12-435 INITIAL STEP IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS. Before an inspector can issue a special purpose pilot authorization (based on Title 14 CFR part 61, § 61.77), or a special purpose flight engineer, or flight navigator temporary airman certificate (based on Title 14 CFR part 63, § 63.23), the Airman Certification Branch, AFS-760, must authenticate the applicant’s foreign license.

A.        Begin the Application Process. The applicant may begin the application process in one of two ways.

1)          The applicant may submit a legible, hand written or typed letter with specific information and certain required documents.

2)          The applicant may submit the required information using an optional form developed by the Airmen Certification Branch, AFS–760. The applicant may download the instructions for the initial application process and the optional verification of authenticity form from the AFS–760 Web site at http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/media/verify61-75.pdf. Note that this is an optional form, not an official one, and the applicant chooses whether to use the form or a letter.

B.        Forward Application Form or Letter. The applicant sends the completed form or letter with appropriate documents to:

FAA Airmen Certification Branch, AFS–760

P.O. Box 25082

Oklahoma City, OK 73125

 

The AFS–760 fax number is (405) 954–4105

C.        Necessary Information and Documentation. The information the applicant submits to AFS-760 must include the following information and documentation:

1)          The name(s) of the person(s).

2)          The permanent home of record of the person. If the person wishes to have the AFS-760-issued verification of the authenticity letter delivered to a temporary mailing address, that applicant must indicate his or her desires on a separate statement attached to the preapplication form or letter.

3)          The country of issuance of the person’s foreign pilot license.

4)          The location of the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or International Field Office (IFO) where the person intends to make application for his or her U.S. pilot certificate. (The applicant will only be able to obtain the U.S. authorization or certificate after authentication.)

5)          A statement that his or her foreign pilot license is not under an order of suspension or revocation; this statement can be on the Verification of Authenticity form.

6)          A legible copy of all pages of the foreign pilot, flight engineer, or flight navigator license.

7)          A legible English transcription of the foreign pilot license, if the license is not in English.

8)          A legible copy of the foreign medical license/endorsement, as appropriate.

9)          A legible photocopy of a driver’s license or passport, or other picture identification.

D.      AFS-760 Responsibilities. AFS–760 is responsible for:

1)          Verifying the authenticity of the person’s foreign pilot license and medical qualification with the foreign civil aviation authority.

2)          Ensuring the person’s foreign pilot license and medical qualifications are not under an order of suspension or revocation.

3)          Issuing the verification of authenticity letter to the designated FSDO or IFO, and forwarding a copy to the applicant. (The verification of authenticity letter expires 6 months from the date on the letter.)

E.        Residence Requirements. A temporary mailing address for delivery of the special purpose flight engineer or flight navigator (§ 63.23) temporary airman certificate may be indicated on a separate statement attached to FAA Form 8400-3. The address required for official record purposes as shown on the FAA Form 8400-3 (see Figure 12-9) application must represent the person’s actual permanent residential street address, including apartment number, etc., when appropriate. An alternate mail delivery service address (commercial mail box provider), flight school, airport office, etc., is not acceptable. A post office box or rural route number is not acceptable as permanent residence on an application unless there are unavoidable circumstances that require such an address. A person who resides on a rural route, in a boat or recreational vehicle, or in some other manner that requires the use of a post office box or rural route number for an address, must attest to the circumstances by signing a statement on a separate sheet of paper. The information provided must include sufficient details to ensure identification of the geographic location of the person’s residence. If necessary to positively identify the place of residence, the person must provide a hand drawn map that clearly shows the location of his/her residence. When the residence is a boat or other recreational vehicle, the applicant must provide the registration number, tag number, and dock or park location.

Table 12-9, Special Purpose: Pilot Authorization, Flight Engineer and Flight Navigator Certificates

Applicant Presents to the Inspector	Applicant Receives from the Inspector	Inspector Sends to Certification Branch, AFS–760
FAA Form 8400–3		FAA Form 8400–3
Copy or original of valid foreign pilot, flight engineer, or flight navigator certificate or license, as appropriate, issued by ICAO member State.	Foreign License or Certificate	Copy of valid foreign pilot, flight engineer or flight navigator certificate or license, as appropriate, issued by ICAO member State
Certification by lessee of aircraft	Certification by lessee of aircraft
Evidence of medical qualification	Evidence of medical qualification
Documentation of under age 65 for pilot’s certificate	Age documentation
	Copy of the FAA Form 8060–4	Original of the FAA Form 8060–4

12-436 SPECIAL PURPOSE PILOT AUTHORIZATIONS (§ 61.77).

A.        General. Section § 61.77 provides requirements for the issuance of special purpose pilot authorizations. A contracting State to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) may issue special purpose pilot authorizations to a holder of a current foreign pilot license for the purpose of performing the following pilot duties:

·              Piloting a civil aircraft of U.S. registry that is leased to a person who is not a citizen of the United States; and

·              Carrying persons or property for compensation or hire on that aircraft.

B.        Application Procedures. Each person who applies for a special purpose pilot authorization must submit an application for verification of authenticity to AFS-760 (refer to paragraph 12-435), and forward Application—Special Purpose Pilot Authorization (see Figure 12-8) to an FAA FSDO or IFO. A hard copy certificate is no longer issued by AFS-760. A special purpose pilot authorization will be issued by the inspector for a 60 calendar-month period. The applicant must complete part one of the form. In addition, each applicant must attach the following documentation:

1)          A copy of the current foreign pilot license issued by an ICAO member State. This will be used as the basis for issuing the special purpose pilot authorization. The applicant must be a citizen of, or have a resident status in, the lessee’s State. The copy of the foreign pilot license must contain information stating the appropriate aircraft category, class, instrument rating, and, if appropriate, type rating.

2)          A copy of current medical certificate of the appropriate class that was issued by the aeronautical authority of the lessee’s State. That state must be an ICAO member State. The applicant must be a citizen of, or have resident status in, the lessee’s State.

3)          Surrender any special purpose pilot authorization that is held.

4)          Copy of birth certificate or other official documentation showing when the applicant will reach 65 years of age.

5)          Letter to the FSDO or IFO, from the lessee of the aircraft that:

a)          Acknowledges that the applicant is employed by the lessee;

b)          Specifies the aircraft category, class, and type in which the person will be performing pilot duties; and

c)          Specifies pilot duties that will be performed (e.g., pilot in command (PIC) or second in command (SIC)).

d)          States that the applicant is currently qualified to exercise the privileges listed on the applicant’s pilot license for the aircraft to be flown. Also, it should state that the person has satisfactorily accomplished the applicable ground and flight training in the aircraft type in which the applicant will be performing pilot duties.

e)          States that the applicant can speak and understand English to the degree necessary to enable the applicant to properly communicate with air traffic control using two-way radiotelephone communications.

f)              States that the applicant holds citizenship or resident status in the State of the aircraft lessee.

Note:              Applications for pilots employed by the 14 CFR part 129 foreign air carriers must be mailed or delivered to the FSDO or IFO that issued the operations specifications to that foreign air carrier. Applications for pilots employed by other than part 129 foreign air carriers must be mailed or delivered to the FSDO or IFO having geographic responsibility for the foreign operator.

Figure 12-8, Application—Special Purpose Pilot Authorization

C.        Processing Procedures.

1)          The inspector who receives, Application—Special Purpose Pilot Authorization, will examine it and necessary documentation. If the inspector determines that either the application or documentation is incorrect, incomplete, or inadequate, the inspector will return the package to the applicant. When satisfied that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements (to include that a verification of authenticity letter has been issued by AFS-760), the inspector completes part two, signs the application, and returns the FAA signed application to the lessee of the aircraft. In completing part two, the inspector will:

a)          Check the duties that may be performed (PIC or SIC);

b)          Fill in the make and model of aircraft that is authorized;

c)          Fill in any additional limitations that are included on the applicant’s applicable foreign license;

d)          Fill in the date that the special purpose pilot authorization is issued. The inspector will fill in the expiration date as the last day of the 60th calendar month from the date of issue. The inspector will not fill in any earlier date even if use of the special purpose pilot authorization may be for a period less than 60 calendar-months, as set forth in part 61, §§ 61.77(h), and 61.77(e) and (g).

2)          The inspector will retain a file copy of the signed authorization, plus a copy of the completed application and all documentation.

D.      Expiration Date of Special Purpose Pilot Authorization. Each special purpose pilot authorization expires when any of the following conditions occur:

1)          Sixty calendar-months from the month it was issued, unless sooner suspended or revoked.

2)          When the lease agreement for the aircraft expires, or the lessee terminates the employment of the person who holds the special purpose pilot authorization.

3)          Whenever the person’s foreign pilot license has been suspended, revoked, or is no longer valid.

4)          When the person no longer meets the medical standards for the issuance of the foreign pilot license.

5)          Depending on type of operation that is conducted, upon reaching their 65th birthday, use of a special purpose pilot authorization may, or may not, be permitted.

E.        Surrender of Special Purpose Pilot Authorizations. Section 61.77(b)(6) requires that to be eligible for the issuance or renewal of a special purpose pilot authorization, a person already holding such an authorization must either surrender it to the issuing FAA FSDO or IFO, or to the FSDO or IFO processing the authorization application.

12-437 SPECIAL PURPOSE FLIGHT ENGINEER AND FLIGHT NAVIGATOR CERTIFICATES (§ 63.23).

A.        Applicability.

1)          Section 63.23 provides requirements for the issuance of special purpose flight engineer and flight navigator certificates. These certificates are issued on the basis that the foreign flight crewmember holds, among other things, a current foreign certificate or license issued by the State of the foreign employer. A special purpose flight engineer and flight navigator certificate allows the holder to perform appropriate flight crewmember duties on a U.S.-registered civil airplane leased by any foreign air carrier or foreign person on flights between foreign countries and in foreign air commerce.

2)          The special purpose flight engineer or flight navigator certificate is only valid while the holder is employed by a foreign air carrier or a foreign person and is acting as a required flight crewmember on a leased, U.S.-registered airplane during flights between foreign countries in foreign air commerce. These certificates are only valid during operations carrying persons or property for compensation or hire. The eligibility and limitations of special purpose flight crewmember certificates are specified in § 63.23(b) and 63.23(d).

3)          Special purpose flight engineer and flight navigator certificates only apply for the operation of airplane types that have a passenger seating configuration of more than 30 seats, including any required flight crewmember seat, or a maximum payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds. Foreign flight engineers and flight navigators seeking to operate any smaller U.S.-registered airplane, or any U.S.-registered aircraft of any other category (regardless of size) should petition for an exemption from § 63.23(a) in order to obtain special purpose flight engineer or flight navigator certificate.

B.        Documentation Procedures for Special Purpose Airman Certificates. When an applicant or operator requests a special purpose airman certificate, the inspector should review the applicant’s documentation as follows:

1)          Translation of Documentation. If the applicant presents any documentation in a language other than English, the inspector must first ensure that this documentation is accompanied by an English translation. Translations do not have to be certified or official to be acceptable, but they should be signed by both the translator and the applicant. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the translations are accurate. A translation that is subsequently found to be misleading or distorted will result in revocation of the applicant’s special purpose airman certificate. If the documentation does not meet these criteria, the inspector must return the documentation and inform the applicant of the need for adequate translation.

2)          Copies of Documentation. Because the inspector must keep all documentation presented by the applicant or operator, the inspector should inform the applicant or operator to submit copies, not originals of all documentation.

3)          Review of Documentation. The inspector will request the following documentation from the applicant or operator:

a)          Lessee Letter. The inspector will have the applicant or operator present a letter written in English from the lessee that contains the following:

·              A statement that the applicant is employed by the lessee;

·              The airplane type and duty position;

·              A statement verifying that the applicant has received ground and flight instruction that qualifies him or her for the assigned duties; and

·              A statement that the applicant can speak and understand English.

b)          Foreign Airman Certificates. The inspector will have the applicant or operator present a copy of the foreign airman certificate in person, or send it by mail. The applicable foreign airman certificate must contain authorization of the airman privileges for the applicant that are equivalent to those requested in the special purpose airman certificate.

1.          When the titles and ratings shown on the applicable foreign certificate differ from those requested for the special purpose airman certificate, the inspector must request that the applicant or operator submit documentary evidence substantiating that the applicant holds foreign privileges equivalent to the U.S. privileges sought. For example, some countries issue Senior Commercial certificates and place a designation such as Group I or Group II on the certificate to indicate a particular rating. The inspector must verify this rating by examining the appropriate documentation, as described in subparagraph 3)b)2 below.

2.          The applicant should document the foreign airman privileges by presenting an excerpt from the issuing country’s regulations containing the applicant’s authorized privileges based on the applicant’s foreign certificates and ratings.

c)          Medical Qualification. The inspector will have the applicant or operator present documented proof that the applicant meets the same appropriate medical standards in the country of issuance as those medical standards required in the U.S. for similar certificate privileges.

1.          For valid proof of current medical qualification, the applicant should present a currently valid medical certificate, or a stamped foreign airman certificate (if the stamp indicates equivalent medical qualification).

2.          A medical certificate issued according to 14 CFR part 67 is not acceptable unless the applicable foreign State accepts such a certificate as proof of compliance with its requirements. If the inspector is uncertain as to the acceptance of the medical certificate by the foreign State, the applicant or operator must present documented proof that the foreign State accepts the part 67 certificate. The most acceptable form of documentation the applicant or operator can supply is the issuing country’s regulations that acknowledge the medical certificate as current and valid.

C.        Application Procedures for Special Purpose Flight Engineer and Flight Navigator Certificates. Inspectors must review the applicant’s or operator’s application as follows: the inspector should have the applicant or the applicant’s representative submit a correctly completed FAA Form 8400-3, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating, when applying for a flight engineer or flight navigator certificate (see Figure 12-9).

1)          The inspector will have the applicant place a check mark in the block entitled Flight Engineer and in the block indicating selection of the appropriate class rating.

2)          The inspector will have the applicant complete sections 1–4.

3)          In Block 5, Certificates Held By Applicant, the applicant must check the appropriate block representing the current foreign certificate held by the applicant.

4)          The inspector will have the applicant sign and date section 6.

Figure 12-9, Sample Completed FAA Form 8400-3, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating (for Flight Engineers, Flight Navigators, and Aircraft Dispatchers) (Located at http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/media/8400-3.pdf)

Figure 12-9, Sample Completed FAA Form 8400-3, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating (for Flight Engineers, Flight Navigators, and Aircraft Dispatchers) (Continued) (Located at http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/media/8400-3.pdf)

D.      Ineligible Applicant. If the inspector determines that either the application or documentation is incorrect, incomplete, or inadequate, the inspector returns the package to the applicant.

E.        Eligible Applicant. If the inspector determines that the applicant’s application and documentation meet all of the requirements, the inspector will proceed as follows:

1)          Complete FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman Certificate, in duplicate (see Figure 12-10). The inspector gives the copy to the applicant or the applicant’s representative. The certificate must bear the following limitations and information in accordance with § 63.23(d)(2):

·              The phrase, “Valid for U.S.-registered civil aircraft, (type of aircraft, e.g., DC-10), leased to (Lessee Co. name)”;

·              For other certificates, the phrase, “Issued under and subject to 14 CFR § 63.23”;

·              The phrase, “Subject to the privileges and limitations shown on the holder’s foreign (grade and type of) certificate, license, or authorization”;

·              Expiration date (must be 24 calendar-months from the date of issue).

Note:              The address of a company or corporation can be used in lieu of the airman’s foreign home address on the temporary airman certificate; however, the airman still must provide his or her residence address with the application package.

2)          Complete and sign the Inspector’s Record section located on the bottom of the front side of the FAA Form 8400-3, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating. The inspector will check the Temporary Airman Certificate Issued block, date the application with the same date as the temporary airman certificate, sign, and annotate the FAA office number. The inspector will annotate the airman’s identification information on the reverse side of the FAA Form 8400-3. The Remarks section can be used for any comments or anything to help make the application more understandable.

3)          Attach the original FAA Form 8060-4 to the application and send the package to AFS-760 along with the verification letter and copies of the applicant’s foreign airman’s certificate, medical certificate, and any other required documentation. Ensure the inspector’s certificate number is annotated on the temporary airman certificate in order for AFS-760 to capture the correct statistical information.

4)          Ensure that this work activity, code 1535, is recorded into the Program Tracking and Reporting Subsystem (PTRS) and returned to the applicant.

Figure 12-10, Sample Completed FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman Certificate

F.          Amendment to Special Purpose Airman Certificates. When two foreign operators employ an airman part time, the inspector must issue to the airman an amended special purpose airman certificate. The inspector must also ensure that the limitation section of the certificate lists both lessees.

G.      Termination of Special Purpose Flight Engineer and Flight Navigator Certificates. Special purpose flight engineer and flight navigator certificates terminate when any of the following conditions occur:

·              The lease agreement applicable to U.S.-registered aircraft expires;

·              The foreign airman certificate or license or medical documentation is suspended, revoked, or no longer valid;

·              Twenty-four months after the month in which the special purpose flight crewmember certificate was issued; or

·              An airman terminates, or is terminated from, employment with a foreign lessee.

H.      Surrender of Special Purpose Flight Engineer and Flight Navigator Certificates. Section 63.23(f) requires the holder of a special purpose flight crewmember certificate to surrender the certificate to the appropriate FAA field office within 7 days after the date it terminates. Each certificate surrendered to the Administrator will be mailed to AFS–760.

I.            Renewal of Special Purpose Airman Certificates and Special Purpose Pilot Authorizations.

1)          Special purpose airman certificates (§ 63.23) may be renewed by completing FAA Form 8400-3. The airman must first complete the Verification of Authenticity of Foreign License, Rating, and Medical Certification form before the issuance of the FAA Form 8060-4. Once the foreign license has been verified, the inspector will review and sign Form 8400-3, verifying that the information is accurate. The inspector must forward Forms 8400-3, 8060-4, and a copy of the airman certificate to the Airman Certification Branch, AFS-760, for Reissuance of the certificate.

2)          Special purpose pilot authorizations (§ 61.77) may be renewed from either the operator or the individual airman to the Flight Standards District Office having OpSpecs authority. The letter should contain a request that the airman’s qualification remain the same and must be signed by the appropriate air carrier authority or the individual airman seeking renewal. If the applicant is not requesting any new authorizations, the applicant does not have to submit the original documentation showing the meaning or translation of foreign certificates and ratings. For any new authorizations, the applicant must submit an Application—Special Purpose Pilot Authorization and appropriate documentation to an FAA inspector. The airman must first complete the Verification of Authenticity of Foreign License, Rating, and Medical Certification form before the renewal or new pilot authorization. The inspector must review and sign the application form or letter, whichever is applicable, verifying that the information and request is accurate. The inspector will then issue a new Special Purpose Pilot Authorization to the airman. The inspector must ensure that this work activity is recorded as code 1357 in PTRS.

RESERVED. Paragraphs 12-438 through 12-452.