PPRuNe Forums - The CASA Catch 22

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The CASA Catch 22

Ok, so I’ve been trying to get my ATPL converted and the process is just ridiculous. I’ve had to turn in (and pay $400 for) the application twice, had to do the AHUF, IREX, AOSA, and ELP6 tests at $150 a pop. And now it looks like in order to do the flight test, I’ll have to do that here is AUS rather than stateside as part of one of my jet recurrent. $12,800 is what I was quoted for that!

Of course it would be nice if an airline would pay for the ATPL test in one of their sims, but I can’t apply to the airlines without an Australian license! So the great catch 22.

someone suggested I do the CPL conversion first, then go to the airlines after and say that I just need the ATPL test flight which they would normally do for their candidates anyway.

anyone have any idea what’s involved with the CPL conversion if I go this route?

im feeling really beat down by the whole process... almost like there either is a strict rule to keep foreign pilots out, or that there really isn’t a pilot shortage here after all

???

Do CPL. ATPL given on sim 5 of command course in my airline. Many many yrs away

Quote:

Originally Posted by aussie1234 (Post 10522525)

Do CPL. ATPL given on sim 5 of command course in my airline. Many many yrs away

THANKS! Starting the application for that now.

anyone have any idea what I should expect CASA to require for the conversion?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texanav8r (Post 10522519)

im feeling really beat down by the whole process... almost like there either is a strict rule to keep foreign pilots out, or that there really isn’t a pilot shortage here after all

The latter - there is not a pilot shortage in Australia.

Welcome to the land of payment of fee for no service...

Once you get the CASA license, what's the plan for getting an AUS work visa?

Quote:

Originally Posted by gulliBell (Post 10522551)

Once you get the CASA license, what's the plan for getting an AUS work visa?

Already have permanent residence status; non issue.

Catch 22 for sure. If you convert to a CPL, then at some time in the future wish to upgrade to ATPL, it is most likely you will have to sit ALL the ATPL theory.
It is my understanding that only when you do the first conversion of a foreign ATPL to an Aussie ATPL you get credits for most of the subjects. If you downgrade to a CPL, later you jump through all the hoops like anyone else with a CPL. Better check with CASA on that.
There is a King Air 350/200 sim at Maroochydore that may be approved for the test. They also have a Citation or Mustang which I am sure is approved.
The only way to look at the likely $15000 cost is the earnings in an airline job will recover the outlay soon enough.
Versus sitting on the beach, or worse, a GA job.