Originally Posted by BruceGreeff

Master





In Europe the - ICAO license validation process (Annexe 1 - 1.2) is
generally followed. Though it is not very specific.
Germany has many federal gliding "authorities" so the exact process will
probably vary depending on location.

The standards is pretty simple if you have an ICAO license already.
So - here is the consultant's guide - ICAO Annex 1, chapter 1 says -

1.2.2.1 When a Contracting State renders valid a licence
issued by another Contracting State, as an alternative to the
issuance of its own licence, it shall establish validity by
suitable authorization to be carried with the former licence
accepting it as the equivalent of the latter. When a State limits
the authorization to specific privileges, the authorization shall
specify the privileges of the licence which are to be accepted
as its equivalent. The validity of the authorization shall not
extend beyond the period of validity of the licence. The
authorization ceases to be valid if the licence upon which it
was issued is revoked or suspended.
Note.— This provision is not intended to preclude the State
that issued the licence from extending, by a suitable notification,
the period of validity of the licence without necessarily
requiring either the physical return of the licence or the
appearance of the licence holder before the Authorities of that
State.
1.2.2.2 When an authorization under 1.2.2.1 is issued for
use in commercial air transport operations, the Licensing
Authority shall confirm the validity of the other Contracting
State’s licence before issuing the authorization.
1.2.2.3 Recommendation.— A pilot licence issued by a
Contracting State should be rendered valid by other Contracting
States for use in private flights.
Note.— Contracting States which, without formality, render
valid a licence issued by another Contracting State for use in
private flights are encouraged to notify this facility in their
Aeronautical Information Publications.

What it means is that the Gliding authority of the state you are flying
in , and specifically the state of registration of the aircraft you are
flying - validates your license according to national rules. If you have
an ICAO recognised Glider Pilot's license, and a valid medical of at
least the level required in the country you are flying, it should be a
formality. You may be required to pass local English proficiency and Air
LAw exams. The validation may not be issued for longer than the validity
of your national license.

Generally best to join a club, join the national gliding organisation,
validate license.

There you go - lots of facts , and you are not really any better off
than before. Except you know what rules to quote when the people on the
other side don't know how to do this.

I wrote the process for this in South Africa, based on what happens in
Europe, New Zealand etc...

n 2012/04/30 8:14 AM, POPS wrote:
Question for the Europeans -or others- that know the facts, only the
facts ma'am....:

What happens when a US pilot shows up to fly in Europe, like Germany
Austria and Switzerland for any number of months? Perhaps joining a
club to help facilitate things.
Any preparation to be done here in the US beforehand? Medical required
over there? Language barriers based on required reading/testing?.....

What lays ahead. I hope it's not a insanely massive paperwork chase
like other stuff I've ground through over there.
Thanks





--
Bruce Greeff
T59D #1771