Coast Guard pilot + passed MCN test + your flight log book with instrument qualification recorded + pilot designation → FAA commercial certificate with instrument rating, fixed-wing or helicopter, issued on the video call.
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.
Who qualifies
- Designated Coast Guard aviators — active duty, Reserve, or former
- Fixed-wing (HC-130, HC-144, HC-27J) and rotary-wing (MH-60, MH-65) pilots alike — the rating follows the category and class in your records
Not eligible: a pilot removed from flying status for lack of proficiency or for a disciplinary action involving aircraft operations.
Your Coast Guard document checklist
- OPNAV 3710/31 — Aviator's Flight Log Book
- Instrument qualification as it appears in "Qualification and Achievements" (COMDTINST M3710.1G, Appendix E) — the instrument side
- Your pilot designation and your most recent proficiency/standardization check record
- Squadron or unit instructor designation letter, if you're also going for the CFI
- 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
Coast Guard paperwork doesn't look like Air Force paperwork, and that's fine — the FAA's acceptable-records guidance lists Coast Guard records separately. Send what you have ahead of time and I'll tell you if anything is missing before you pay.
Type ratings for Coast Guard airframes
- HC-130H → L-382 (the HC-130J has no civilian equivalent)
- MH-60 → S-70
- HC-144: it's a CN-235, and the FAA list has a CN-235 series entry — send the records and I'll confirm the type before the call
- MH-65 and HC-27J aren't on the FAA list — you get the category/class and instrument ratings without a type
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:
- Identity check against a government photo ID (military ID is fine)
- MCN test report and military records confirmed against §61.73
- Your IACRA application reviewed and signed live
- 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
Coast Guard wings and an MCN? One video call.
Submit the form — your document page opens with the Coast Guard checklist. $200 flat.
Schedule your Coast Guard conversion →Frequently asked
How does the Coast Guard military competency conversion work, and what does it cost?
Does §61.73 cover the Coast Guard?
I fly the MH-65. Do I get a type rating?
Do I need a checkride?
How old can my records be?
← Back to the Military Competency (MCE / MIE) hub · every branch and airframe page is listed there.