Pilots from overseas who wish to fly whilst in Australia have a number of options available depending on how long they intend to remain in Australia.
In Australia for less than 3 months? - Certificate of Validation
If you wish to exercise the privileges of your foreign licence for periods up to 3 months only then you can apply for a Certificate of Validation.
Only flying Private operations? - Special Pilot Licence
Should you only wish to engage in private operations whilst in Australia, you may be interested in a Special Pilot Licence which can be issued on the basis of your overseas license, provided it is current. There is no requirement to pass any CASA examinations for the issue of a Special Pilot License. However, you will be required to undergo a flight review with a local flying instructor before using the license.
You must hold a current overseas, or an Australian Class 1 or 2 medical certificate, to use the special pilot license. If your overseas license currency depends on the overseas medical certificate then it must be current.
New Zealand licence holders
New Zealand pilots can take advantage of the Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 which essentially treats NZ licences as if they were Australian licences. Further information can be obtained by following the above link.
Special procedures for UK licence holders
The UK CAA will not provide verifications or release information about UK licence holders unless the licence holder completes a specific authority to allow the release of the information to CASA. Further information will be published on the UK CAA website.
The UK CAA authorisation form SRG\1160 must be completed by each individual and sent direct to the UK CAA with the prescribed payment. The CASA application form must be sent to a CASA office. Both the UK CAA and CASA forms must be completed in all cases.
Licence holders are advised to submit form SRG\1160 to UK CAA well before they intend to arrive in Australia to avoid unnecessary delays in the processing of paperwork.
