Convert your CASA licence to CAA NZ
Holding a CASA pilot licence and moving to New Zealand? Here's what converting to a CAA NZ licence actually involves — the paperwork, exams, flight test, medical and English requirements at PPL, CPL and ATPL level. A bilateral agreement can streamline part of this route (see below). Every requirement below is set by CAA NZ, the authority issuing your new licence.
Bilateral: Australia ⇄ New Zealand (TTMRA)
The Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement streamlines recognition between CASA and CAA NZ.
CASA to CAA NZ: PPL — Private Pilot Licence
- Application
- A current ICAO PPL can be recognised for an NZ Validation Permit (a short-term document, not an NZ licence). A full NZ PPL is issued under Part 61.
- Theory exams
- NZ air-law knowledge is required for a full Part 61 licence (not for a short-term validation).
- Flight test
- No flight test for a PPL-level validation; a flight test applies for a full NZ PPL.
- Medical
- Hold an NZ Class 2 medical.
- English
- ICAO ELP Level 4+ — no NZ demonstration needed if already endorsed on your licence.
CASA to CAA NZ: CPL — Commercial Pilot Licence
- Application
- Apply for an NZ Validation Permit, or a full NZ CPL under Part 61. Validation is only to an equivalent or lower level.
- Theory exams
- NZ theory/air-law applies for a full licence; commercial duties on a validation require completing the operator’s training-and-checking system.
- Flight test
- Pass an NZ CPL issue flight test with an Aspeq flight examiner.
- Medical
- Hold an NZ Class 1 medical.
- English
- ICAO ELP Level 4+ (credited if already endorsed).
CASA to CAA NZ: ATPL — Airline Transport Pilot Licence
- Application
- Apply for an NZ Validation Permit, or a full NZ ATPL under Part 61.
- Theory exams
- Complete NZ theory requirements for a full licence; validation holders must pass the operator’s competency checks before commercial duties.
- Flight test
- Pass the required NZ flight test(s) for a full licence.
- Medical
- Hold an NZ Class 1 medical.
- English
- ICAO ELP Level 4+ (credited if already endorsed).
Official CAA NZ sources
Requirements change — always confirm the current rules with CAA NZ before you start.
CASA → CAA NZ: frequently asked questions
Is there a shortcut to convert a CASA licence to CAA NZ?
The Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement streamlines recognition between CASA and CAA NZ.
Do I have to retake theory exams to convert my CASA licence to CAA NZ?
NZ air-law knowledge is required for a full Part 61 licence (not for a short-term validation). At commercial level: NZ theory/air-law applies for a full licence; commercial duties on a validation require completing the operator’s training-and-checking system.
Do I need a flight test (skill test) for a CAA NZ commercial licence?
Pass an NZ CPL issue flight test with an Aspeq flight examiner.
What medical do I need for a CAA NZ airline (ATPL) licence?
Hold an NZ Class 1 medical.
Does my ICAO English proficiency transfer to CAA NZ?
ICAO ELP Level 4+ (credited if already endorsed).
How do I apply to convert to a CAA NZ PPL?
A current ICAO PPL can be recognised for an NZ Validation Permit (a short-term document, not an NZ licence). A full NZ PPL is issued under Part 61.
Converting to fly in New Zealand?
AvLink matches you to New Zealand pilot roles by your actual hours, ratings and type certificates — so you can line up the seat while your conversion is underway.