EASA vs FAA Pilot Licence: Which Is Better?

For pilots planning their training or next career move, the EASA versus FAA question comes up regularly. Which qualification offers better opportunities? Can you train under one system and work under the other? Is holding both worth the additional commitment?

The useful answer starts with your intended operation and career market. Neither qualification is a universal passport to employment. The right route is the one that supports the flying you want to do, with a realistic plan for meeting the relevant licensing and employer requirements.

What Do EASA and FAA Qualifications Mean?

In everyday conversation, pilots often say “EASA licence.” More precisely, the national aviation authorities of EASA Member States issue licences under the applicable European framework. EASA itself does not issue pilot licences, as its licensing guidance explains.

The FAA is the United States aviation authority. Its terminology uses “pilot certificate,” with different certificates and ratings for different privileges. In a career discussion, comparing an EASA qualification with an FAA certificate only makes sense when you are comparing the relevant level and associated privileges.

A private qualification and a professional qualification are not interchangeable. Likewise, a licence or certificate must be considered together with its ratings, limitations and the requirements of the operation.

Start With Your Intended Market

Before choosing a training route, identify where you want to work and which qualifications your target operators accept.

• If you are targeting operators requiring an EASA Part-FCL licence: plan around that requirement, including any necessary conversion of existing qualifications.
• If you are targeting operations requiring FAA certification: establish the certificate, ratings and experience applicable to the role and operation.
• If you are considering other international markets: check the relevant local authority and employer requirements rather than assuming either qualification is accepted automatically.

The location of a flight school alone does not tell you which qualification you will receive. Ask who oversees the training, which approval applies and which authority will issue the qualification.

For the practical steps involved in a European job search, see our guide to getting a pilot job in Europe.

Compare the Complete Route, Not Just the Course

Training decisions are easier to assess when you compare the same end point. A quoted course may cover only part of the pathway you need.

Ask each provider to explain:

• The qualification and ratings awarded on completion.
• The entry requirements and assessment process.
• What is included in theoretical and practical training.
• Which examinations, tests or additional training remain outside the course.
• How training records and experience will be documented.
• What would be required if you later move to another licensing system.

Consider the full commitment, including travel, accommodation, medical assessments, examination arrangements and time away from work. Avoid treating a lower initial course price as proof of a less costly career route.

MHC Aviation's flight training services with partner organisations provide context for exploring relevant aircraft training options. Confirm the approval and suitability of any programme for your own licensing position.

Can You Convert Between EASA and FAA?

There are routes for recognising existing qualifications, but the process depends on what you hold and what privileges you want to obtain. “Conversion” should never be treated as a promise that one document can simply be exchanged for another.

For pilots seeking a Part-FCL licence on the basis of a third-country licence, EASA points to Regulation (EU) 2020/723 and the relevant national authority. Its third-country licence conversion guidance advises applicants to contact the authority where they reside or wish to work for the applicable acceptance requirements.

For relevant FAA applications based on foreign qualifications, the FAA requires verification of the foreign licence and associated medical documentation as applicable. Follow its foreign licence verification process and establish the route for the specific certificate sought.

A particularly important distinction is FAA Section 61.75: this concerns a private pilot certificate based on a foreign licence. It is not, by itself, a shortcut to commercial or airline employment. The FAA's Section 61.75 guidance describes the private privileges and limitations.

Before committing to a move, ask the receiving authority and an appropriately approved training provider which credits, examinations, tests and records apply to your circumstances.

A Licence Does Not Establish Work Eligibility

Licensing and permission to work are separate questions. Holding a qualification accepted for a role does not automatically establish the right to take employment in the country concerned.

Check your employment eligibility early, together with the employer's stated conditions. A technically suitable route may still require additional planning around location, residence or work permission.

Keep the distinction clear in applications: describe your qualification accurately and answer work-eligibility questions on their own terms.

What Matters to Recruiters Beyond the Licence?

The authority named on your qualification is one part of your profile. A vacancy may also specify aircraft experience, recent flying, hours on type, medical certification, language proficiency and availability.

Compare your background against the actual opening rather than relying on the broad recognition of a licensing system. The relevant combination of qualifications and experience matters more than collecting credentials without a target role.

Our guide to what airlines look for in pilot CVs explains how to present those details clearly.

Should You Hold Both Qualifications?

Holding qualifications under both systems may support a specific career plan. It also creates additional responsibilities: understand the medical, rating, currency and administrative requirements that apply when exercising each set of privileges.

Ask what a second qualification would enable you to do now, which realistic opportunities it would support and how you would maintain it. If the answer is uncertain, investigate the target market before committing to another course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an EASA licence better than an FAA certificate?

Neither is universally better. Compare the privileges and requirements relevant to your intended operation, then choose a route aligned with your career market and employment eligibility.

Does an FAA certificate automatically qualify me for a European pilot job?

No. Check the licence accepted by the operator and whether conversion or validation is required for the intended operation. Assess work eligibility separately.

Does an EASA licence automatically convert into an FAA commercial certificate?

No. Identify the FAA route for the certificate sought. A private certificate based on a foreign licence under Section 61.75 is different from professional certification.

The MHC Take

Choose the qualification that supports a clear next step. Start with the operation, verify the licensing route and understand the experience and employment conditions before committing to training.

At MHC Aviation, we connect aviation professionals with opportunities across international markets. Explore current aviation job opportunities and use the requirements of suitable roles to guide your planning. A focused route is more useful than a qualification chosen without a destination.