Convert your UK CAA licence to CAA NZ
Holding a UK CAA 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. Every requirement below is set by CAA NZ, the authority issuing your new licence.
UK CAA 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.
UK CAA 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).
UK CAA 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.
UK CAA → CAA NZ: frequently asked questions
Do I have to retake theory exams to convert my UK CAA 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.