How to convert your ICAO Pilot License to JCAB
For license conversions, the overall process is generally the same as long as your license was issued by an ICAO member state. However, some countries such as the Philippines and Australia may require you to submit additional documentation during the conversion process.
1. Check flight time requirements
First, we strongly recommend verifying that your flight hours meet JCAB requirements. The minimum required time varies depending on the license you are converting. You can find the exact standards on the official JCAB website. If you are unsure whether your current flight time qualifies, it is best to contact JCAB directly for confirmation.
Private Pilot License (PPL) — Fixed-Wing
Minimum age: 17 years or older
Total flight time: 40 hours or more
Solo flight time: 10 hours or more
Cross-country flight: 5 hours or more of solo cross-country flight, including at least one flight of 270 km (145 NM) or more with intermediate landings at 2 or more airports
Night flight: 3 hours or more, including 5 or more takeoffs and landings
Commercial Pilot License (CPL) — Fixed-Wing
Minimum age: 18 years or older
Total flight time: 200 hours or more
Pilot in command: 100 hours or more
Cross-country flight: 20 hours or more as pilot in command, including at least one flight of 540 km or more with intermediate landings at 2 or more airports
Night flight: 5 hours or more as pilot in command, including at least 5 takeoffs and landings
Instrument flight: 10 hours or more
Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) — Fixed-Wing
Minimum age: 21 years or older
Total flight time: 1,500 hours or more
Pilot in command: 250 hours or more, including 100 hours or more of cross-country flight
Cross-country flight: 200 hours or more
Night flight: 100 hours or more
Instrument flight: 75 hours or more
For the full and official requirements, please refer to the MLIT website.
2. Pass the JCAB Aviation Medical Exam
JCAB aviation medicals are generally stricter than FAA medicals. While the Class 3 medical is not extremely restrictive, it is still best to complete it before starting any other part of the conversion process. This ensures you are medically eligible from the outset. You can check which institutions provide the medical exams on the Japan Aeronautical Research Center's official website. For instructions on how to book your medical exam, please refer to the guide below.
3. Apply and take the airmen's academic exam
Now that you have confirmed you are eligible to fly legally, the next step is to apply for and take the airmen's academic exam. This exam verifies that you meet JCAB's airman knowledge requirements and are qualified to operate an aircraft under Japanese regulations. You must formally apply for the academic portion of this certification, and the detailed steps can be found on the official JCAB website.
You must also purchase Form 19 and submit it to the JCAB along with the necessary documents.
4. Apply for your pilot competency certificate
After passing your academic exam, you will receive a confirmation letter stating that you passed. Do not throw this document away. You will need it for the licensing process.
Next, purchase Form 19-2 from Houbun Books using this link. This is the actual application for your pilot competency certificate. Be careful not to confuse it with Form 19, which looks similar but serves a completely different purpose. Just like Form 19, the Form 19-2 package includes detailed instructions on how to complete and submit the application. If you are unsure at any step, contact the Aviation Bureau. They can guide you through the process and help ensure everything is filled out correctly.
5. Apply and take the Aeronautical Service (or Special) Radio Operator Exam
Refer to the guide below for a detailed explanation of the application process, required documents, and how to prepare for the exam.
6. Join a Flight Club
Once you have passed all the required exams and confirmed that your medical certificate is valid, the next step is to join a flight club.
More detailed guidance on how to join flight clubs can be found in our guide below.
7. Go out and fly!
Once you have completed all the exams and joined a flight club, you are finally ready to go out and fly.
Happy flying! 🛫