Convert your CAA NZ licence to CASA
Holding a CAA NZ 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. A bilateral agreement can streamline part of this route (see below). Every requirement below is set by CASA, the authority issuing your new licence.
Bilateral: New Zealand ⇄ Australia (TTMRA)
The Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement streamlines recognition between CAA NZ and CASA.
CAA NZ 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.
CAA NZ 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).
CAA NZ 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.
CAA NZ → CASA: frequently asked questions
Is there a shortcut to convert a CAA NZ licence to CASA?
The Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement streamlines recognition between CAA NZ and CASA.
Do I have to retake theory exams to convert my CAA NZ 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.