FAA 61.75 Certificate: What It Is and Who Needs It

Asst.Prof.Capt.Dr. Gema Goeyardi,MCFI,ATP
a few seconds ago
3 min read

What Is the FAA 61.75 Certificate?

The FAA 61.75 certificate is an FAA pilot certificate issued on the basis of a foreign pilot license under 14 CFR 61.75. faa.gov

It allows you to exercise certain FAA privileges in the US using your foreign license as the underlying qualification.

This is why many pilots call it a “piggyback” certificate, but you should think of it as: FAA recognition of your foreign license, with conditions.

Who Should Get a 61.75 Certificate?

You should consider 61.75 if:

You already hold a valid foreign PPL
You want to fly N registered aircraft in the US
You want FAA privileges without repeating full FAA PPL training
You are visiting for flying or building experience

You should not rely on 61.75 if:

You want a long term FAA career path
You plan to progress into higher FAA certificates quickly
Your foreign license status is uncertain Because if your foreign license becomes invalid, your 61.75 privileges can be affected.

The Most Important Rule: Verification First

Before the FAA issues a certificate based on a foreign license, the FAA must obtain verification from your CAA that your license and medical are valid and current. faa.gov

If you remember only one thing from this article, remember this: No verification, no certificate.

How the 61.75 Certificate Works in Real Life

Your FAA privileges are tied to your foreign license

This is not a standalone FAA PPL in the usual sense.

Think of it like a bridge. If the bridge support disappears, the bridge is no longer reliable.

Expect limitations and conditions

Many 61.75 certificates include limitations referencing:

The underlying foreign license
Any restrictions on that license
English proficiency or operational limitations if applicable

Step by Step: How to Get the FAA 61.75 Certificate

Step 1: Confirm your license and medical are current

Do this before anything else.

Step 2: Submit foreign license verification request

The FAA requires this verification for 61.75 issuance. faa.gov

Step 3: Schedule issuance appointment

You will typically complete issuance through:

FSDO
DPE
Authorized FAA representative

Step 4: Bring the right documents

Bring originals and backups:

Passport
Foreign license
Foreign medical
Verification confirmation
Logbook or proof of experience if requested

Step 5: Understand what you are receiving

Do not walk out of the appointment without reading:

Certificate limitations
Any endorsements or requirements
How your privileges tie to your foreign license status

Pilot Insight (What Instructors See)

When a pilot gets frustrated with 61.75, it is usually for one reason: They expected it to function like a full FAA certificate without strings attached.

The pilots who are happiest with 61.75 treat it as:

A practical access tool
A bridge into FAA flying
A community stepping stone

If that is your mindset, you will love it.

Action Guide (Use This to Decide)

Should I get a 61.75 certificate or a standalone FAA PPL?

Ask yourself:

How long will I fly in the US? Short term, 61.75 may be perfect.
Do I need FAA ratings long term? If yes, consider going standalone eventually.
Is my foreign license stable and easy to maintain? If it is complicated, your FAA privileges may become complicated too.
What is my end goal? If your goal is ATP pathway in the US, plan beyond 61.75.

FAQ (SEO Style Questions)

1) What is an FAA 61.75 certificate?

It is an FAA pilot certificate issued on the basis of a foreign pilot license under 14 CFR 61.75. faa.gov

2) Who qualifies for a 61.75 certificate?

Pilots with valid foreign licenses who complete FAA foreign license verification and meet issuance requirements. faa.gov

3) Does the 61.75 certificate expire?

The certificate itself may not expire like a medical, but your privileges can be affected if your foreign license is not valid.

4) Can I use a 61.75 certificate to fly an N registered aircraft?

That is one of the most common reasons pilots obtain it, depending on the limitations and compliance.

5) Do I need FAA training for 61.75?

Not in the same way as a full FAA PPL, but you must comply with FAA issuance and operating requirements.

6) What is the biggest mistake pilots make with 61.75?

Assuming it is identical to a standalone FAA PPL without understanding the limitations.

Conclusion and Community CTA

The FAA 61.75 certificate is one of the best tools for international pilots who want legitimate FAA access without restarting from zero.

But the real power of 61.75 is community knowledge. There are hundreds of pilots who have done this already, and the best shortcuts are learned pilot to pilot.

If you already have a 61.75, comment below: