Convert your FAA licence to CASA
Holding a FAA pilot licence and moving to Australia? Here's what converting to a CASA licence actually involves — the paperwork, exams, flight test, medical and English requirements at PPL, CPL and ATPL level. Every requirement below is set by CASA, the authority issuing your new licence.
FAA to CASA: PPL — Private Pilot Licence
- Application
- Apply via myCASA (flight crew licence on the basis of overseas qualifications — form 61-4A).
- Theory exams
- No mandatory conversion exams for a PPL (aeroplane or helicopter).
- Flight test
- No mandatory conversion flight test for the PPL.
- Medical
- Hold a current Australian Class 2 aviation medical.
- English
- Hold ICAO Aviation English Language Proficiency (AELP) Level 4+, or have ELP 4/5/6 annotated on your overseas licence.
FAA to CASA: CPL — Commercial Pilot Licence
- Application
- You must already hold a valid CPL(A) or ATPL(A). Apply via myCASA on the overseas-qualifications form.
- Theory exams
- Pass the CHUF and COSA conversion exams within one ‘window’. CASA does not recognise foreign exam credits.
- Flight test
- Pass a CASA flight test.
- Medical
- Hold a current Australian Class 1 aviation medical.
- English
- ICAO AELP Level 4+ (or annotated on your licence).
FAA to CASA: ATPL — Airline Transport Pilot Licence
- Application
- Apply via myCASA on the overseas-qualifications form.
- Theory exams
- Pass the AHUF and AOSA exams within one ‘window’, plus the IREX exam if not already passed.
- Flight test
- Pass a CASA flight test.
- Medical
- Hold a current Australian Class 1 aviation medical.
- English
- ICAO AELP Level 4+ (or annotated on your licence).
Official CASA sources
Requirements change — always confirm the current rules with CASA before you start.
FAA → CASA: frequently asked questions
Do I have to retake theory exams to convert my FAA licence to CASA?
No mandatory conversion exams for a PPL (aeroplane or helicopter). At commercial level: Pass the CHUF and COSA conversion exams within one ‘window’. CASA does not recognise foreign exam credits.
Do I need a flight test (skill test) for a CASA commercial licence?
Pass a CASA flight test.
What medical do I need for a CASA airline (ATPL) licence?
Hold a current Australian Class 1 aviation medical.
Does my ICAO English proficiency transfer to CASA?
ICAO AELP Level 4+ (or annotated on your licence).
How do I apply to convert to a CASA PPL?
Apply via myCASA (flight crew licence on the basis of overseas qualifications — form 61-4A).
Converting to fly in Australia?
AvLink matches you to Australia pilot roles by your actual hours, ratings and type certificates — so you can line up the seat while your conversion is underway.