FAA vs EASA — Which Pilot License Should You Get?

Choosing between an FAA and EASA license is one of the most important decisions in your aviation career. Each authority has different requirements, costs, and career implications. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the right choice.

Overview: FAA vs EASA

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governs aviation in the United States, while the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) covers 31 European states. Both produce highly qualified pilots, but their approaches differ significantly.

Training Requirements

FAA

• PPL: Minimum 40 hours flight time (average 60-70 hours)
• CPL: Minimum 250 hours total time
• ATPL: 1,500 hours total time (1,000 for restricted ATPL)
• Theory exams: Single written test per certificate
• Training structure: More flexible, allows modular progression

EASA

• PPL: Minimum 45 hours flight time (average 55-65 hours)
• CPL: Minimum 200 hours total time (integrated) or 250 hours (modular)
• ATPL: 1,500 hours total time
• Theory exams: 13 written exams covering all ATPL subjects
• Training structure: More structured, especially in integrated programs

Theory Exams

This is where the biggest difference lies. FAA requires a single knowledge test per certificate level, while EASA requires passing all 13 ATPL theory subjects. The EASA exams are widely considered more rigorous.

EASA ATPL subjects include:

Air Law, Aircraft General Knowledge, Instrumentation, Mass & Balance, Performance, Flight Planning, Human Performance, Meteorology, General Navigation, Radio Navigation, Operational Procedures, Principles of Flight, and Communications.

Studying for 13 exams requires serious commitment — typically 12-18 months for the theory phase alone.

Costs

FAA (approximate)

• PPL: $10,000 - $15,000
• CPL: $30,000 - $50,000
• ATPL (including type rating): $80,000 - $120,000

EASA (approximate)

• PPL: $10,000 - $18,000
• CPL (integrated): $80,000 - $140,000
• CPL (modular): $50,000 - $90,000
• ATPL frozen + type rating: $100,000 - $180,000

EASA training tends to be more expensive, particularly in integrated programs. However, modular EASA training can be competitive with FAA costs.

Career Prospects

With an FAA License

• Direct employment with US airlines
• Strong demand: US airlines face a significant pilot shortage
• Starting salaries at regional airlines: $50,000 - $80,000
• Major airline captains: $200,000 - $400,000+
• License recognized in many countries with bilateral agreements

With an EASA License

• Employment across 31 European states
• Growing demand, especially post-pandemic recovery
• Starting salaries vary widely by country: EUR 30,000 - 70,000
• Major airline captains: EUR 100,000 - 250,000+
• License recognized in many countries worldwide

License Conversion

Converting between FAA and EASA is possible but involves additional exams and flight checks:

• FAA to EASA: Requires passing all 13 ATPL theory exams plus a skill test
• EASA to FAA: Requires passing the FAA written test plus a checkride — generally considered easier

Many pilots obtain both licenses to maximize career flexibility.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose FAA if:

• You plan to fly in the United States
• You want a more flexible training structure
• You prefer fewer theoretical exams
• You want to start earning sooner (lower hour requirements for some certificates)

Choose EASA if:

• You plan to fly in Europe
• You want the most globally recognized license
• You prefer a more structured training program
• You are comfortable with extensive theoretical study

Consider DGAC if:

• You plan to fly in Latin America
• You want training in Spanish
• Regional opportunities align with your career goals

Preparing for Either Path

Regardless of which authority you choose, thorough preparation for theory exams is critical. Rotate supports all three major authorities — FAA, EASA, and DGAC — with tailored content for each. Start with the free plan to explore the material before committing to a training path.