C-17 pilot to FAA commercial — no type rating, no problem

The rule, in plain English

14 CFR 61.73 lets a current or former U.S. military pilot turn military qualifications into an FAA commercial pilot certificate with the matching category and class rating, an instrument rating, and — where the FAA has a civilian equivalent — a type rating. There is no checkride. You pass one FAA knowledge test, you show official military records, and an examiner issues the certificate as an administrative action.

• The test: the MCN (Military Competence) knowledge test at any PSI testing center — commercial privileges and limitations, air traffic and general operating rules, accident reporting (§61.73(b)(2)). 50 questions, 70% to pass. The report prints its own expiration: 24 calendar months.
• The records: official records showing you are or were a military pilot, graduated military pilot training with a pilot rating, and passed a pilot proficiency check and instrument proficiency check (§61.73(h)(1)–(3)).
• The aircraft: for each rating, either a military pilot and instrument proficiency check in that category/class/type, or 10 hours of military pilot time in it (§61.73(b)(3)). Current FAA guidance says the 10 hours alone can't be the only basis — the proficiency-check record still has to be in the pile.
• The instrument rating: added in the same action when your records show a military instrument proficiency check in that category and that you're instrument-qualified to fly Federal airways (§61.73(d)).

The one bar in the regulation: a pilot removed from flying status for lack of proficiency, or because of a disciplinary action involving aircraft operations (§61.73(a)). That's it. Years since you separated is not a bar, and there is no expiry on the military check itself — veterans qualify on their records.

Why there's no C-17 type rating

§61.73(e) says a type rating can only be issued for an aircraft that has a comparable civilian type designation. The FAA's list of those (Order 8900.1, Figure 5-88, revised 07/2026) doesn't include the C-17 — or the C-5. So the Globemaster time can't become a type rating, whoever you ask. Any page that tells you otherwise is guessing.

That's less of a loss than it sounds. Airlines type you in their own equipment, and what they look for from a C-17 pilot is the FAA commercial, multi-engine and instrument ratings plus an ATP — and military pilots reach the restricted ATP at 750 hours. If you flew something that is on the list before the C-17 — a KC-135, a legacy C-130, a C-40, a T-1A — those records can still earn that type rating on the same call.

What you walk away with

• Commercial pilot certificate — airplane multi-engine land, plus single-engine if your records show single-engine military time (UPT usually does)
• Instrument-airplane, from your military instrument check (§61.73(d))
• The type rating above, where one exists

For the airline side, pair it with the restricted ATP: military pilots qualify for an R-ATP at 750 hours — see R-ATP for military pilots. Airlines type-rate you in their own equipment either way.

Your document checklist

• Aeronautical orders for your pilot rating
• Your most recent qualification / instrument evaluation for your branch — AF Form 8 (or the UPT memorandum), OPNAV 3710/7, and so on — naming the aircraft
• Flying history printout showing the airframe and your time in it
• MCN knowledge test report, unexpired
• Government photo ID or military ID; FAA medical or current military medical if you have one
• IACRA application started, with your FTN

Branch-specific lists: Air Force · Navy / Marine Corps · Coast Guard.

What the virtual appointment is

A 20-minute video call with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. Not a checkride, not an oral — an administrative review. Your documents are checked before the call, so the call itself is short:

1. Identity check against a government photo ID (military ID is fine)
2. MCN test report and military records confirmed against §61.73
3. Your IACRA application reviewed and signed live
4. Temporary certificate issued on the call — valid immediately. The FAA mails the plastic card later.

Works from a squadron office, a hotel room overseas, or a deployed location with decent internet. Booking needs 24 hours' notice so the FAA's oversight system (DMS) can be updated. Daytona DPE's FAA Certificate Letter of Authority (CLOA) carries Remote Technology Authorized for military competency — that's the FAA basis for doing this by video.

Pricing — $200 flat

No travel fees, no rescheduling fees, no charge if you're determined not eligible during the appointment. Details → Pricing

Related

Frequently asked

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