Build Flight Hours in the Southwestern United States
Come to California for structured hour building, 50-hour cross-country packages, PPL validation support, accommodation options, and instructor-supported flights through some of the most memorable flying environments in the U.S.
Efficient hour building, real cross-country experience, and California flying.
International Hour Building is for pilots who already hold a private pilot license and want to add meaningful flight time in the United States. The goal is simple: build hours, gain confidence in U.S. airspace, and experience the Southwest with the support of Sling Pilot Academy.
Our team can help you understand the PPL validation process, plan your 50-hour cross-country package, coordinate instructor-supported flights, and review accommodation options for your stay.
Good fit for: international pilots who want U.S. flight experience, structured time building, cross-country exposure, and support getting oriented to FAA procedures while flying in the U.S.
Program TypeHour BuildingNot a rating pathway
Flight FocusXC TimeSouthwestern routes
What your hour building package can include
A flexible U.S. hour building experience for international pilots, with support for FAA validation, cross-country planning, flight review, and accommodation options in Southern California.
50-Hour XCPlanned cross-country flying
FAA ValidationGuidance for foreign PPL holders
Flight ReviewCFI-led U.S. airspace orientation
Housing OptionsAccommodation support available
Modern Sling Aircraft
Build time in a modern, efficient aircraft environment with glass cockpit experience and support from a professional flight school team.
50-Hour XC Packages
Plan meaningful cross-country flying instead of simply logging local laps. Routes can include coastal, mountain, desert, and complex airspace experience.
Accommodation Options
Ask our admissions team about housing options and logistics so your hour building trip is easier to plan from overseas.
How PPL validation works
A practical three-step guide for international pilots preparing to fly in the United States.
For pilots with at least an ICAO-compliant foreign PPLResults in a PPL “based on a foreign certificate”
Step 1
Submit Foreign License Verification
ActionCreate an account on the FAA IACRA system and submit a request for Foreign License Verification.
RequirementsUpload copies of your ICAO-compliant license and medical certificate.
TimelineThe FAA verifies your credentials with your home country's Civil Aviation Authority. This process typically takes 45 to 90 days.
ResultYou will receive a Verification of Authenticity letter, which acts as authorization to proceed to the next step.
Step 2
Document Check and Certificate Issuance
ActionWithin 6 months of receiving your FAA verification letter, you must appear in person.
WhereSchedule an appointment with a local FAA FSDO Office (free of charge) or a local Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) (fees generally range from $150 to $300).
What to bringYour foreign license, medical certificate, FAA verification letter, and a valid photo ID.
ResultThe examiner will issue your temporary FAA certificate on the spot. This certificate will be based on your foreign license and will carry the limitations described below.
Step 3
Complete a Flight Review
RequirementBefore you can act as Pilot in Command (PIC) or rent an aircraft in the U.S., you must pass a Flight Review (FAR 61.56) with a U.S. Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).
The flight reviewConsists of at least 1 hour of ground instruction covering U.S. airspace and rules, and 1 hour of flight demonstrating basic airmanship.
EndorsementOnce completed, the CFI will endorse your logbook, making your certificate fully active for U.S. operations.
For EU pilots with at least an EASA PPLThis results in an independent full FAA pilot certificate & works for most EU countries
Step 1
Submit Verification Request
ActionLog into the FAA IACRA System and select “Start Foreign License Verification Process.”
RequirementsSubmit your EASA PPL and medical certificate.
Step 2
Await Verification and Pass the Knowledge Test
VerificationThe FAA will contact your EU Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to verify your credentials.
ResultOnce approved, a verification letter valid for 6 months will be uploaded to your IACRA account.
Knowledge testTake and pass the “EU Part-FCL Conversion” knowledge test, designated as code PEP (Private Pilot Airplane), at an FAA-approved testing center.
Step 3
Visit an FAA Office or Examiner and Receive Your Certificate
AppointmentSchedule an in-person appointment with an FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).
What to bringThe Verification of Authenticity Letter, your EASA License and Class 1 or Class 2 Medical Certificate, photo ID such as a passport, and your PEP Knowledge Test Report.
ResultThe FAA examiner will process your IACRA application and issue your temporary FAA Private Pilot certificate on the spot. This FAA certificate will be stand alone and is not tethered to your foreign license.
Hold additional ratings? The TIP-L pathway isn’t limited to your private privileges. If you hold additional ratings, you can use TIP-L to transfer up to and including your instrument rating onto your FAA certificate.
Important rules for certificates “based on a foreign” while flying
Before renting or acting as PIC, keep your documents and Flight Review current.
International pilots using an FAA certificate based on a foreign license must keep the underlying foreign license and medical certificate active. A FAR 61.56 Flight Review with a U.S. Certified Flight Instructor is also required before acting as Pilot in Command or renting an aircraft in the United States.
Currency
Your FAA “piggyback” certificate is only valid as long as your foreign license and medical certificate remain active.
Required documents
You must carry both your foreign license and your FAA certificate, along with a current medical, every time you fly in the U.S.
Explore the Southwestern United States with an Instructor
Hour building can be more than numbers in a logbook. Fly real routes, see new terrain, and gain practical confidence in U.S. airspace.
Coastal Southern California
Experience ocean routes, coastal transitions, and busy controlled airspace near Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Pacific coastline.
Mountains and Desert
Build experience across changing terrain, density altitude considerations, and wide-open Southwest cross-country routes.
Instructor-Supported Flying
Fly with a U.S. instructor for orientation, confidence, and route support while you build useful time in an unfamiliar airspace system.
Make the trip worth it
Build hours during the day, then enjoy Southern California while you are here.
El Cajon / San Diego Area
East County, beaches, mountains, and year-round flying weather.
El Cajon gives pilots access to San Diego, the coast, mountain drives, desert routes, restaurants, hiking, and aviation-friendly weather for much of the year.
San Diego beaches and harbor
Mountain and desert day trips
Restaurants, breweries, and outdoor activities
Close access to varied flying environments
Los Angeles Area
Iconic Southern California routes and city experiences.
For pilots spending time near Los Angeles, the area offers complex airspace exposure, coastal flying, and plenty to explore outside the cockpit.
LA coastline and beach communities
Hollywood, museums, and entertainment
Santa Monica, Long Beach, and South Bay areas
Dense airspace experience with instructor support
Ready to build hours in California?
Tell us about your license, current hours, timeline, and travel plans. Our international admissions team can help outline PPL validation, flight review, 50-hour cross-country options, and accommodation.
It is for licensed international pilots who want to build flight time in the United States, gain cross-country experience, and become familiar with FAA procedures and U.S. airspace.
Yes. To act as Pilot in Command or rent an aircraft in the U.S., you need appropriate FAA privileges based on your foreign license, plus a completed Flight Review with a U.S. Certified Flight Instructor.
The FAA foreign license verification process typically takes 45 to 90 days because the FAA must verify your credentials with your home country's Civil Aviation Authority.
Yes. The page is built around 50-hour cross-country packages for international pilots. Admissions can help review your goals, timing, validation status, and accommodation needs.
Accommodation options may be available depending on timing and location. Ask the admissions team what housing options make sense for your planned hour building dates.
