Converting EASA (UK) CPL(H) IR to CASA equivalent

[J1mb0]

Looking for a little global help please. My wife and I are looking at emigrating to OZ (she’s a doctor so visas etc shouldn’t be a problem) and I was wondering if any of you can give me any info/advice from licensing to state of the job market out there.
Very brief outline of my experience I’ve been flying for 20+ years - instruction, VIP, utility, HEMS. 6500hrs (P1 rotary) about 1/2 of those hours are ME (AS355,AS365,EC135,EC145)
I did email CASA direct and had no response from them.
Flight school recommendations would also be much appreciated the sort of place that I can do everything at one place. At this stage not too concerned location.
many thanks

Jimbo

[Lude-og]

Hi Jimbo,

Check this out to start with:

https://www.casa.gov.au/standard-page/converting-overseas-licences

You will need a CASA Aviation Reference Number and CASA initial Class 1 medical to start with. For a CPL conversion you will need to complete a Human Factors and Air Law exam then complete the necessary flight training (as deemed necessary by your chosen flight school) and undertake a flight test with CASA designated examiner.

Then the fun starts.... for an IR you will need to complete the IREX exam and then you will be required to take the necessary training and flight test (excluding sim hours) in a ME IFR capable heli, this will give you a CASA Command Instrument Rating.

There is plenty more to it, lots of differences and nuances, for example like the way there are a multitude of ancillary ratings and endorsements that just don't exist in any other regulatory body.

But with your experience you might just find the right company in Oz to do all this for you in-house if you're lucky.

[J1mb0]

Great that’s a good start. 😁
thank you

[Bravo73]

(she’s a doctor so visas etc shouldn’t be a problem)

I wouldn’t be too sure about that. Even if your wife qualifies for a visa, you might find getting a work visa either very difficult or very expensive (£5k+ for a spouse visa, ISTR).

Before you spend any money on licence conversion, I would definitely do some more digging and/or consult an immigration specialist. Helicopter pilots don’t currently qualify under the visa points system.

[J1mb0]

Thanks good to know will ensure ducks are in order before spending 💵 on training.

[Mark Six]

I suggest you post your question on Bladeslapper, the Australian helicopter website. There are a few members on there who have emigrated from EASA land who should have some good info. The 365 rating won't help you much in Oz, and the 355 isn't that common either. There are a few 135's and 145's scattered about.

[Lude-og]

I suggest you post your question on Bladeslapper, the Australian helicopter website. There are a few members on there who have emigrated from EASA land who should have some good info. The 365 rating won't help you much in Oz, and the 355 isn't that common either. There are a few 135's and 145's scattered about.
McDermott based in Queensland use the 365 and 355 on firefighting ops, some 365s for police but are being phased out (Victoria Police trading up for 139s soon, WA police still have one 365 I believe). 135s are used for MPT (Aviator Group in Port Hedland) and some private machines and police versions around too. 145s are used by PHI/HNZ in Mackay in Queensland for MPT. 139 is still the golden ticket though, including in Australia.

Bladeslapper will secure more detailed info alright and could even land you the right contacts for any possible work opportunities if the visa situation is good to go when the time comes.

[J1mb0]

Thanks everyone really appreciate the info!