ATPL EASA to CASA conversion

[Foxtrotlimaxray]

Hey Ladies and Gents,


Due to life circumstances I might soon emigrate to Australia (whoop whoop). I know about the market situation and job prospects, visa requirements, etc so please let's just focus on the conversion bit ;)

After getting to grips with the requirements for the conversion there's still a few question marks floating around.

CASA mentions on their website EASA licence holders application will be assessed on a case by case basis. Anyone able to elaborate?

And what would the financial set back for the whole process be? It's very hard to find info on the dollarydoos required.

Thanks in advance and safe landings everyone!

[tail wheel]

Have you tried our search function? There is a plethora of information available on EASE to CASA conversions.

[monkey_see]

Tried to PM you but your account is full. Shoot me a PM.

[RV123]

Hi, I'm in exactly the same situation as you. I've done a few steps of the process and have my theoretical exams in October.
The very first thing you need to do is fill in form 61-4A and send it to CASA. Do not underestimate this, you need to have a lot of documents and these documents need to be certified by an approved person (I asked my national CAA and they were happy to do it). Along with the form 61-4A you'll also need to apply for an AVID or ASIC (only AVID possible from overseas) and submit a certified picture on yet another form which needs to be sent to Australia by post. (I went to the Australian embassy to have it certified). This all takes a lot of time and some money for certification, but once you've sent all the docs they will assess your application. I guess if you comply with all requirements specified there should be no reason for them to deny your application. When they approve the application you'll receive a letter with all exams you must pass (should be the same for everyone: AHUF, AOSA and IREX and an ATPL flight test). Only after receiving the letter you can book your exams. After the exams are done you'll need to do a flight test, which is also still a big question mark for me...

[UAU242]

Did anyone manage to get their conversion done and particularly the ATPL flight test?

[birdman001]

Did anyone manage to get their conversion done and particularly the ATPL flight test?
I am in the same boat looking to convert. I however am looking into doing the CAA NZ Air law exam and flight test, then doing the TTMRA to convert to CASA ATPL. Have you looked into doing this at all?

[DeltaT]

Unless things have changed, Auz has some recognition and credit for the UK licence, whereas NZ does not.

[birdman001]

Sorry I could have been a bit more clear. I am converting from Canadian ATPL with an end goal of Aus ATPL.

Through AUS- IREX exam, Possible MCC?, AOSH, AHUF, ATPL flight test
Through NZ- ATPL Air law exam, ATPL flight test
I just wonder with utilizing the mutual agreement and converting to aus, if any issues would arise. It seems NZ makes it cheaper with less time involved for the conversion. Like others have said, CASA make it much more of a painful process than it needs to. I see a few people on here recommending people to do this route (although not much current information).

Thanks for any info

[Mach E Avelli]

By the time you pay for two medicals and accommodation while sitting exams and practicing for the flight test, there may not be much advantage in doing the NZ path first, unless you intend working there for a while before crossing the ditch.
The CASA exams are a pita. Relief on the MCC should be available if you have proof of multi crew operations. Otherwise someone will be keen to take your money for a course. If you don't have multi crew time, I am not sure that you can get a NZ ATPL just by doing a few exams and a flight test. I would suggest that you look into that.
A major cost could be preparation for, and completing, the flight test. Unlike the USA (and Canada?) you can’t take the ATPL flight test in a light piston twin. If you are current in something like a B200, I believe that there are light turbine twins in NZ approved for the test (someone will jump on here if that is no longer the case). NZ CAA is certainly easier to deal with. I converted an Aus ATPL to the NZ ticket. Started the process on Monday, and had the licence in my hot little hand by Friday of the same week. That would never happen with CASA.
Nothing is quick, easy or cheap with CASA. At the minimum the flight test would have to be on a Citation or King Air 350, or similar turbine certified for two pilot operation.
But there is more choice of approved simulators in Oz including a couple available for the above types. The ATPL test can be conducted in these. Also Dash 8, A320, B737 sims etc if you want. In theory you don't need a type rating to do the test; in practice if you are not at type rating standard with good systems knowledge and type SOP you are highly unlikely to pass.
You also need a co-pilot, who could be another candidate, or someone you have to pay. You and your co pilot need to be on the same page with SOPs, so it's not a good idea to grab someone unfamiliar, with the idea that all they have to do is to jerk the gear for you.

[birdman001]

I apprecaite the informative response Mach. I do have some King Air time and are currently typed, and pretty much all time done under multi crew. There is no flight test in Canada for ATPL, just two exams, then once you hit the hour mark you get your fancy new sticker. Im just trying to figure out the easiest and cheapest way to convert back to AUS. It seems NZ has less involved and much cheaper. They are great to deal with on the phone too. CASA just told me I need to pay for an ARN and ASIC before they can tell me anything about the process. I did not think about the need of a co-pilot, so thanks for that.

Cheers