Civil Aviation Safety Authority

Flight crew exams and licences

Flight crew licensing FAQs

How do I convert my overseas licence to an Australian licence?

As a general rule, to convert a foreign licence to an Australian flight crew licence you must pass a Flight Rules and Air Law written examination and a flight test, and obtain an Australian medical certificate. If you want to convert an overseas rating (eg instrument rating or instructor rating) you need to pass a flight test and either an aural examination or written examination. Examinations and flight tests can only be conducted in Australia.

Pilots holding a New Zealand CPL or ATPL can obtain an Australian licence under the Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997.

Full details on converting overseas qualifications can be found at the following link to CASA’s website:
http://www.casa.gov.au/fcl/overbr.htm

How do I get a rating or an endorsement entered onto my pilot's licence?

Ratings

A rating is normally issued by the Approved Testing Officer (ATO) who conducts the flight test by entering a record in the pilot's logbook. The ATO sends to CASA a notification that the rating has been issued. CASA then updates the pilot's licence record.

Some delegates are only authorised to conduct the flying training. The rating is then issued by someone else (eg an ATO or a CASA officer).

A Licence re-print will cost $25. An applicant can either fill in the payment form (Form 1137) and attach it to the Rating application – or call CLARC on 1300 737 032.

Endorsements

The same process applies to endorsements, except that an instructor or an approved person may conduct the training and issue a certificate to the applicant, only an ATO with 5.23 delegation may issue the endorsement and/or enter the 'sticky strip' in the pilot's logbook.

How long will it take CASA to reissue my licence when I’ve done a rating or endorsement, if I request a reprint?

You should allow up to 10 working days from when CASA receives your documents for your licence to be updated, finance to be completed and the licence to be reissued.

Note: When your rating or endorsement is issued, apart from a few exceptions, the ATO should enter a record in your logbook. Once the entry is made in your logbook, you are authorised to use your rating or endorsement.

My flight crew licence has just been reissued but it’s missing a licence, an endorsement or rating. How can I fix this?

Flight Crew Licences issued by CASA only show authorisations that are currently issued by CASA. Some licences, ratings and endorsements are no longer issued and are therefore not be included when a licence is reissued. For example, a Senior Commercial Pilot Licence is no longer printed on a licence. This also applies to aircraft endorsements that are no longer listed in the Civil Aviation Orders or where a previous model has been included in a class endorsement.

If you hold a licence, rating or endorsement that you think should be included on your licence, please let CASA’s Licensing and Registration Centre (CLARC) know by emailing, faxing or calling CLARC. You will need to provide details about the missing licence, rating or endorsement.

I have been told that a particular rating/endorsement is no longer on my licence because of a change to the CAOs. Where can I find a list and summary of these changes?

The Flight Crew Licensing Manual or Civil Aviation Orders (CAO) 40.1.0 for aeroplanes and CAO 40.3.0 for helicopters.

I've applied for a job overseas. How do I get a letter of verification for my FCL?

CLARC can issue a standard letter reflecting the pilot's qualification. You should apply to CASA asking for an FCL Verification Letter (Form 452: Payment Advice - Flight Crew Licence Reports). The letter will be sent to an employer or an overseas licensing authority. There is a $50 fee payable for licence verification letters.

I've applied for a job overseas and the overseas organisation wants a letter confirming that I haven’t had any accidents or incidents. Can CASA provide that information?

No, CASA does not hold that information. A Flight Crew Licence Check request form is available on the ATSB website. They will only provide a statement if the request is made by the licence holder.

Who can certify documents?

Anyone who is entitled to witness a Commonwealth Statutory Declaration is acceptable. There are other people who CASA will accept for this purpose such as a CASA delegate, Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME)

Please refer to the list of acceptable persons on the CASA website.

Who can sign a statutory declaration when I'm overseas?

NB: A Statutory Declaration may be made outside of Australia before any of the prescribed people listed in Part 1 or Part 2 of the Statutory Declarations Act 1959 as amended who are authorised to practise under a law in force in a State or Territory of Australia.

Please note that Statutory Declarations made outside of Australia may also be made before an Australian Consular Officer or Australian Diplomatic Officer (within the meaning of the Australian “Consular Fees Act 1985.” )

What is the typical processing time for an ASIC/SPL/other licence etc?

Usually around 4 weeks where a background check is required. If you already hold a valid background check then approximately 1-2 weeks. The process is delayed if there are complications with the security check or the application documents are not filled out correctly.

How do I apply for an SPL?

Download the application form and information sheet from the CASA website.

If you are under 18 you do not need to undergo a security check but you do need to prove your nationality with a current passport, full birth certificate citizenship certificate or national ID card.

Can I go solo without my SPL?

No, you need an SPL and a class 2 medical certificate.

How can I obtain a new copy of my FCL?

You can ask CASA for a copy of your licence by sending an email or fax to CLARC. Note there is a fee of $25 for this service. An application form can be downloaded from the CASA website.

I haven't flown for a long time. Is my licence still current and what do I need to do to fly now?

Flight crew licences issued by CASA remain valid unless suspended or cancelled.

Before you fly you must have a current medical certificate, have a current security check status (if over 18) and undergo a flight review with a suitably qualified instructor. You should contact your local flying school to discuss your requirements.

I'm having trouble filling in my form - who can help me?

In the first instance contact your flying school. Otherwise call CASA’s Licensing and Registration Centre (CLARC) on 1300 737 032.

Where can I find a particular FCL form?

FCL forms are available on the CASA website under 'Forms and manuals'.

 
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