Out of the entire PPRuNe forum, I don't think many can answer but I can answer tough question that nobody can answer.

For Malaysian holding any foreign license, it can be converted to CAAM license!

For your case (based on your limited info written here), it is most likely, you must convert it through Malaysia AFTO out of your own pocket. The conversion requires applicant to clear all papers and 25-35 hours in ME.

Before answering to your second question about time building in Malaysia. For "ATP minimums", are you referring to FAA ATP minimum?

Thanks for the info! Hopefully there will be light at the end of the tunnel for people like us...

Thanks for answering my question.

However, by taking all the written papers and fly 25-35 hours on ME, that means it is just the same process as the CAAM AIC has stipulated for the foreign licensed Malaysian pilots under 500 hours of total hours. If that's the case, why doesn't the CAAM just state that all at once instead of dividing categories for < 500 and > 500? Pretty confusing yea..

About "ATP minimums," presuming that if I convert my license, I would have to follow the ATP minimums for the CAAM.

Thank you! I like polite greeting and reply.

Good question.

I have spoken to T. William (at that time, known as DCAM and before he retired) many years ago about this. Those holding >500 hours, the requirement is not much difference with those <500hours. Only (a few) certain papers are exempted for slightly experienced guys. Till now, nothing has changed even CAAM scrapped UKCAA and JAR testing standard.

Generally, all applicants (as in your case) MUST clear ATPL papers. FYI, those RMAF guys with thousands of hours are made to sit those ATPL papers too! In fact, CAAM "followed" CAAS conversion practise.

Being a Malaysian, you have a good advantage of converting foreign license to CAAM license without being questioned by CAAM.

I hope I have answered your question.

There is no ATP minimum particulary for your case. Even if you hold CASA ATPL/FAA ATP, your license converted will be CAAM frozen ATPL.

Once you have your CAAM frozen ATPL, you should have at least minimum 5 years to unfreeze. There is a consequence if you don't unfreeze within 5 years which I am not going to write.

For those converting to full CAAM ATPL ("unfreeze"), is another set of criteria which is not useful and meaningless to you (in your case).

Thanks a bunch! You definitely covered enough details that I was curious about.

That being said, with your insights, I might have to re-strategize my planning and see how I am going to go about the whole conversion process. Having a FAA ATP would be a wise choice before anything.

I appreciate your help, "thornycactus" :)

I have just received my reply from my enquiry with CAAM about converting my FAA CPL/IR/ME to a Malaysian Frozen ATPL.

For reference I have about 320 TT with 50 Multi. In order for me to convert that I need 35 hours of Multi Engine flying at a local flying school, and I need to sit all the ATPL theory papers. Quoted cost so far from several flying schools is around RM250k to convert.

Thats daylight robbery, I would wait a few months, once these schools start to run out of new students joining I'm sure they would take you in for cost. In the mean time maybe just do the papers instead of the flying. I don't think anyone would spend 350k to be a pilot now......just keep checking from time to time.

Thanks for your kind words. Unfortunately the terms of my letter say I need to sit for the papers through a flight school. I'm hosed either way. Better look towards Singapore instead...

dailight robbery
 

Is Malaysia ICAO members?
I think I need to check Your country air law on your own without relation on the letter from CAAM
I just transfered the price You have mentioned before. It’s about 60k$. You can get new license for this price
Safe flights