school names.

Realistically, if I were you, I would stay in the US. Get your 1500hrs and go to a regional. Get your 500 hours in multi pilot airplane and go straight to the ATPL practical test. With the turbine time, airline experience, and a full ATPL, start applying to the homeland. Keep in mind that the ATPLs have a limited time validity before you have to get your Instrument Rating in order to keep them valid.
 
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