The short answer

MCE / MIE are administrative conversions under 14 CFR 61.73. Your military qualification + the FAA knowledge test is the eligibility; the DPE verifies and signs. No additional checkride. $200 flat.

What MCE and MIE actually are

The FAA recognizes U.S. military pilot and instructor credentials under 14 CFR 61.73. The conversion is administrative, not a new practical test. Two distinct pathways:

Both are issued by a DPE in an administrative video appointment.

Many military pilots pursue both — MCE first to get the commercial certificate, then MIE to add the CFI.

Who's eligible

Per §61.73 and FAA guidance, you're eligible if you:

The one reg-level disqualifier, straight from §61.73(a): a pilot who was removed from flying status for lack of proficiency, or because of a disciplinary action involving aircraft operations, cannot use the military competency pathway. Everything else — years since separation, branch, airframe — is a documentation question, not a bar.

Instrument rating: §61.73(d) adds it in the same action when your Armed Forces record shows you passed a military instrument proficiency check in the category and are instrument-qualified to fly Federal airways. Most MCE applicants leave with commercial + instrument together.

The FAA military competency test — MCN and MCI

The knowledge test is the one thing you complete before the appointment, at any FAA (PSI) testing center. Two tests, one per pathway:

Test results are valid for 24 calendar months. There's no endorsement or eligibility prerequisite to sit for either test — but passing it doesn't make you eligible by itself; the military record does. Book the test first, then submit the contact form: the appointment can usually be scheduled the same week your result is in hand.

How the appointment runs

The video appointment is typically 20–30 minutes:

  1. Identity verification
  2. Review of military service-record documentation
  3. Confirmation of valid medical
  4. Knowledge test result verification
  5. IACRA application sign-off
  6. Issuance of temporary certificate

Temporary certificate is valid immediately. Permanent plastic arrives in 4–6 weeks.

What you'll need

After contact form submission, you'll receive a Military Competency document checklist:

Air Force pilots — no Form 8? That's normal now. The Air Force stopped issuing AF Form 8s to graduating UPT students. In its place, your flying training squadron admin office issues a "Memorandum for Flight Standards District Office" — ask for it by name, ideally before you PCS. The FAA accepts that memorandum (FAA Order 8900.1 lists it as an acceptable Air Force record), and it processes here exactly like a Form 8. Your aeronautical orders still cover the wings/rating side; the memorandum covers the checkride side.

Active-duty / deployed pilots

Daytona DPE has processed military competency conversions for pilots stationed CONUS, OCONUS, and on deployment. Time zones factor into scheduling but a stable internet connection is the only physical requirement. If you're navigating a deployment timeline, mention it in the contact form — same-week appointments are usually possible.

Two more military-only fixes, same appointment

Pricing — $200 flat

$200 flat. Paid by credit card, Venmo, or Zelle after the appointment. No charge if you're determined not yet eligible during the appointment.

More on pricing → View pricing details

Free resources

IACRA Walkthrough — Military Competency / MCE (PDF)

Step-by-step IACRA application to convert military pilot quals to commercial per 14 CFR §61.73.

IACRA Walkthrough — Military Instructor / MIE (PDF)

Step-by-step IACRA application to convert military instructor pilot quals to CFI per 14 CFR §61.73.

Related services

Ground Instructor Certificate

Many transitioning military pilots stack AGI/IGI for civilian instruction.

R-ATP to Unrestricted ATP

Separate process for upgrading an R-ATP to unrestricted ATP.

About the Examiner

Thomas Dowell — military aviation background.

Transitioning to civilian aviation?

Submit the contact form below — intake email within 24 hours, same-week appointment available.

Schedule MCE or MIE →

Frequently asked

What's the difference between MCE and MIE?
MCE (Military Competency Exam) converts military pilot credentials into an FAA Commercial Pilot certificate. MIE (Military Instructor Competency Exam) converts military flight instructor credentials into an FAA Flight Instructor certificate. Many military pilots pursue both — MCE first, then MIE — to finish with a complete civilian pilot and instructor set.
Do I need to take a checkride?
No. Military Competency conversions are administrative actions under 14 CFR 61.73. The qualifying credentials are your military qualification record and the FAA MCE or MIE knowledge test result. No additional practical test is required.
What is the FAA military competency test?
The MCN (Military Competence) knowledge test — 50 questions, 70% to pass, taken at any FAA/PSI testing center, valid 24 calendar months. Per §61.73(b)(2) it covers commercial pilot privileges and limitations, air traffic and general operating rules, and accident reporting rules. The instructor conversion uses the MCI (Military Competence Instructor) test instead, covering the §61.185(a) flight-instructor knowledge areas.
Do I get an instrument rating with the MCE?
Usually, yes. Under §61.73(d), the instrument rating is added in the same administrative action when your Armed Forces record shows a passed military instrument proficiency check in the aircraft category and instrument qualification to fly Federal airways. Most military pilots leave the appointment with commercial + instrument together.
Who is NOT eligible under §61.73?
The regulation names exactly one bar: a pilot removed from flying status for lack of proficiency or because of a disciplinary action involving aircraft operations. Time since separation is not a bar — veterans qualify on their records — and neither is branch or airframe, as long as the category/class evidence is there.
I'm a veteran with credentials from 10+ years ago. Am I still eligible?
Generally yes, provided your military service-record documentation is available and the FAA knowledge test result is current (within 24 calendar months). Eligibility doesn't expire just because you've been out — it depends on your records. Submit the contact form and we'll review.
Can active duty / deployed pilots do this virtually?
Yes. Daytona DPE conducts MCE and MIE conversions for pilots worldwide. Active, reserve, and veteran. Time zones factor into scheduling but the appointment runs the same regardless of location.
What military documentation do I need?
Your service record showing pilot or instructor qualification (DD-214 or service-record equivalent for veterans; current service record for active/reserve), most recent military flight evaluation (Form 8, Form 1801, CNATRA equivalent, etc.), and ID. Recent Air Force UPT graduates: the Air Force no longer issues Form 8s at graduation — your flying training squadron's Memorandum for Flight Standards District Office replaces it and is FAA-accepted. Detailed checklist sent after contact form submission.
I'm a recent Air Force UPT grad and never got an AF Form 8. Am I stuck?
No. The Air Force stopped issuing AF Form 8s to graduating UPT students. Your flying training squadron admin office issues a "Memorandum for Flight Standards District Office" in its place — request it by name, ideally before you PCS. FAA Order 8900.1 lists that memorandum as an acceptable Air Force record, so it processes exactly like a Form 8. Your aeronautical orders alone are not enough — they prove your rating, and the memorandum proves your checkrides.
Can I use my military medical?
For active and reserve pilots with a current military medical, yes — the military medical is recognized under §61.23 for MCE/MIE purposes. Veterans need an FAA medical of the appropriate class. The intake email confirms which applies to you.
Do I need to come to Florida?
No. All MCE and MIE conversions are conducted virtually. Daytona DPE has processed conversions for pilots worldwide.
How much does it cost?
$200 flat. Paid by credit card, Venmo, or Zelle after the appointment.
When does the permanent certificate arrive?
The temporary certificate is issued at the end of the appointment and is valid immediately. The permanent plastic certificate is mailed by the FAA within 4 to 6 weeks.