Converting an overseas flight crew licence

Steps to convert or verify an overseas licence

1. Get an aviation reference number

   An aviation reference number (ARN) is like a customer or account number.

   You must have an ARN to interact with us.

2. Show you are proficient in English

   You must have:

   • at least a current level 4 Aviation English Language Proficiency (AELP) assessment
   • a statement from the issuing authority showing you have the AELP level 4, 5 or 6, or have this stated on your foreign licence.

3. Get your documents translated to English

   The documents you send to us must be in English or come with a version translated into English.

   If you are:

   • overseas, the Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate can help you to find a translator
   • in Australia, contact the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).

4. Certify your documents

   The documents you send us need to be certified as true and correct copies of the originals.

   Only certain people can certify documents you send to us.

   You may need someone to witness a statutory declaration for overseas work. Check the Attorney-General Department's list of approved witnesses for who can certify these documents.

   If you're not in Australia, you will need to find an approved witness overseas.

5. Authorise your information to be released

   You must authorise the overseas authority that issued your licence or qualification to release your information.

   This means we can check your licence or qualification is valid.

   It's quicker to verify qualifications from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) than other authorities.

6. Do security checks and clearances

   So we can finalise your application, you must:

   • add a photograph
   • do a background security check.

   If you aren't an Australian citizen, security checks also include:

   • a police check
   • an immigration check.

   This process can take up to 8 weeks.

7. Get a medical check

   You may need to get an Australian medical certificate for your application.

8. Submit application form

   There are different forms depending on how long you plan to stay and the type of licence you have.

   Staying 12 months or longer – apply to convert your licence

   For most types of overseas flight crew licences, apply to convert your licence using this form:

   Flight crew licence application on basis of overseas civil qualifications (Part A) form-61-4a (PDF, 430.9 KB)

   If you're converting:

   • a private pilot licence (PPL) – this is the only form you need.
   • a flight crew licence other than a PPL – you must pass a conversion exam and, sometimes, a flight test.

   You must do the Australian exams. We don't recognise foreign exam credits.

   For overseas Flight Crew Balloon Licence holders, apply to convert your licence using this form:

   Application for flight crew balloon licence on basis of overseas civil qualifications (PDF, 289.51 KB)

   We don't issue licences or pilot certificates for:

   • ultra-light aircraft
   • balloons for private flights.

   Contact the relevant governing organisation for information on these licences.

   Staying less than 12 months – apply for Certificate of Validation

   You need permission to fly an Australian-registered aircraft on a short-term basis using an overseas pilot licence.

   To apply for a Certificate of Validation based on foreign civil qualifications, use this form:

   Certificate of validation application on the basis of foreign civil qualifications form-61-4cov (PDF, 340.69 KB)

   Your application should include:

   • why you intend to be in Australia
   • why you need a Certificate of Validation
   • the type and registration mark of the aircraft you will fly
   • ferrying operation details
   • commercial operations details
   • details of Australian training you will do.

9. Review of application

   We usually take 20 days to process your application and supporting documents.

   We will contact you using the details in your application.