ICAO Certificate

[Nolife]

Anyone know how to obtain an ICAO airman certificate? There doesn't seem to much info available or perhaps I'm looking in the wrong places. I'm looking for a gig in the Pacific. Thanks

 

[bobbysamd]

ICAO certificate

Theoretically, your U.S. FAA pilot certificate is an ICAO certificate, but individual countries vary as to their acceptance of U.S. pilot certificates for local flying.

Try checking the local requirements for the country where you plan to fly. A way to begin might be to run an internet search using something like "Ministry of Transport" together with the name of the country. Many countries will issue you a local PPL based on your U.S. certificate. Getting local CPLs, etc., generally require a written and maybe a flight test.

Good luck with your efforts.

 

[typhoonpilot]

Where in the Pacific ?

Taiwan and Korea generally accept a U.S. certificate and will issue a local license based on your U.S. certificate without much drama.

The Australians make you go through a lengthy process with tests and checkrides.

Not too sure about the rest.

Typhoonpilot

 

[blade230]

Hong Kong will also make you right several tests, with a check ride done in a light twin for a P2X rating.

 

[Nolife]

Thanks

Thanks for the responces. I'd like to work in Micronesia... Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, Samoa... etc. Jobs there are very hard to get for outsiders and I think the Aussies and New Zealanders have the market. Anything ratings wise would only help.

 

[airgator]

There's a couple airlines based in American Samoa. You'd have to have an FAA to fly there I'd imagine.

 

[typhoonpilot]

I'd like to work in Micronesia... Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, Samoa... etc. Jobs there are very hard to get for outsiders and I think the Aussies and New Zealanders have the market. Anything ratings wise would only help.

How about Guam ? Pacific Island Aviation is a Northwest Airlink with 3 Shorts 360s. That is what their website says anyway. I remember them always advertising for pilots when they had the Bandits, not sure about now. They serve Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.

Further down the road, about 750 nm, is The Republic of Palau. I ran into the ex-Cathay pilot who owns the air service down there a few years back. They have singles and a light twin for charter service around the islands. Being a former U.S. territory I believe they still use FAA standard for certification.

The Federated States of Micronesia themselves comprise the island groups of Yap, Chuuk ( Truk ), Pohnpei, and Kosrae. The only regularly scheduled service to them is with Continental Micronesia. I would bet there are some charter outfits there though.

You are right about the South Pacific being dominated by the Kiwis and Aussies. In the Cooks, Air Rarotonga had 3 Bandeirantes when I was there in 1995. The pilots were mostly Kiwis as the island group has a close association with New Zealand.

For work in the South Pacific I would agree that an Australian or New Zealand certificate would probably be better. For work in the area of Guam, Micronesia, or Palau then a U.S. Certificate might just be all you need.


Typhoonpilot

 

[Guam360]

nolife,
there is also Air Samoa, they are a Dash 6 outfit, a friend flew there for a while, he got on with very low time. PIA does have the 3 shorts and Fredom Air has a 360 now, based in Guam, PIA is based in Saipan, you more than likely have to live in Saipan, which is great, but I prefer Guam, I did commute every morning on Air mike to fly a Cherokee six for PIA.

good luck

The planes in Palau are registered in the PI, but FAA certs will work, same for American Samoa, and all of Micronesia.