Convert your CAA NZ licence to FAA
Holding a CAA NZ pilot licence and moving to United States? Here's what converting to a FAA licence actually involves — the paperwork, exams, flight test, medical and English requirements at PPL, CPL and ATPL level. Every requirement below is set by FAA, the authority issuing your new licence.
CAA NZ to FAA: PPL — Private Pilot Licence
- Application
- Start the IACRA “Verification of Authenticity of Foreign License and Medical” — this takes the FAA roughly 45–90 days. Your U.S. private certificate is then issued under 14 CFR 61.75 on the basis of your foreign licence.
- Theory exams
- No FAA knowledge (written) test is required for a 61.75 private certificate — it is issued administratively on the basis of your foreign licence.
- Flight test
- No FAA practical test (checkride) is required for the 61.75 private certificate.
- Medical
- Hold at least an FAA Third-Class medical from an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to exercise the privileges.
- English
- You must be able to read, speak, write and understand English; the certificate carries an “English proficient” endorsement.
- A 61.75 certificate carries only private privileges and is tied to your foreign licence remaining valid.
CAA NZ to FAA: CPL — Commercial Pilot Licence
- Application
- Commercial privileges require a stand-alone FAA Commercial Pilot certificate (14 CFR 61.123) — the 61.75 administrative route does not grant them. Still begin with the IACRA foreign-licence verification.
- Theory exams
- Pass the FAA Commercial Pilot (CAX) knowledge test.
- Flight test
- Pass the FAA Commercial Pilot practical test (checkride) with a Designated Pilot Examiner.
- Medical
- Hold at least an FAA Second-Class medical from an AME.
- English
- Read/speak/write/understand English (the test and checkride are conducted in English).
CAA NZ to FAA: ATPL — Airline Transport Pilot Licence
- Application
- Apply for an FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate under 14 CFR 61.153; foreign ATPL holders apply under 61.153(d)(3). Begin with IACRA foreign-licence verification.
- Theory exams
- Complete the ATP Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP) and pass the ATP knowledge test (multi-engine aeroplane).
- Flight test
- Pass the ATP practical test; meet the experience minimums (e.g. 1,500 hours total time) and be at least 23 years old.
- Medical
- Hold an FAA First-Class medical for airline (Part 121) operations.
- English
- Full English proficiency required.
Official FAA sources
Requirements change — always confirm the current rules with FAA before you start.
CAA NZ → FAA: frequently asked questions
Do I have to retake theory exams to convert my CAA NZ licence to FAA?
No FAA knowledge (written) test is required for a 61.75 private certificate — it is issued administratively on the basis of your foreign licence. At commercial level: Pass the FAA Commercial Pilot (CAX) knowledge test.
Do I need a flight test (skill test) for a FAA commercial licence?
Pass the FAA Commercial Pilot practical test (checkride) with a Designated Pilot Examiner.
What medical do I need for a FAA airline (ATPL) licence?
Hold an FAA First-Class medical for airline (Part 121) operations.
Does my ICAO English proficiency transfer to FAA?
Read/speak/write/understand English (the test and checkride are conducted in English).
How do I apply to convert to a FAA PPL?
Start the IACRA “Verification of Authenticity of Foreign License and Medical” — this takes the FAA roughly 45–90 days. Your U.S. private certificate is then issued under 14 CFR 61.75 on the basis of your foreign licence.
Converting to fly in United States?
AvLink matches you to United States pilot roles by your actual hours, ratings and type certificates — so you can line up the seat while your conversion is underway.