CASA ATPL Conversion Exam
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Australia
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Help with AOSA written Exam [Australia]
Hello,
I'm converting my ICAO ATPL to a CASA ATPL. I need some help regarding what to expect for the AOSA exam. The CASA website was rather vague. Maybe some practice questions would be nice. Has anyone here written the AOSA?
Cheers
I'm converting my ICAO ATPL to a CASA ATPL. I need some help regarding what to expect for the AOSA exam. The CASA website was rather vague. Maybe some practice questions would be nice. Has anyone here written the AOSA?
Cheers
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 987
Likes: 197
From: Mexico City
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 176
Likes: 36
From: Melbourne
https://www.bobtait.com.au/irex-products-page
and read the every question from cover to cover (I am serious).
Download, print and bind the IREX extract (use instead of big law books):
https://www.bobtait.com.au/extracts
AIP/ERSA/DAPS/ERC Charts. I suggest buying paper books because you will be carrying them into exam. Many of the answers will be in the AIP so it is important to know where to find an answer. I also suggest to start study and buy them just when they are released - 3 monthly cycle, so that you can have them current for the exam.
https://www.airservicesaustralia.com/aip/aip.asp
Use tagging/markings/permitted material as per instructions here:
https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and...ting-exam-irex
https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and...kingandtagging
Good luck!
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
From: Gatwick
Has anyone sat the AOSA exam recently? Im due to sit next week. Any feedback or guidance on the amount of MET questions that come up would be appreciated. I hear it's only TAF or chart related, or decoding/determining alternate requirements. I also can't find any of the Knowledge points specific for the AOSA exam, only the individual AALW etc.
Thanks
Thanks
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 22
Likes: 11
From: Albuquerque
UK ATPL Licence Conversion to CASA
I’m writing this as someone who has recently completed the UK ATPL licence conversion to CASA, and I wanted to share my experience to help others, as I benefited greatly from advice along the way. For context, I hold an ATPL with an A320 type rating, approximately 5,000 total flight hours, and 1,000 hours as PIC.
The Process
1. Obtain an ARN Number from CASA
Apply for your Aviation Reference Number (ARN) on CASA’s website by following the instructions provided.
2. Submit Forms 61-4A and 61-9PIC
Prepare the following documents:
• A certified passport photo
• Certified copies of your licence and photo ID (certified by a Public Notary)
• A certified logbook (despite there being little for the certifier to verify!)
3. Authorise the CAA to Release Information to CASA
Complete Form SRG1160 to authorise the UK CAA to release your licence information to CASA and your UK Public Notary for verification.
4. Lodge Form 399 AVID (Background Check)
Submit your AVID application to CASA. Once processed, you’ll receive a 4A Outcomes Letter outlining the requirements to convert your licence, which typically includes:
• AOSA: Air Law and Meteorology
• AHUF: Human Factors
• IREX: Instrument Rating
• ATPL Flight Test
Note: CASA recognised the following endorsements from my UK ATPL:
• PXS: Pressurisation
• GTE: Gas Turbine Engine
• RU: Retractable Undercarriage
• SEA: Single Engine Aircraft
• A320: Type Rating
If you hold a UK CPL, you may need to sit the COSA (CPL Overseas Conversion Exam) and CHUF, depending on CASA’s requirements.
5. Medical Requirements
Obtain an Australian Class 1 medical. This involves an ophthalmology report, hearing test report, and blood test—more detailed than the UK medical.
6. Booking Exams
Exams can be booked via aspeq.com at various testing locations in Australia.
Preparing for Exams
• AOSA (Air Law and Meteorology):
This exam is essentially ‘Air Law on steroids’. The best study materials come from AFT (Advanced Flight Training), including their overseas conversion course and document package. Work through all AFT practice papers and the online question bank. Be prepared for questions that are trickier than those in the practice material. I had around 8 met questions on Sigwx charts, Thunderstorms, Icing, Jet streams. The exam consists of 56 questions, with a pass mark of 80%—I passed with 81%. I met a couple of people on their 2nd or 3rd attempt.
• AHUF (Human Factors):
Thoroughly study the provided material and complete all practice questions. While it’s easier than AOSA, CASA questions can still be deceptively tricky.
• IREX (Instrument Rating Exam):
Use Bob Tait’s book, read it cover to cover, and complete all questions. His lecture series and practice exams are excellent preparation. With consistent study, you’ll be well-equipped to pass.
ATPL Flight Test
I completed the flight test on an A320 as I am currently type-rated. Finding an examiner can be challenging, but the test itself includes the following:
1. Ground Component:
Questions cover licence requirements, AOC obligations, technical aircraft details, weight and balance, and performance calculations. Weather consideration and planning requirements.
2. LOA Sector (Line-Oriented Assessment):
Similar to an airline LOE. You may face a MEL issue or an en-route failure leading to a diversion. This includes operating from a CTAF (uncontrolled aerodrome), so you must understand how to separate yourself from other traffic. There’s also a procedural arrival into a Class D aerodrome—nothing too difficult.
3. Manoeuvre Phase:
Includes 2D and 3D approaches, EFATO, and single-engine approaches using raw data (no autopilot or flight director). You’ll also perform manual flying exercises similar to UPART scenarios, followed by intervention exercises where the FO makes deliberate errors. The test concludes with circling and visual approaches.
The flight test is comprehensive, I have heard of people failing—even during the ground component. Refer to Flight Test Form 61-1493 for details on what is assessed. Once you pass, the examiner will complete the necessary online forms, and you’ll need to submit Form 61-4B for final processing.
Final Thoughts
This process is lengthy, but you might learn a thing or two along the way. Australia’s aviation environment presents unique challenges compared to Europe, and I focused on embracing these differences rather than getting frustrated with the bureaucracy. Along the way, I met some fantastic people and really appreciated some Australian humour.
A Note on the NZ Route
I initially considered converting via New Zealand to minimise ground school exams (only one NZ Air Law exam plus the ATPL flight test, followed by mutual recognition for an Australian licence). However, there were significant challenges with examiner and simulator availability. You’d also need two medicals and an IPC in Australia, which made the process more expensive.
I hope this guide helps anyone considering the same journey. Good Luck
I’m writing this as someone who has recently completed the UK ATPL licence conversion to CASA, and I wanted to share my experience to help others, as I benefited greatly from advice along the way. For context, I hold an ATPL with an A320 type rating, approximately 5,000 total flight hours, and 1,000 hours as PIC.
The Process
1. Obtain an ARN Number from CASA
Apply for your Aviation Reference Number (ARN) on CASA’s website by following the instructions provided.
2. Submit Forms 61-4A and 61-9PIC
Prepare the following documents:
• A certified passport photo
• Certified copies of your licence and photo ID (certified by a Public Notary)
• A certified logbook (despite there being little for the certifier to verify!)
3. Authorise the CAA to Release Information to CASA
Complete Form SRG1160 to authorise the UK CAA to release your licence information to CASA and your UK Public Notary for verification.
4. Lodge Form 399 AVID (Background Check)
Submit your AVID application to CASA. Once processed, you’ll receive a 4A Outcomes Letter outlining the requirements to convert your licence, which typically includes:
• AOSA: Air Law and Meteorology
• AHUF: Human Factors
• IREX: Instrument Rating
• ATPL Flight Test
Note: CASA recognised the following endorsements from my UK ATPL:
• PXS: Pressurisation
• GTE: Gas Turbine Engine
• RU: Retractable Undercarriage
• SEA: Single Engine Aircraft
• A320: Type Rating
If you hold a UK CPL, you may need to sit the COSA (CPL Overseas Conversion Exam) and CHUF, depending on CASA’s requirements.
5. Medical Requirements
Obtain an Australian Class 1 medical. This involves an ophthalmology report, hearing test report, and blood test—more detailed than the UK medical.
6. Booking Exams
Exams can be booked via aspeq.com at various testing locations in Australia.
Preparing for Exams
• AOSA (Air Law and Meteorology):
This exam is essentially ‘Air Law on steroids’. The best study materials come from AFT (Advanced Flight Training), including their overseas conversion course and document package. Work through all AFT practice papers and the online question bank. Be prepared for questions that are trickier than those in the practice material. I had around 8 met questions on Sigwx charts, Thunderstorms, Icing, Jet streams. The exam consists of 56 questions, with a pass mark of 80%—I passed with 81%. I met a couple of people on their 2nd or 3rd attempt.
• AHUF (Human Factors):
Thoroughly study the provided material and complete all practice questions. While it’s easier than AOSA, CASA questions can still be deceptively tricky.
• IREX (Instrument Rating Exam):
Use Bob Tait’s book, read it cover to cover, and complete all questions. His lecture series and practice exams are excellent preparation. With consistent study, you’ll be well-equipped to pass.
ATPL Flight Test
I completed the flight test on an A320 as I am currently type-rated. Finding an examiner can be challenging, but the test itself includes the following:
1. Ground Component:
Questions cover licence requirements, AOC obligations, technical aircraft details, weight and balance, and performance calculations. Weather consideration and planning requirements.
2. LOA Sector (Line-Oriented Assessment):
Similar to an airline LOE. You may face a MEL issue or an en-route failure leading to a diversion. This includes operating from a CTAF (uncontrolled aerodrome), so you must understand how to separate yourself from other traffic. There’s also a procedural arrival into a Class D aerodrome—nothing too difficult.
3. Manoeuvre Phase:
Includes 2D and 3D approaches, EFATO, and single-engine approaches using raw data (no autopilot or flight director). You’ll also perform manual flying exercises similar to UPART scenarios, followed by intervention exercises where the FO makes deliberate errors. The test concludes with circling and visual approaches.
The flight test is comprehensive, I have heard of people failing—even during the ground component. Refer to Flight Test Form 61-1493 for details on what is assessed. Once you pass, the examiner will complete the necessary online forms, and you’ll need to submit Form 61-4B for final processing.
Final Thoughts
This process is lengthy, but you might learn a thing or two along the way. Australia’s aviation environment presents unique challenges compared to Europe, and I focused on embracing these differences rather than getting frustrated with the bureaucracy. Along the way, I met some fantastic people and really appreciated some Australian humour.
A Note on the NZ Route
I initially considered converting via New Zealand to minimise ground school exams (only one NZ Air Law exam plus the ATPL flight test, followed by mutual recognition for an Australian licence). However, there were significant challenges with examiner and simulator availability. You’d also need two medicals and an IPC in Australia, which made the process more expensive.
I hope this guide helps anyone considering the same journey. Good Luck
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
From: Gatwick
UK ATPL Licence Conversion to CASA
I’m writing this as someone who has recently completed the UK ATPL licence conversion to CASA, and I wanted to share my experience to help others, as I benefited greatly from advice along the way. For context, I hold an ATPL with an A320 type rating, approximately 5,000 total flight hours, and 1,000 hours as PIC.
The Process
1. Obtain an ARN Number from CASA
Apply for your Aviation Reference Number (ARN) on CASA’s website by following the instructions provided.
2. Submit Forms 61-4A and 61-9PIC
Prepare the following documents:
• A certified passport photo
• Certified copies of your licence and photo ID (certified by a Public Notary)
• A certified logbook (despite there being little for the certifier to verify!)
3. Authorise the CAA to Release Information to CASA
Complete Form SRG1160 to authorise the UK CAA to release your licence information to CASA and your UK Public Notary for verification.
4. Lodge Form 399 AVID (Background Check)
Submit your AVID application to CASA. Once processed, you’ll receive a 4A Outcomes Letter outlining the requirements to convert your licence, which typically includes:
• AOSA: Air Law and Meteorology
• AHUF: Human Factors
• IREX: Instrument Rating
• ATPL Flight Test
Note: CASA recognised the following endorsements from my UK ATPL:
• PXS: Pressurisation
• GTE: Gas Turbine Engine
• RU: Retractable Undercarriage
• SEA: Single Engine Aircraft
• A320: Type Rating
If you hold a UK CPL, you may need to sit the COSA (CPL Overseas Conversion Exam) and CHUF, depending on CASA’s requirements.
5. Medical Requirements
Obtain an Australian Class 1 medical. This involves an ophthalmology report, hearing test report, and blood test—more detailed than the UK medical.
6. Booking Exams
Exams can be booked via aspeq.com at various testing locations in Australia.
Preparing for Exams
• AOSA (Air Law and Meteorology):
This exam is essentially ‘Air Law on steroids’. The best study materials come from AFT (Advanced Flight Training), including their overseas conversion course and document package. Work through all AFT practice papers and the online question bank. Be prepared for questions that are trickier than those in the practice material. I had around 8 met questions on Sigwx charts, Thunderstorms, Icing, Jet streams. The exam consists of 56 questions, with a pass mark of 80%—I passed with 81%. I met a couple of people on their 2nd or 3rd attempt.
• AHUF (Human Factors):
Thoroughly study the provided material and complete all practice questions. While it’s easier than AOSA, CASA questions can still be deceptively tricky.
• IREX (Instrument Rating Exam):
Use Bob Tait’s book, read it cover to cover, and complete all questions. His lecture series and practice exams are excellent preparation. With consistent study, you’ll be well-equipped to pass.
ATPL Flight Test
I completed the flight test on an A320 as I am currently type-rated. Finding an examiner can be challenging, but the test itself includes the following:
1. Ground Component:
Questions cover licence requirements, AOC obligations, technical aircraft details, weight and balance, and performance calculations. Weather consideration and planning requirements.
2. LOA Sector (Line-Oriented Assessment):
Similar to an airline LOE. You may face a MEL issue or an en-route failure leading to a diversion. This includes operating from a CTAF (uncontrolled aerodrome), so you must understand how to separate yourself from other traffic. There’s also a procedural arrival into a Class D aerodrome—nothing too difficult.
3. Manoeuvre Phase:
Includes 2D and 3D approaches, EFATO, and single-engine approaches using raw data (no autopilot or flight director). You’ll also perform manual flying exercises similar to UPART scenarios, followed by intervention exercises where the FO makes deliberate errors. The test concludes with circling and visual approaches.
The flight test is comprehensive, I have heard of people failing—even during the ground component. Refer to Flight Test Form 61-1493 for details on what is assessed. Once you pass, the examiner will complete the necessary online forms, and you’ll need to submit Form 61-4B for final processing.
Final Thoughts
This process is lengthy, but you might learn a thing or two along the way. Australia’s aviation environment presents unique challenges compared to Europe, and I focused on embracing these differences rather than getting frustrated with the bureaucracy. Along the way, I met some fantastic people and really appreciated some Australian humour.
A Note on the NZ Route
I initially considered converting via New Zealand to minimise ground school exams (only one NZ Air Law exam plus the ATPL flight test, followed by mutual recognition for an Australian licence). However, there were significant challenges with examiner and simulator availability. You’d also need two medicals and an IPC in Australia, which made the process more expensive.
I hope this guide helps anyone considering the same journey. Good Luck
I’m writing this as someone who has recently completed the UK ATPL licence conversion to CASA, and I wanted to share my experience to help others, as I benefited greatly from advice along the way. For context, I hold an ATPL with an A320 type rating, approximately 5,000 total flight hours, and 1,000 hours as PIC.
The Process
1. Obtain an ARN Number from CASA
Apply for your Aviation Reference Number (ARN) on CASA’s website by following the instructions provided.
2. Submit Forms 61-4A and 61-9PIC
Prepare the following documents:
• A certified passport photo
• Certified copies of your licence and photo ID (certified by a Public Notary)
• A certified logbook (despite there being little for the certifier to verify!)
3. Authorise the CAA to Release Information to CASA
Complete Form SRG1160 to authorise the UK CAA to release your licence information to CASA and your UK Public Notary for verification.
4. Lodge Form 399 AVID (Background Check)
Submit your AVID application to CASA. Once processed, you’ll receive a 4A Outcomes Letter outlining the requirements to convert your licence, which typically includes:
• AOSA: Air Law and Meteorology
• AHUF: Human Factors
• IREX: Instrument Rating
• ATPL Flight Test
Note: CASA recognised the following endorsements from my UK ATPL:
• PXS: Pressurisation
• GTE: Gas Turbine Engine
• RU: Retractable Undercarriage
• SEA: Single Engine Aircraft
• A320: Type Rating
If you hold a UK CPL, you may need to sit the COSA (CPL Overseas Conversion Exam) and CHUF, depending on CASA’s requirements.
5. Medical Requirements
Obtain an Australian Class 1 medical. This involves an ophthalmology report, hearing test report, and blood test—more detailed than the UK medical.
6. Booking Exams
Exams can be booked via aspeq.com at various testing locations in Australia.
Preparing for Exams
• AOSA (Air Law and Meteorology):
This exam is essentially ‘Air Law on steroids’. The best study materials come from AFT (Advanced Flight Training), including their overseas conversion course and document package. Work through all AFT practice papers and the online question bank. Be prepared for questions that are trickier than those in the practice material. I had around 8 met questions on Sigwx charts, Thunderstorms, Icing, Jet streams. The exam consists of 56 questions, with a pass mark of 80%—I passed with 81%. I met a couple of people on their 2nd or 3rd attempt.
• AHUF (Human Factors):
Thoroughly study the provided material and complete all practice questions. While it’s easier than AOSA, CASA questions can still be deceptively tricky.
• IREX (Instrument Rating Exam):
Use Bob Tait’s book, read it cover to cover, and complete all questions. His lecture series and practice exams are excellent preparation. With consistent study, you’ll be well-equipped to pass.
ATPL Flight Test
I completed the flight test on an A320 as I am currently type-rated. Finding an examiner can be challenging, but the test itself includes the following:
1. Ground Component:
Questions cover licence requirements, AOC obligations, technical aircraft details, weight and balance, and performance calculations. Weather consideration and planning requirements.
2. LOA Sector (Line-Oriented Assessment):
Similar to an airline LOE. You may face a MEL issue or an en-route failure leading to a diversion. This includes operating from a CTAF (uncontrolled aerodrome), so you must understand how to separate yourself from other traffic. There’s also a procedural arrival into a Class D aerodrome—nothing too difficult.
3. Manoeuvre Phase:
Includes 2D and 3D approaches, EFATO, and single-engine approaches using raw data (no autopilot or flight director). You’ll also perform manual flying exercises similar to UPART scenarios, followed by intervention exercises where the FO makes deliberate errors. The test concludes with circling and visual approaches.
The flight test is comprehensive, I have heard of people failing—even during the ground component. Refer to Flight Test Form 61-1493 for details on what is assessed. Once you pass, the examiner will complete the necessary online forms, and you’ll need to submit Form 61-4B for final processing.
Final Thoughts
This process is lengthy, but you might learn a thing or two along the way. Australia’s aviation environment presents unique challenges compared to Europe, and I focused on embracing these differences rather than getting frustrated with the bureaucracy. Along the way, I met some fantastic people and really appreciated some Australian humour.
A Note on the NZ Route
I initially considered converting via New Zealand to minimise ground school exams (only one NZ Air Law exam plus the ATPL flight test, followed by mutual recognition for an Australian licence). However, there were significant challenges with examiner and simulator availability. You’d also need two medicals and an IPC in Australia, which made the process more expensive.
I hope this guide helps anyone considering the same journey. Good Luck
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
From: Gatwick
thanks! Regarding the KDR, did you have to go over it with an examiner during your ATPL flight test? Some lads at the test centre seemed to think you didn’t at ATPL level only CPL, but not sure this is true
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
From: Gatwick
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Ukraine, Odessa
Hi all,
who’ve recently sat AOSA, what questions did you come across in the exam that weren’t covered in Bob Tait’s CPL Air Law or PPE AALW?
Also, how much of the exam was AMET-related, and which resource—Bob Tait or PPE—do you think is better for AMET prep in AOSA?
Cheers!
who’ve recently sat AOSA, what questions did you come across in the exam that weren’t covered in Bob Tait’s CPL Air Law or PPE AALW?
Also, how much of the exam was AMET-related, and which resource—Bob Tait or PPE—do you think is better for AMET prep in AOSA?
Cheers!