PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Converting a JAA licence to an Australian one.
Old 7th Feb 2012, 10:38
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redsnail

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Join Date: Feb 1997
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G'day nicciq,
A couple of things.
Do you want to emigrate to Australia to live and work permanently?
If the answer is yes, then you'll need to sort out the visa yourself.
Most jobs in Australia will require permanent residency or citizenship.
This will be your toughest hurdle.

Licences can only be converted "like for like". So unless you hold an ATPL, you'll be only be converting your CPL. (Think about the implications for your exam validity should you want to return to Europe).

As you've checked out the CASA site, you'll know what needs doing. From memory, you're looking at the CPL bridging exam, Air Law and the IR exam. While you're at it, also the ATPL exams too. Medical etc.
Flying wise, a Command Instrument Rating on a twin ideally.

In Australia, life's a bit different to Europe in that your first job is not likely to be on a turboprop, let alone a jet. Expect a single engine piston like a C206 or C207. Maybe a Saratoga. You'll be searching for those jobs in Jabaru, Kununurra, Broome, Halls Creek, Darwin (maybe) and so on. Not Sydney, Cairns or Perth.
Competition is reasonably tough but not as bad as it used to be.

Is it worth it? Well, if you want to fly around some of the most incredible scenery you'll ever see, have fun and really learn about flying, then yes. If you think it'll be a "piece of cake" and a quick run into the world of jet flying, you'll be sorely disappointed.

Good luck.
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