UK CAA to JCAB Licence Conversion

[Trainnutter]

Hi!

Im currently undergoing training for a UK CAA ATPL and I'm trying to find info (and struggling haha) on how to convert UK to JCAB ATPL licences. Im interested in converting as its a dream of mine to move to Japan!

There's a post on LinkedIn I found (I can't post it as I'm a new member haha!). Other forum posts I've read are dated 20 years ago and I presume things have changed in that time. Especially as a Japanese airline had a look round my flight school a year ago.

I presume I have to get 1500hrs to "unfreeze" my ATPL before I can convert it to anywhere. Also, I see as well its most likely I have to at least sit Air Law exam. Is there any website like ATPLQuestions for the JCAB licence?

Kind regards
TrainNutter

[BAe 146-100]

First things first, are you still in flight school or are you about to unlock your frozen ATPL to a full ATPL? If its the former then get some serious airline jet time under your belt first before thinking of Asia , one step at a time. If it’s the latter then your airline will take care of the conversion process .

[MoreBeeps]

You'll need an (unfrozen) ICAO ATPL to apply for a job in Japan even for an FO position. You'll then be spending the better part of a year for ATPL conversion upon joining an airline. Your airline will provide you with the conversion course. Yes, you will have to sit the local Air Law exam and the JCAB oral exam which is notorious for containing some outrageous questions. If you are interested in finding out more about the conversion process and flying in general in Japan I'd recommend Secrets from the Cockpit by Robert Schapiro.

[Qwark]

This is only one path to an Japanese ATPL for you. Be offered a command position for a Japanese Airline and they will provide the training.

[Trainnutter]

Originally Posted by BAe 146-100

First things first, are you still in flight school or are you about to unlock your frozen ATPL to a full ATPL? If its the former then get some serious airline jet time under your belt first before thinking of Asia , one step at a time. If it’s the latter then your airline will take care of the conversion process .

At the mo, I'm still in flight school to get my fATPL

I presumed id be locked on to UK CAA stuff before I can even consider converting!

Ah I'm glad they'll handle the conversion. Thank you!

[Trainnutter]

Originally Posted by MoreBeeps

You'll need an (unfrozen) ICAO ATPL to apply for a job in Japan even for an FO position. You'll then be spending the better part of a year for ATPL conversion upon joining an airline. Your airline will provide you with the conversion course. Yes, you will have to sit the local Air Law exam and the JCAB oral exam which is notorious for containing some outrageous questions. If you are interested in finding out more about the conversion process and flying in general in Japan I'd recommend Secrets from the Cockpit by Robert Schapiro.

A Year to convert? How come it takes so long when it's only 2 exams? or is that because of the joys of paper work and gov agencies?

Thanks for the reccomendation! I'll have a look!

[A321drvr]

Jetstar and Peach managed to get it down to around 6 months for type rated non-JCAB captains. The reasons for length is not as much burocracy, but course and exam availability. Airlaw exams in english are available quarterly as well as radio course to obtain a restricted radio license isn't done on a weekly basis either. Same goes for aviation english exam as your foreign ICAO level 6 worth nothing over there. I believe that these courses/exams aren't in sync and require a lot of downtime in between filled with company courses and training sessions which prevents many to commute home during those months.

[Rug]

Originally Posted by Qwark

This is only one path to an Japanese ATPL for you. Be offered a command position for a Japanese Airline and they will provide the training.

This isn't accurate. All foreign pilots need a JCAB ATPL to operate in a Japanese airline and in order to get this you must have an FAA/ICAO ATPL to convert. If you secure a job as Captain or FO for a Japanese airline (with your ATPL), they will provide the training and arrange the JCAB written exams and practical check for your licence conversion regardless of your rank. Depending on the airline you're employed by, it can take anywhere between 5-12 months to convert your licence and complete ground school and line training.

OP - you need to get your CAA ATPL and then gain the experience required to apply for a job with a Japanese airline. Once you have a position there, your employer will take care of the licence conversion arrangements for you.

All the best.

[glekichi]

Originally Posted by A321drvr

Jetstar and Peach managed to get it down to around 6 months for type rated non-JCAB captains. The reasons for length is not as much burocracy, but course and exam availability. Airlaw exams in english are available quarterly as well as radio course to obtain a restricted radio license isn't done on a weekly basis either. Same goes for aviation english exam as your foreign ICAO level 6 worth nothing over there. I believe that these courses/exams aren't in sync and require a lot of downtime in between filled with company courses and training sessions which prevents many to commute home during those months.

FO here, but actually did mine in 4 months from induction to check to line. Admittedly that is not the norm so yeah 6 months average sounds about right.
The ICAO level 6 English was fine in my case as was my foreign radio licence, although the latter always raises eyebrows, but is always allowed in the end.

[Trainnutter]

Originally Posted by Rug

This isn't accurate. All foreign pilots need a JCAB ATPL to operate in a Japanese airline and in order to get this you must have an FAA/ICAO ATPL to convert. If you secure a job as Captain or FO for a Japanese airline (with your ATPL), they will provide the training and arrange the JCAB written exams and practical check for your licence conversion regardless of your rank. Depending on the airline you're employed by, it can take anywhere between 5-12 months to convert your licence and complete ground school and line training.

OP - you need to get your CAA ATPL and then gain the experience required to apply for a job with a Japanese airline. Once you have a position there, your employer will take care of the licence conversion arrangements for you.

All the best.

Thank you! I did see some job listings with Peach and maybe one or 2 other airlines not requiring a JCAB licence. Just an ICAO. I expect then as you said, this is a job listing for foreign pilots and the comapny handles the conversion?