Le mardi 28 février 2017 16:18:05 UTC+1, Ross a écritÂ*:
The EASA say that the glider licence is valid worldwide, but the US say it is not. NZ is the same.

So why did we all go to the hassel of getting EASA licences? It does make you wonder...

First, there are two EASA gliding licences: the SPL that is ICAO-conform and is thus "valid" wordlwide; or the LAPL(S) that is non-conform and is only valid in EASA countries.

But "valid" doesn't mean you can use it exactly like at home. You have to adjust to local regulations. It's the same the other way round: you'll need a validation for an American licence in Europe. This is what EASA says:

ANNEX III
CONDITIONS FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF LICENCES ISSUED BY OR ON BEHALF OF THIRD COUNTRIES
A. VALIDATION OF LICENCES
General
1. A pilot licence issued in compliance with the requirements of Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention by a third country may be validated by the competent authority of a Member State. Pilots shall apply to the competent authority of the Member State where they reside or are established, or, if they are not residing in the territory of the Member States, where the operator for which they are flying or intend to fly has its principal place of business..
2. The period of validation of a licence shall not exceed 1 year, provided that the basic licence remains valid.