European License

Mark Lenox wrote:
Does anyone know if it is possible to get a European pilot's license based
on a US license?

If so, what does it take? Is there only paperwork, or is a checkride
involved?

I contacted the German Embassy about this at one point. I was told that
you could only fly in Germany on a US license if you were flying an
N-registered aircraft, otherwise you would need a German license. They
said that there was reciprocity, so it was simply paperwork, no additional
checkrides, exams, etc. There was no mention of a fee, although I don't
know that there isn't one. I believe that any license issued by a member
country of ICAO can be used to obtain an equivalent license in any other
ICAO member country with just paperwork.

The British are of course an exception because their glider "licenses" are
issued by the BGA and not by an ICAO recognized organization. I think
this decision shortchanges British citizens by making it more difficult
for their citizens to fly abroad.

dan