Convert Australian Lic to Uk or JAA
 

Just wondering if any expat pilots flying in the UK or Europe can help me out. I am shortly moving to the UK and am interested in changing my Lic over from Australia. I have approx. 800 hours, 500 command, 55 twin, M/E CIR Rating and CPL. Does anyone know if it is difficult to convert over and also what are the employment opportunities, for someone with my hours if I do change it over. Replies appreciated.

There is effectively no conversion to a UK (JAR) CPL. You would have to start over from scratch. Any experience gained outside the UK and any foreign licences wont count since UK standards are so much higher than the rest of the world. (as if!)

You will be required to complete :

26 weeks ground school
14 written tests
2 flight tests
1 medical (just bend over and try to relax)

You will burn up lots of money (£1 sterling = AUD$3) and a Seneca II with instructor will set you back about £350 per hour (that's AUD$1,000 per hour) plus landing fees and instrument approach fees.

Your ground and flight instructors will work hard to assure you that you dont really know how to fly and you will start to wonder yourself since all the UK rules and procedures are designed for a five-MAN (oh god you're not female are you??) flight crew....that's 2 pilots, 1 engineer, 1 radio operator, and 1 navigator...and the instrument rating test flight is usually done single pilot.

The only good part is that you dont have to work very hard or very smart to get ahead in the UK.

Best of luck.

BIK where have you been....?
Havent seen your posts for a while....
Ive was wondering if you had found the LR25 manual yet? Or have you bought your 24 yet??

rgs
4g