Are you a pilot travelling or relocating to Australia? Curtis Aviation can help you convert your overseas pilot licence to be valid for flying in Australia including flight reviews, flight tests and proficiency checks.

Curtis Aviation can assist you with a number of solutions that will allow you to fly in Australia as a foreign pilot:

CHARTER ONE OF OUR PLANES WITH AN INSTRUCTOR

This is a popular and cost-effective option that will get you flying fast without needing to complete reams of paperwork.  Our instructors will do everything they can to make your flying experience as fun and hassle-free as possible.

TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE OF VALIDATION (CoV) – VALID FOR 12 MONTHS

A CoV allows you to fly an Australian-registered aircraft for a specific purpose. No medical is typically required. However, keep in mind that if you wish to extend or renew your CoV, you need to go through the application process all over again.

• You need to first get an Aviation Reference Number (ARN) through CASA.
• You need to pass an Australian aviation security check to be issued either an ASIC or AVID before CASA will issue your CoV. A security check usually takes between 4-6 weeks to complete.
• You also need to pass an English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessment. Some foreign licences may have your ELP listed on the licence. You will need an ICAO level 4, 5 or 6.
• Finally, download and complete Form 61-4COV from CASA. CASA may require a confirmation from the overseas issuing body to verify your licence and may require you to sit a flight test for certain licences/ratings

PERMANENT LICENCE CONVERSION – GET A FULL AUSTRALIAN PILOT LICENCE

The permanent conversion path is intended for pilots planning to stay in Australia for more than 12 months or is regular visitors to Australia. The basic process involves:

• You will need to get an ARN, ASIC and ELP as per the CoV process.
• Lodge a photo ID with CASA using form 61-9 PIC.
• You will require an Australian medical certificate from a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME). Some of these are located overseas so this may be able to be completed before arriving in Australia if you wish.
• You apply for your Australian pilot licence using form 61-4A Flight crew licence application. CASA will then contact the issuing body and verify the details which may take up to 4 weeks. Some overseas bodies will require you to authorise the release of your information before they will share it with CASA.

Pilot Licence Holders

Private Pilot Licence holders will be issued an Australian Private Pilot Licence. However, to make this licence valid, you need to complete a flight review with an authorised instructor or flying school.

There are minimum flight time requirements for conversion to an Australian PPL including a total flight time of at least 35 hours and a solo flight time of at least 10 hours. Curtis Aviation is authorised to complete flight reviews and proficiency checks.

For Commercial Pilot Licences, Airline Transport Pilot Licences, and ratings, CASA will send you a letter. That details what else they may require which may include theory exams and the appropriate flight test for each licence and rating.

Once you have completed the applicable theory exams and passed the flight test for your CPL/ATPL and/or ratings. You then submit a form 61-4B Flight crew licence application to be issued with a full Australian pilot licence that is valid for as long as your medical and flight review remains valid.

NEW ZEALAND PILOT LICENCE HOLDERS

Thanks to the Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Act (TTMRA), any NZ qualification can be quite easily converted to an Australian qualification.

• You need to submit an Application for Licence Verification form to CAA NZ
• You need to submit form 760 TTMRA to CASA
• You will need an ASIC card and a valid Australian medical as per the CoV.
• Any operational ratings that you wish to convert will require an Australian proficiency check.

Keep in mind that you need to plan well in advance of your trip to Australia for licence conversion as it can take 6-12 weeks to complete the process.

If you have any questions, please get in touch.  We’re here to help.