Overseas Licence Conversion

Converting a Private licence (PPL) is generally a pretty easy process. However, when converting a Commercial or Airline Transport licence, additional theory exams & flight tests are required. For short stays, a validation permit can be issued (for up to a year). We have helped many overseas pilots from a variety of different countries convert their licences & secure employment in Australia.

To commence the conversion process, candidates will need to apply to CASA for an overseas conversion. This process can be done overseas; however, it is easier to do in Australia.

See more information from CASA

PPL Licences:

CASA will issue a PPL without requiring any additional flight tests or theory exams. However, a flight review is still required to exercise the privileges of a flight crew licence.

CPL, MPL & ATPL Licences:

Once CASA has processed a candidate’s information, they will send a letter outlining the required theory exams & flight tests that need to be completed. For most pilots with a multi-engine instrument rating, this will include COSA (CPL Overseas Conversion Exam), CHUF (Human Factors), IREX (Instrument Rating Theory) & a CPL & Instrument rating flight test.

Flight Standards can help train & test all overseas candidates.

Already received a letter from CASA outlining the required steps to be completed? contact us to arrange a personalised training package.

Australia ASIC (Security Card).

Many aerodromes in Australia are security controlled & all operating personnel require an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC). The ASIC will almost certainly be required to undertake any commercial flying operations in australia.

The ASIC application costs approximately $500 & requires a current visa. Therefore, candidates must already be in Australia to complete this application.

Note that the ASIC application can take in excess of a month to process & so it is recommended that the application is submitted as soon as practicable after arriving in Australia.

Dangerous Goods Awareness

Pilots seeking employment in Australia are required to have completed a course in Dangerous Goods By Air: Awareness. Whilst larger companies may cover this training as part of induction, most GA operators require a prospective pilot to be qualified at the time of application. There are a number of training providers in Australia, most of whom provide the course online. The course will typically take up to one day to complete.

Regardless of which training provider is used, pilots must at a minimum have completed a course intended for Pilots (CASA Group C, IATA Category 10).

Useful official Australian law guides are listed below:

Understanding the structure of the CASR

Visual Flight Rules Guide (VFRG)

Part 91 Plain English Guide

Part 61 Plain English Guide

Pilot Guides

New Zealand TTMRA Conversion

Flight Standards has helped many Kiwi pilots find their first job in aviation. Before flying as a Pilot in Command (PIC) in Australia, all New Zealand pilots must complete a flight review (FR).

A Flight Review in Australia contains all the manoeuvres that would be expected in an NZ BFR. It is also common for a TTMRA Conversion FR to focus on the significant differences such as airspace, navigation techniques, weather avoidance, & fuel planning. Often, NZ pilots complete our GA Ready Course after their flight review.

We recommend that all aspiring Kiwi pilots complete the flight review in Darwin, as this is where most of the first charter jobs are located.

Below is a comprehensive guide designed to help with the licence conversion process.

TTMRA Conversion Guide

All attempts are made to keep the information below accurate & correct. However, this is only a guide & therefore any questions should be directed at the relevant aviation authority.

Step 1: Obtain a CASA aviation reference number (ARN).

This can be done in two different ways.

Option One (Easier Option): Apply online using a myCASA account.

This is the preferred option as it only requires one certified document instead of two.

1. Visit myCASA to set up an account Visit myCASA
2. Follow the steps under ‘Create a myCASA account with a username & password’.

Option Two: Apply for an ARN using the PDF form.

Go to CASA form 1162

Complete, scan & send the form to applications@casa.gov.au

Step 2: Submit an application to CAA New Zealand requesting verification of a Flight Crew Licence.

Option One (Easier option): Do it online through CAA’s online portal (Requires an account).

1. Visit CAA Online Portal for an account.
   CAA Online Portal
2. Click on ‘Service Requests’ & then click on ‘Request a licence verification’. This option does not require any identification documents to be submitted.
3. Once the application has been submitted, the CAA should release information within 10 working days.

Option Two: Apply using the PDF form.

Go to CAA Form 602

Once filled out & completed send it to licensing@caa.govt.nz

Step 3: Gather all relevant logbook evidence to support the application.

This includes the following information:

• Summary of logbook hours
• Student pilot training record – Aeroplane
• Evidence of ratings or licences requested to be recognised by CASA
• Aircraft Type Ratings Page
• Evidence of any Flight Tests/Ratings

Step 4: Obtain evidence of a current Aviation English Language Proficiency.

The back of a flight crew licence showing “English Proficiency Level _” is considered to be suitable evidence.

Step 5: Obtain a certified copy of current NZ licence & medical (front & back).

Read the bottom of this guide about how to certify copies.

Step 6: Complete CASA Form 61-9PIC Application (Lodgement of current photo with CASA).

Obtain a recent portrait photo of (less than 6 months old) & get it certified.
(Unlike the other documents that are required to be certified. Photos can be certified by a CASA DAME or DAO).

Step 7: Pay the fee for the TTMRA conversion.

1. Go to the CASA online payment portal.
   Note that for security purposes we have only provided a link to the CASA webpage which subsequently directs users to the secure payment facility.
   Visit CASA Fee Payment Options
2. Write the receipt number on Form 760
3. Attach the tax invoice/receipt to the application

Step 8: Complete Form 760 (TTMRA)

• Candidates must have a current NZ Class 1 Medical
• If converting an instrument rating, instructor rating, or aerial application, the rating must be current
• Holders of a NZ aerobatic rating can request spinning & aerobatics flight activities. However it must appear on the NZ Flight Crew Licence – Logbook evidence is not sufficient.
  A separate fee must have been paid to the CAA for an aerobatic rating to appear on a NZ licence.
• Candidates may be eligible for a multi-engine class rating if they hold a type rating in any multi-engine aircraft.
• Candidates are eligible for any design features that are applicable to NZ type ratings held
  For example, a pilot with a type rating on the DA42-L360 would be eligible for both RU (Retractable Undercarriage) & MPPC (Manual Propellor Pitch Control), whereas a pilot with a type rating on a P68 Partenavia would only be eligible for MPPC.

Step 9: Compile all relevant documents into one PDF & submit the application

Applications are submitted to applications@casa.gov.au & must include the following documents:

• Certified copy of NZ licence
• Certified copy of NZ medical
• All relevant logbook evidence.
• Australian Statutory Declaration
• AELP
• Form 61-9PIC
• NZ Flight Crew Licence Details (If already received from CAA)
• Tax Invoice/Receipt

CASA states it can take up to a month for the conversion process to be completed. In reality, this timeframe is unpredictable & varies often.

Certifying Documents in New Zealand

Below is a summary of all documents that are required to be certified.

• NZ Passport (For ARN application)
• NZ Medical
• NZ Pilot’s Licence
• Statutory Declaration (Can be done by various Australian professionals depending on their occupation)
• Photo front & back (Can also be certified by a CASA DAME or DAO)

CASA states that only a very specific list of individuals can certify documents overseas. See the list here.

Given the limited list it is not uncommon for a fee to be payable to the certifier.

New Zealand / Australian Medicals.

Under the TTMRA agreement, CASA will recognise a valid New Zealand Class 1 Medical until it expires.

Where a medical expires on an existing application that has not yet been finalised, it is possible that the candidate will be required to recommence the entire application once they have been issued an Australian medical.

It is therefore advisable to ensure any application is submitted with considerable time remaining on the NZ medical, or an Australian medical obtained prior to submission.

New Zealand Night Rating.

Australia has a separate Night VFR rating that is different to a New Zealand night rating, which is attached to a licence. Therefore, do not expect to be issued an Australian Night VFR Rating when converting a licence

Things to note:

Once a licence has been converted it must be activated. To activate an Australian licence, the candidate must complete a flight review. This flight review contains a ground component & a practical assessment which will likely focus on the key differences in law & procedures between the NZ & Australian aviation systems. It is therefore advisable to study the Australian aviation ruleset prior to attempting a flight review.

See “The Aviation laws that govern CASA”

Australia’s aviation system is ICAO compliant & so it is reasonable to expect similarities between the Australian & New Zealand aviation systems. However, most candidates identify quickly that the law itself has very few similarities to Australia, so there is a lot of reading to be done. For initial study all Australian aviation rules & procedures can be found online.

It may also be prudent to consider investing in an Australian approved Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) i.e. Avplan, Foreflight or OzRunways.