EASA ATPL to Australian Conversion

[WestonFlyer]

Afternoon,

Sorry in advance but couldn’t find anything on here on this.

I’ve got an EASA ATPL. My significant other half wants to move to Oz. How would I even go about the process. I’ve heard other authorities require quite a few hoops to jump through. I’ve a 73 type from my employer and I’m wondering what the whole process would be.

Im aware the market is in the toilet at the moment, but just wondering how I’d start the process.

Thanks in advance! :}

[Petropavlovsk]

The 'whole' process?

I suggest you start with Immigration, to make sure you and the better half will be allowed to live and work in Aus. Immigration will be a greater challenge than navigating your way around the 'aviation' issues.

[tail wheel]

With an anticipated reduction in pilot requirements for Virgin Mk II, there will probably be numerous very experienced Aussie B737 pilots seeking employment.

It would be reasonable to assume your chances of airline employment (with a bare 73 endorsement) in the next three years would be close to zilch.

What other non aviation qualifications do you have? Do you or your wife have Australian residential qualifications?

[Capt Fathom]

Go to the casa.gov.au website and search for ‘Conversion of Foreign Licences.’

A PPRuNe search of ‘CASA ATPL Conversion’ brings up a multitude of previous threads on this.

[CFD]

Its been a long time since I did it - and things may have changed and I haven't flown in 9 years due to a medical issue so out of the loop a bit.
You will probably encounter difficulties getting a visa but I managed to get an employer sponsored one (I had been interviewed and sim flight test and offered the job) - it took 12 months or so for the process and lots of paperwork.
You will need to convert licence - from memory what I needed to do was:
1. Needed to apply for an ARN - aviation reference number from CASA
2. Needed to apply for a CoV (certificate of validation) to enable me to operate an Aus reg AC which I needed to do some IR training and flight test ( CAA were useless at providing info CASA wanted - took some weeks)
3. I needed to visit Aus to convert - needed to do Medical, CPL air law, ATPL air law and IREX exams (I undertook some weeks of self study in the UK prior) - then do the IR flight test in an aircraft to get Aus ATPL issued - I did my flight test in a duchess and I had not flown a light twin in 10 years, however CASA were kind enough to transfer the B737 onto my Aus licence based on the CAA one.

Things you will want to review - visa classes ( while aircraft pilot is on some lists of skilled shortages things can changed rapidly and you can find out you applied all was good, then they changed it mid way through waiting and then you can forget it!). There are different requirements depending on visa class (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what...ve-instruments (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/skilled-migration-program/what-we-do/legislative-instruments))
CASA licence conversion (https://www.casa.gov.au/standard-pag...rseas-licences (https://www.casa.gov.au/standard-page/converting-overseas-licences))

As others have said... good luck, but I would guess its rather doubtful you will be able to get anything here in the next few years.... I have the 737 on my licence ( and prob have over 4000 PIC on it ) and just have my medical back.... but I'm looking at single engine or light twin to just get flying again

[WestonFlyer]

Many thanks for all the answers. Yes as expected there will be no jobs and immigration is a nightmare usually requiring an employer to sponsor. But at least now I can show the better half it’s not practical for me at least.

[Climb150]

Many thanks for all the answers. Yes as expected there will be no jobs and immigration is a nightmare usually requiring an employer to sponsor. But at least now I can show the better half it’s not practical for me at least.
Your better half is Australian? If she isn't how easy did she think it was going to be?

[WestonFlyer]

Your better half is Australian? If she isn't how easy did she think it was going to be?

the country I live in has a lot of people who emigrated to Australia. Generally securing working visas after a couple of weeks. She just thinking fresh start. I was due to move to my home airline this month, but obviously that was all gone, and my current employer wouldn’t let my notice be redacted. So as of a week ago I’m working in customer service for an online retailer.

i guess she thought since we’ve no ties left here why not try someplace new.

silly me.

[flybabyfly1985]

I read that CASA does not accept Copilot or second in command on your type rating which is so weird.
I have an EASA ATPL with B737 rating but based on Copilot so I cannot convert to CASA. Which means most copilot (with copilot rating) on a jet is not able to convert.
Why is that? Anyone knows?

TIA

[Qwark]

I read that CASA does not accept Copilot or second in command on your type rating which is so weird.
I have an EASA ATPL with B737 rating but based on Copilot so I cannot convert to CASA. Which means most copilot (with copilot rating) on a jet is not able to convert.
Why is that? Anyone knows?

TIA

Only if the rating is limited to co pilot by a restriction published on the licence. ( doesn’t seem to be the case for an EASA licence? ).Australia no longer have co pilot type ratings so would be unable to issue an equivalent qualification on transfer.

[Capt Fathom]

I didn’t think you could ‘convert’ a foreign ATPL to an Australian ATPL? You have to do some exams then pass a Sim Test on the type you want in your licence?

[Qwark]

I didn’t think you could ‘convert’ a foreign ATPL to an Australian ATPL? You have to do some exams then pass a Sim Test on the type you want in your licence?

yes you can convert an ICAO ATP,. There is a process that includes an assessment by CASA, exams and an ATPL flight test. They should then issue a licence that includes your type ratings.