Pilots Visiting Australia

Australia has one of the best aviation environments in the world. Whether you want to go on a flying holiday or build your flying hours, the Royal Aero Club of WA is able to assist pilots with an international licence attain a temporary licence validation or full licence conversion.

Short Term Licence Validation

If you wish to fly in Australia for three months or less the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) will normally issue you with a "Certificate of Validation." This issue is typically dependant on you holding a flight crew licence from an ICAO member country.

The licence issued is permits the pilot to fly for up to three months. A medical examination is generally not necessary, however you will require a check flight prior to flying in Australia.

A validation of an overseas licence should be started before you arrive in Australia as it generally takes between 1-2 months to process due to anti-terrorism checks implemented in recent years. CASA will be able to provide you with the appropriate documentation required to apply for a Certificate of Validation.

Upon arrival in Australia, a qualified instructor will brief you on local procedures and fly with you to ensure you meet the required standard to safely operate in Australian airspace.

Full Licence Conversion

To convert your licence you need to supply your original licence, medical certificate, and logbook. For logbooks in languages other than English you will need to bring a certified translation.

Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

• You must pass an Australian medical examination
• You must pass a written (theory) conversion examination
• You must train to reach the PPL flight test standard
• You must pass the full Australian PPL flight test

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

• You must pass an Australian medical examination
• You must pass a written (theory) conversion examination
• You must train to reach the CPL flight test standard
• You must pass the full Australian CPL flight test

Command Instrument Rating (CIR) 

• You must first convert your licence to an Australian licence
• You must pass the written Instrument Rating examination
• You must train to reach the IFR flight test standard
• You must pass the full Australian CIR flight test

The requirements listed above are to be used as an indicative guide only - it is recomended you contact CASA for specific requirements to meet your needs.