Because there are always new landscapes to fly over and new types of missions to carry out, you can work anywhere in the world to fully live out your passion for flying.
To fly in a foreign country, you will need to obtain a local license. That is what license conversion is for.
What is a helicopter pilot license conversion?
Converting your helicopter pilot license does not mean exchanging your license for another one.
It means that you obtain a second license, based on the first one.
The term "convert" is used because your theoretical and practical knowledge is recognized and "converted" into the standards of the target country.
How many licenses are there?
Each country has its own license.
However, most countries in the world are members of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The role of the ICAO is to develop international standards to standardize pilot training and licenses in each country.
This standardizes training across all countries and facilitates license conversions.
In many countries in Africa, Asia, and South America, Canadian licenses can often be converted through a simple administrative procedure without the need for exams.
At the European level,the European Aviation Safety Agency(EASA ) plays the same role as the ICAO and has standardized training across all European countries, creating the European EASA license.
As a result, a French license is valid in all European Union member countries.
– The Canadian license (TCCA)
– The European license (EASA)
These are the most sought-after licenses because they cover the largest helicopter fleets in the world.
These three licenses offer the most job opportunities for pilots! What's more, they are based on ICAO criteria, so they are easily convertible.
How do you obtain a European license (EASA) when you hold a Canadian license (TCCA)?
1 – Obtaining your CPL license in Canada
2 – Convert your Canadian CPL to a European CPL
- Obtain your European Category 1 aeronautical medical certificate
- Find a flight school
- Take the theory test
- Take the flight exam
The European Category 1 medical certificate can be obtained in one day at an approved aeromedical center and costs €500. Find more information here.
In order to find the school that best suits your needs, we recommend that you consult several schools based on their proximity, availability, experience, and prices.
The theory exam consists of 13 modules. To maximize your chances of success, you will need to study for 4 to 8 months. You have two options: be trained by your flight school or take distance learning courses. The Mermoz course and the one offered by Mikuczanis are the most popular.
The European license flight test is similar to the Canadian flight test.
However, you will need 10 to 20 hours of flight time with an instructor to prepare for it. The number of hours required will depend on your knowledge and flying skills: the more flying experience you have, the fewer hours you will need.
To learn more, visit our pilot license conversion page .
How do you obtain an American license (FAA) when you hold a Canadian license (TCCA)?
- Have 150 hours of flight time, including 50 hours on a helicopter
- Hold a night flying rating
- Obtain an FAA Class 2 Medical Certificate
- Passing a knowledge test on U.S. aviation regulations
- Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
- Night flying qualification
- The learning required for the theory test
- Aviation English courses
Why start your career as a professional helicopter pilot in Canada?
- Training is simpler, faster, and less expensive than in Europe or the United States.
- Job opportunities are more accessible for young pilots in the country.
Training in Canada will ultimately allow you to access pilot positions in Europe or the United States, while limiting your training costs thanks to the conversion of your licenses.
Furthermore, the employability of a pilot with less than 800 flight hours is more complex in Europe than elsewhere in the world.
The idea is therefore to obtain these 800 flight hours by flying in Canada or abroad, then return to Europe to convert your pilot license. By following this timeline, the European conversion will cost you less and make you more attractive on the European job market.
Here is a timeline showing the optimal path for a pilot trained in Canada who wishes to work in Europe. Find out which licenses you need to obtain, based on your flight experience.
Conclusion
The conversion process opens up new opportunities for pilots who want to broaden their horizons or gain new experiences.
While most conversions are standardized, they will be adjusted according to your experience and objectives.
Before beginning the license conversion process, it is a good idea to contact a flight school, which will be able to guide you through the steps and timeline to follow.
Do you have a certain pilot's license and your needs are changing?
Need detailed information?
Contact us using this form and receive everything by email!
Roche Sebastian
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR - MARKETING MANAGER