FAA stops issuing private pilot certificates on the basis of a foreign pilot license

Notice to all Flight Standards Division managers

In an effort to enhance aviation safety, the FAA must temporarily suspend, effective immediately, the issuance of private pilot certificates issued on the basis of a foreign pilot license under 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) section 61.75.

Therefore, division managers are requested to immediately notify the managers of their Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO) and advise them they must temporarily cease issuing 14 CFR section 61.75 pilot certificates. In addition, the guidance contained in FAA Order 8700.1, General Aviation Operations Inspector's Handbook, chapter 29, is currently under revision. AFS-760 and AFS-800 are in the process of drafting a notice to reflect a new process for issuing private pilot certificates under section 61.75. The notice will supersede chapter 29 of FAA Order 8700.1 and will contain detailed guidance to the FSDO work force on the new process to use when issuing 14 CFR section 61.75 private pilot certificates.

/for/
James J. Ballough
Director, Flight Standards Service

July 19, 2002