JAA or FAA

FAA vs. JAA
12-30-2009

Recently a student from the UK asked me to give an opinion on the FAA compared to the JAA.  The Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) is gaining greater respect throughout the world.  There was a time when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was the worlds authoritarian on aeronautics, but currently the JAA has equal or even greater status among nations. 

As far as a career, the licenses are similar.  Once you are a qualified, licensed commercial pilot rated to fly passengers in a heavy plane used the in airlines, the JAA and the FAA aren’t going to argue your abilities, SO LONG AS you have taken the necessary steps to have your commercial license “converted” to JAA or FAA.  I don’t want to focus this article too much on how to become licensed as JAA from FAA or FAA from JAA.  It is a little different procedure and expense depending on what country or territory you are in.

The point you need to understand is that as a student you will be enrolled in either a JAA or an FAA program.  If you want to continue on as a flight instructor, after completing your commercial license it will be necessary to have the appropriate license for the country you are intending to work in.  Flight instruction  is a valuable tool to learn and gain hours while being paid.  It is to your benefit to consider that option before you enroll in your course. In order to teach in the USA you will need to have your FAA license.  If it is your desire to be a flight instructor remember that  you must have a work VISA at the time of your employment, if you are a foreign pilot.