EASA to FAA ATPL conversion: the 2026 step-by-step

If you hold an EASA ATPL and you're eyeing a U.S. airline job, an N-reg corporate operator, or a Middle East carrier that requires FAA certification, you'll need to convert. The good news: the process is well-trodden and clear in 2026. The bad news: it still costs money and takes time. Here's the unvarnished version.

Two routes to FAA ATP

1. ICAO conversion (faster, requires current ICAO ATPL). You apply for a verification letter from the FAA via the IACRA system. Once verified, you take the FAA ATP CTP course, the ATP written test, and a practical (checkride) in a U.S. type-rating sim.
2. Standalone FAA ATP (slower, no ICAO needed). Same end-state, no ICAO leverage. Most pilots reading this won't go this route.

We'll focus on route 1.

Step 1: Verification of foreign licence

• Apply on IACRA with your EASA ATPL, medical, and licence history.
• The FAA contacts the issuing authority (typically your national CAA) to verify.
• Timeline: typically 4–8 weeks, occasionally longer if your CAA is backed up.

Step 2: ATP CTP (Certification Training Program)

• Mandatory for first-time ATP applicants since 2014.
• 30 hours of academic instruction + 10 hours in a Level C/D sim.
• Cost in 2026: $4,500–$6,800 USD depending on the training centre.
• Veejo Tutors flag the cheaper providers in the network — message us if you want the current shortlist.

Step 3: Written knowledge test (ATP-MEL)

• 125 multiple-choice questions, 4-hour window.
• Passing score: 70%.
• Test centres are PSI Services (formerly LaserGrade).
• First-attempt pass rates climb sharply when you prep the FAA-specific gotchas (weight & balance reporting differences, FAR Part 121 vs EASA Part-OPS) with someone who has sat the test — exactly what Veejo Tutors are for.

Step 4: Practical test (checkride)

• Type-rating-specific. If you're converting on a 737, you do the ATP+TR combined checkride.
• Examiner cost: $1,200–$2,500 USD.
• Simulator time: 6–12 hours depending on whether you've maintained recency on type.

Step 5: English proficiency

• The FAA accepts ICAO Level 4+. If your EASA ATPL already carries Level 5 or 6, you're set.
• If you're at Level 4 and it's expiring soon, renew with a Veejo examiner *before* you start the FAA conversion — it's one of the simplest dependencies to forget.

Total cost and timeline (2026 benchmark)

Gotchas the textbook won't tell you

• Your EASA Class 1 medical is not accepted. You need an FAA First-Class medical from an AME. Schedule it before the CTP so any deferrals don't delay your checkride.
• TSA Alien Flight Student Program. Required if you're not a U.S. citizen and you'll be training in the U.S. Apply 60+ days ahead.
• N-reg operator route. Several Veejo Network airlines (Middle East and Asia) accept the FAA conversion without you flying for a U.S. carrier — useful if you want the FAA on your CV but plan to stay in your current region.

How Veejo helps

• Career Log tracks the conversion as a multi-stage milestone. Expiry alerts on the verification letter, ATP CTP slot, and Class 1 medical.
• Veejo Tutors (launching June 2026) include FAA-converted EASA pilots who've done this exact path — talk to one before you start spending money.
• Recruitment Network shortlists you to U.S./Middle East operators the moment your FAA ATP is issued.

Ready to start? Create your free Veejo profile — the conversion checklist auto-populates based on your current licence state.