Naval aviator or Marine pilot + passed MCN test + NATOPS Evaluation Report (OPNAV 3710/7) + instrument and flight-log records → FAA commercial certificate with instrument rating, issued on the video call. Rotary-wing Marines: the same rule gives you rotorcraft-helicopter.
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 Naval Aviators and Marine Corps pilots — active duty, Reserve, or former
- Fixed-wing and rotary-wing: the certificate follows the category and class your records show (Marine and Navy helicopter pilots, see the helicopter page for the rotorcraft specifics)
- No limit on time since separation — the records carry it
Not eligible: a pilot removed from flying status for lack of proficiency or for a disciplinary action involving aircraft operations.
Your Navy / Marine Corps document checklist
- OPNAV 3710/7 — NATOPS Evaluation Report, graded Qualified or Conditionally Qualified, crew position pilot — the proficiency check
- OPNAV 3710/2 — NATOPS Instrument Rating Request — the instrument side
- OPNAV 3760/31 — Aviator's Flight Log Book and OPNAV 3760/32 — NATOPS Flight Personnel Training/Qualification Jacket — aircraft and category/class evidence
- Your designation as a Naval Aviator (orders) — the rating
- 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
Personal logbooks can back up the official records, but they can't stand in for them — that's FAA policy, not mine.
Type ratings for Navy and Marine airframes
The FAA's list of comparable civilian types (Order 8900.1, Figure 5-88) includes:
- P-3 → L-188
- C-40A → B-737; C-9 → DC-9; E-6 → B-707/720
- KC-130 / C-130 (every series except the J) → L-382; the KC-130J has none
- MH-60 / SH-60 / HH-60 → S-70; CH-53D → SK-65; CH-46E → H46E
- The P-8 is not on the list. More: P-8 pilots
No type rating still means commercial, multi-engine (or helicopter) and instrument. I check your exact models against the list before the call.
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
NATOPS jacket and an MCN? You're one video call from FAA commercial.
Submit the form — your document page opens with the Navy / Marine checklist. $200 flat.
Schedule your Navy / Marine conversion →Frequently asked
How does the Navy or Marine Corps military competency conversion work, and what does it cost?
Which NATOPS paperwork proves the proficiency check?
I fly helicopters in the Marine Corps. Does this apply?
Do I get a P-8 type rating?
Can I do this while deployed or on a ship?
Is there a time limit on my last NATOPS check?
← Back to the Military Competency (MCE / MIE) hub · every branch and airframe page is listed there.