Canadian CPL to NZ/Aus CPL

[battery668]

Hey everyone! I was wondering if anyone here knows what would be involved in converting my Canadian CPL into a New Zealand or Australian CPL. I have a friend that went overseas for a working holiday (not flying related), and it's definitely got me thinking that it might be fun to do the same thing. My initial thought was to take time off from flying to travel and to just find work in whatever field I could, but I figure I might as well see if there's any chance I could take it one step further and find a flying job...best of both worlds! The only problem with this is that I have no idea where to start or what the job market is like over there. I know lots of overseas pilots that have managed to find work in Canada, but what's it like the other way around?

Just a little background info, I've been flying commercially since June 2011, I have about 1200 hours, 1000 of which is FO time on a BE20.

If there's anyone that knows a little about this sort of thing and can get me pointed in the right direction, I would definitely appreciate it! Thanks!

[ptc]

Howdy battery668

I spent 6 years living in NZ and returned to Canada at the start of 2012 so can hopefully point you in the right direction as I flew commercially in NZ for Eagle Airways.

In order to convert your CPL you must do a Biennial flight Review up to NZ CPL standards. To convert your IFR you have to write the IFR air law exam and then do an IFR flight test (either multi engine or single).
A few things to consider about the IFR is that you get rated on each type of approach which means if you want to be VOR endorsed you must fly a VOR hold and VOR approach, for ILS you must fly and ILS, NDB = NDB hold + NDP appch, and then RNAV for the GPS stuff; it is conceivable to only be endorsed on ILS and NBD if you choose.

You also have to have an NZ medical done. If you are in Auckland go and see Dr. Daniels (just look him up online), he also is certified to perform Canadian aviation medicals and so I was able to keep mine current.

One last thing is that you have to get the CAA to certify your logbook and approve your flying so you can convert CPL to CPL.

Pretty sure that is all and if the info above has changed since I initially did mine you can always check out the CAA website

Best of luck and enjoy the Kiwi summer

PTC

[battery668]

Thanks! Definitely the kind of info I was looking for! What kind of experience did you have when you started flying down there? And what is it like trying to get a visa? That's another area that I don't know too much about!

[battery668]

Also just as a heads up, I'm not in New Zealand at the moment. Still working here in Canada, but curious about starting this whole process!

[ptc]

I had about 1200 hours total, maybe about 100 hours multi.
I was fortunate as I applied for a work visa and.my wife sponsored me. I know have
Permanent residency status

[battery668]

Sweet thanks!

[lilflyboy262]

Air NZ won't take you on a working holiday visa. They want indefinite residency. Other flying work in NZ is pretty hard to get hold of with the type of stuff you will be after. You should be able to get a parachute drop or something like that.
Australia will probably be a lot different, a lot more aviation going on over there!

Good luck with it all!

[Ramjet555]

Australia is identical to New Zealand. The Instrument ride will be a long one, vor, ndb GPS, Loc a hold, Single Engine etc. The exams are not as bad as Canada so its easier. With your time, you wont a problem landing a job but, Aus Aviation goes up and down constantly. Work permit is a breeze, just go to the High Commission and get a one year work visa, good news is that you can exit and renew. That temp visa can be made permanent.

If you are thinking of settling down there, you will find that men and children have more legal rights in Aus than in Canada. One good reason to get the hell out of Canada.

[battery668]

Ya I know the working holiday visa wouldn't really get me much, but what are the chances of getting a more permanent work visa before I've even converted the license? I've emailed the CAA to figure out what's involved, and there's no way to have any of the license conversion done prior to entering the country.

If I'm there on a working holiday visa and do all the work necessary to convert, can I then go to the High Commission and apply for a different visa? Something tells me I wouldn't be able to, but then again, I really don't have a clue

[Boratt]

Try this for Australia.

http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?W ... c=PC_90024