How to convert CASA CPL to FAA CPL and how much should it roughly cost?

[Nerdsabot]

Not having much luck in terms of my medical here in Australia so I'm planning on moving to the US where I am actually able to get an unrestricted medical. I'm a fresh CPL graduate with about 250 hours total. I've got MEIR and an ATPL theory credit as well.

Just thinking about the conversion process and want some input. I've been told by a flight school that does conversions, that for my CPL it's going to cost about 15,000USD and to get my CFI, CFII, ans MEI it'll cost an extra 20,000USD. I know this is aviation and everything is expensive but I've been told by multiple people here in Australia that that price is way too high (the people I've spoken to haven't done the conversion so that's why I'm asking here). The place also claims to have connections to multiple schools and operators and can help with visas, job applications, etc. They'll also be paying for all study material and exams.

If this price is still ridiculous please let me know and also let me know what other options I have.

I won't be making to move for a couple years given how mucb I need to save to move countries and my current job doesn't pay well enough to be able to move in a short time.

Any help is much appreciated in advance.

[rudestuff]

If you've already got 250 hours and 100 PIC then you're most of the way there. Have a read of part 61.129 and it'll explain what you need to do. But those prices seem very steep.

The question is can you work there? It may be that those prices are inflated because they need to justify giving you a student visa? I presume you are planning to become a CFI and Instruct until 1500 hours then apply for an E3 visa?

[havick]

I you don’t have the hours to convert straight to an FAA ATP then you have to do your private, then commercial flight tests.

Your flight hours are recognized, but it’s still quite the PIA if you don’t simply convert straight to an FAA ATP.

[rudestuff]

The problem you have as an Aussie is that you can only get the E3 visa for airline jobs requiring 1500 hours and an ATP. There are student visas (I think F1 replaced J1?) Which allow you to train as a pilot, then as a flight instructor, then fly as an instructor building your hours. If you've already got a CPL you might no longer be eligible for that route.