I just spoke to CASA and got and got an interesting response to this. I was told that the information that is currently on the CASA site is incorrect and that from 4 December the replacement for the special licence is;
- Submit form
- Get PPL
- Do flight review
- Use PPL
Apparently there will not be a need to do any exams and the reference to the air law exam on the site is incorrect and will be removed.
So, given that I have a current flight review, I was told I have to wait until 4 December, download and submit the new form and then wait for my PPL to arrive. The special licence I currently have will become invalid on 4 December and I will not be able to apply for the PPL under the new regs until 4 December so I will have a period where I am not able to fly. Hopefully the turnaround time is not too long on the issue of the new licence.