Moving From Australia

[OhForSure]

Hey guys, I grew up and spent most of my life in Denver and have recently moved back to Sydney, where I was born... I am really only an Aussie by birth. I am now arranging to return to the states to continue my training. I have my PPL, and I have elected to put off the flying component of my CPL training until I get back to the US, because it just makes more sense. However I am already atleast halfway through my CPL theory training.

SO-Here's the question (and yes I've checked out the FAA site with no success): If I take and pass all 7 CPL theory exams but don't do any CPL flying can I be credited in the FAA system for those theory exams? Would I have to take just the Air Law exam or some conversion exam or what? Sinse I have already completed most of my CPL theory I wouldn't really wanna start over again when I get back there.

If you guys have any other advise or info it would be much appreciated!

Thanks

OhForSure

 

[Pilot Doc]

I personally would just wait. The FAA CPL written is a single, fairly straightforward test.

 

[Rick1128]

Don't bother to take the tests in OZ, the tests themselves are not transferable. A certificate can be converted, but not tests themselves. And as stated, the US written is straightforward and practical. Not a bunch of stuff you learn for the written then promptly forget. Any flight time you have is transferable toward your certificate, though. One point, however, do you plan to return to OZ and get an AUS. CPL? If so, you might want to consider taking them anyway.

 

[Tinstaafl]

Do the FAA CPL & exams & don't worry about the Oz ones for the following reasons:

* Exams passes aren't recognised or transferable (in either direction). ICAO countries will usually recognise a licence that is already held but *not* any preparatory exams or flight tests/checkrides. They will nearly always credit flight time as counting towards any minimum experience requirements with a caveat: Some methods of logging time that might be allowable in one country may not be recognised in the other eg the US practice of both pilots logging command isn't generally acceptable in Oz or the UK.

* The Oz CPL exams are much, much more difficult (and expensive!) than the US single exam.

* Once you get the FAA CPL then you can convert to an Oz CPL by sitting the CPL air law exam and a flight test (checkride in US language). You will need to pass a recommendation ride** with the Chief Instructor of a flying school before being able to do the flight test. You will also need at least a Class 2 medical for the test (Class 1 needed to work but not for the test).

**my experience with US pilots coming to Oz: Be very, very good at visual navigation without using radio navaids (and not track crawling from feature to feature either!) and doing in-flight diversions the same way, otherwise you'll fail...

* Oz will also happily recognise any experience/endorsements/type ratings you have on your FAA licence & add them to your Oz licence eg retractable gear, tailwheel undercarriage, particular multi types you've flown in the US etc. WRT to multi types, Oz operates a system of endorsements on groupings of multi engine types eg all barons are one group, C4xx are another, PA31s another again etc. So, if you can demonstrate via your log book that you have been flying them in the US then they'll stick the Oz equivalent endorsement(s) in the Oz licence.

A note about the Oz licencing system: Unlike the US, Oz doesn't have separate single or multi, land or sea licences. Each level of licence (PPL, CPL, ATPL) is valid on ALL aircraft on which your endorsed to fly. So, do a PPL test in a single then subsequently get a multi endorsement you'll have PPL privileges for single & multi land. Later do a test for a CPL in a single & you'll have CPL privileges for single & multi engine land. Get a floatplane endorsement & your CPL (or PPL or ATPL) privileges will automatically extend to the new category. You can't end up having a PPL-SEL, CPL-SES & ATP-MEL.

The only licence categories that allow separate licences as far as different types of machinery is concerned is Aeroplane, Helicopter, Gyrocopter, Balloon, Dirigible & Glider.


You could do some of your FAA CPL training/experience as a student pilot in Oz with an Oz instructor. The FARs recognise training received overseas by that country's instructors as counting towards FAA certificates.

 

[OhForSure]

Thanks

Thanks for your help and support guys, I appreciate it.

I do have one last question: After going through training and building a bit of time I wanted to instruct somewhere. What to you guys think the chances of finding work are? Will anybody over there sponser a visa for me? I've heard pretty positive things from friends over there, but wanted to ask anyway.

Thanks

OhForSure

 

[Tinstaafl]

You mean some company in Oz sponsor a visa for you to come to work? Not bloody likely! More junior pilots camped on the doorstep of every company that has an aeroplane than you can poke a stick at. You almost have to beat a path from the office door to your car each day to get home. At least in the morning when you arrive for work you only have to climb over the sleeping bodies of those wannabes who have nowhere else to sleep and not the rest of 'em that arrive during the day...

 

[OhForSure]

No, thats not it

No... sorry for the lack of clarity. I was wondering if I was to spend XXX dollars at a flight school for all my ratings in the U.S. - - - and I wanted to stay on with that school and instruct for them... is it at all likely that they would sponser me for a visa? From what I've heard from all my friends there, and from many down here... the chances are pretty good. Perhaps even better than here.

ForSure

 

[halfmoon]

Come march '05 converting your FAA to Australian CASA certificates will become much more difficult. You will have to sit almost all theory exams and do a dual crew flight test for your atpl. Just stay where you are!!