An example of how CAA is helpful. Not through any fault of my own, the police clearance was also slow to come. But I could not do a simulator check and IR test unless I actually held a NZ licence. Logical enough - you can't hold an IR if there is no licence to attach it to.
So, in order to get a licence number, CAA accepted an affidavit in lieu of the police clearance. Licence produced but witheld until they sighted the police clearance. As an interim measure, the nice lady in Licencing sent me a photo-copy of the licence so that I had something to show the testing officer.
Would CASA do that?
However, the smart thing to do is get the police clearance moving at least a month before submitting the paperwork. The actual issue only takes about five working days.
From receipt of all paperwork, could CASA deliver a licence in five days?
I think the mountain flying thing referred to is a separate endorsement like our low flying one that we need for mustering etc. Hence probably more applicable for a CPL doing ski trips and scenics etc.