Military Pilot FAA Certification Process

So, you're beginning the process of transitioning from flying for the military to a career in civil aviation. Congratulations! The first step in this process is to obtain your FAA pilot certificate. Below are the steps you need to complete to have the FAA issue you a pilot certificate based on your military flight training.

Step 1: Military Competency Non-Category (MCN) Exam

This 50-question multiple-choice exam covers a wide range of FAA and CFR-related topics, including both airplane and helicopter-specific questions, as well as FAA regulations that may differ from military rules. The exam can be taken at FAA-approved centers or some military testing centers (typically free). It costs around $175 at FAA centers but is often free at military centers. The test draws from a question bank of nearly 1,000 items.

To prepare, we recommend the Sheppard Air study guide ($45), which covers the full question bank: Sheppard Air MCN Study Guide. Their method has helped many pilots score above 95% on FAA written tests.

Step 2: Getting Your FAA Ratings

Once you pass the MCN exam, you can apply for the FAA ratings based on your military aircraft experience. This includes obtaining a Commercial Pilot Certificate (e.g., Airplane Multi-Engine Land, Rotorcraft Helicopter) and an Instrument Rating (Instrument-Airplane). You may also be eligible for a type rating based on your military aircraft (e.g., KC-135 to B-707). To check eligibility for a type rating, refer to the FAA PILOT CERTIFICATE AIRCRAFT TYPE DESIGNATIONS – AIRPLANE chart (Google it). You can’t simply apply to add any rating to your certificate. According to 14 CFR 61.73(b), to qualify for a rating, you must:

Have passed a U.S. military pilot and instrument proficiency check for the aircraft category and class you're applying for, or
Have logged at least 10 hours of flight time in that category, class, and type (if applicable).

Step 3: Apply Through IACRA

To initiate the process, visit the FAA’s IACRA site to apply for your desired rating. Create an account, receive your FTN number, and submit your application. Keep your FTN number safe, as it’s essential for processing your certificate.

Note for V-22, F-35B, and AV-8 Harrier pilots:

V-22 (Osprey) pilots are eligible to receive the following FAA commercial pilot certificate ratings via military competency (based solely on the V-22):
- Powered-Lift
- Instrument Powered-Lift
- Airplane Multi-Engine Land
- Instrument Airplane
AV-8 (Harrier) and F-35B STOVL pilots are eligible for the following FAA commercial pilot certificate ratings via military competency (based solely on those aircraft):
- Powered-Lift
- Instrument Powered-Lift
- Airplane Single-Engine Land
- Instrument Airplane

Step 4: Schedule a Review with a FSDO or DPE

After submitting your IACRA application, schedule an appointment with a FSDO or DPE to review your application and issue a temporary certificate while your permanent one is processed. Many FSDOs now offer video consultations. Use the FAA’s FSDO search website to find the FSDO that serves your area: FAA FSDO Search.

Documents Needed for FSDO Review:

ID: Refer to the approved list of documents here.
Proof of Military Pilot Status: Acceptable documents include:
- An official U.S. Armed Forces aeronautical order of flight status as a rated military pilot
- An official U.S. Armed Forces form or logbook showing flight status as a rated military pilot
- An official U.S. Armed Forces aeronautical order showing graduation from a U.S. Armed Forces pilot training school
- An official U.S. Armed Forces record showing the completion of a pilot proficiency check and instrument proficiency check in an aircraft

Acceptable records for the above:

Air Force: Individual flight crew record (computer printout), AF Form 8 (Certificate of Aircrew Qualification)
Army: ARMY Form DA-759 (Individual Flight Record and Flight Certificate)
Coast Guard: OPNAVFORM 3710-31 (Aviators Flight Log Book)
Navy and Marine Corps: OPNAVFORM 3760-31 (Aviators Flight Logbook), OPNAV 3710/2 (NATOPS Instrument Rating Request)
MCN Test Report: Proof of passing the written exam.

Example: U.S. Army Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot

If you're a U.S. Army Blackhawk pilot applying for an FAA Commercial Pilot certificate, you will be applying for an FAA Commercial Rotorcraft-Helicopter certificate, an Instrument-Rotorcraft certificate, and an S-70 type rating.

Once you complete these steps, you'll be officially an FAA-certificated Commercial Pilot—an essential step in transitioning to a civilian aviation career.