Foreign ATPL and ATP Conversion to Australia

CASA can assess ATPL's issued by civil aviation authorities from ICAO Contracting States, including FAA ATP, EASA ATPL and licences issued by authorities in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, India, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, USA and New Zealand.

Each application is assessed individually, and CASA must be able to verify your licence and qualifications with the issuing authority. New Zealand licences may follow a separate mutual-recognition pathway.

In all instances submit CASA Form 61-4A to start the process.

Step 1: Apply to CASA

The first step is to apply through CASA using the Flight crew licence application on the basis of overseas civil qualifications, commonly referred to as CASA Form 61-4A.

Step 2: Complete required exams

CASA will issue a conversion letter detailing your specific requirements. 

This letter will outline any required exam components, as well as the ATPL flight test requirement. View CASA exam details here.

Your CASA conversion letter is generally valid for 12 months from the date of issue. The examinations, flight test and any other requirements listed in the letter must therefore be completed within the validity period of your individual letter.

Step 3: Book your ATPL flight test with Elevate Aviation

Once your exam and flight test requirements are confirmed, Elevate Aviation can conduct the required ATPL flight test using your selected aircraft.

For an ATPL conversion applicant who does not already hold an Australian Instrument Rating, the ATPL flight test must include assessment of a circling approach.

A circling approach can only be assessed in a flight simulator if the simulator is specifically approved for that manoeuvre.

The Melbourne King Air B200 simulator is not approved for circling approaches. For this reason, candidates using the Melbourne King Air B200 pathway must already hold an Australian Instrument Rating.

Candidates who already hold a Dash 8 type rating can complete the ATPL conversion flight test in the Dash 8 Q300 simulator without first holding an Australian Instrument Rating.

No. CASA does not generally prescribe an aircraft-specific flight training course as part of the foreign ATPL conversion process.

However if you do not have experience on the King Air B200 (analogue model), this is highly recommended to ensure you are proficient prior to test. We offer this exposure during Day 1 of our King Air conversion package.

No - the King Air package includes a King Air simulator familiarisation before the ATPL conversion flight test.

If you have recent King Air B200 experience, contact us. A tailored/ discounted quote may be available based on your experience and preparation requirements.

Yes. If you book with, or are paired with, another suitable ATPL conversion candidate, a reduced two-candidate rate is available.

This is because both candidates complete the preparation session together and act as support pilot for each other’s flight test, reducing the overall cost for each candidate.

The two-candidate option is completed over three days.

Yes, absolutely.

We can provide a tailored quote based on your CASA conversion letter, recent aircraft experience, simulator preference, support pilot requirements, location and preferred timeframe.

Contact us with your details and our examiner will recommend the most suitable pathway.

No. Elevate Aviation provides independent flight examination services.

The King Air B200 session provides simulator familiarisation and ATPL flight test preparation. It does not provide a B200 qualification, type rating or approved Part 141 or Part 142 course-completion certificate.

Candidates remain responsible for arriving adequately prepared for the simulator and flight test.

Yes. Eligible holders of an FAA ATP, EASA ATPL or other overseas ATPL issued by an ICAO Contracting State can apply to CASA for conversion to an Australian ATPL.

CASA will assess your overseas licence and issue a conversion letter confirming the examinations, flight test and any other requirements that apply to your individual application.

Contact us with your CASA conversion letter and recent aircraft experience to discuss the most suitable ATPL conversion pathway.