ATPL – Licence Conversion – NZ

ATPL – Licence Conversion – NZ

Planning to take your aviation career to New Zealand? Our ATPL Air Law (A – Aeroplane) and ATPL Air Law (H – Helicopter) Licence Conversion Courses are the ideal way for overseas pilots to gain essential knowledge of New Zealand’s air law, all while studying at your convenience. With two months of flexible, anytime-anywhere access, you can start your studies today – even while you’re still abroad.

Armed Forces Recognition

Our ATPL Air Law (A) Licence Conversion Course – NZ also fulfils the study requirements for RNZAF pilots seeking a New Zealand ATPL(A) under Civil Aviation Rule 61.253(a)(5). This course provides the necessary preparation for the required ATPL Air Law (A) examination.

Note: The following information is not relevant for CASA flight crew licence holders, as this conversion process is part of the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 (TTMRA). See here for more details.


NZ ATPL Conversion Requirements Summary

To convert your overseas ATPL to a New Zealand ATPL, here’s what you need to know: 

Eligibility Assessment: Complete a qualification and experience assessment with Aspeq, demonstrating: 

  • At least 500 hours as Pilot-in-Command or 1000 hours as co-pilot in multi-crew, multi-engine commercial IFR operations. 
  • Completion of all flight experience requirements per NZCAA’s AC61-7 standards. 

Conversion Steps: If eligible, Aspeq will provide a letter outlining the next steps. Typically, you’ll need to: 

  • Obtain a CAANZ Class 1 Medical Certificate. 
  • Pass the NZ ATPL Air Law exam. 
  • Complete a flight test with a qualified examiner. 

Final Application to NZCAA: Submit the necessary documents, including your Aspeq assessment letter, overseas ATPL licence, medical certificate, NZ ATPL Air Law (A) exam pass slip, and relevant flight test report. 

Important Note: Please review the full NZCAA requirements to ensure you have all the necessary documentation and understand any additional details.

Visit the NZCAA page here for complete guidelines.

Please note: that we are unable to provide you with individual specific information relating to your licence conversion requirements. Please contact NZCAA for this.

Our Two ATPL Conversion Courses

ATPL Air Law (A) Licence Conversion

Convert your existing ATPL to New Zealand standards with our ATPL Air Law (A) Licence Conversion online course, designed for professional pilots and RNZAF members meeting NZCAA Rule 61.253(a)(5). Study NZ Air Law essentials with clear lessons, 220+ instant‑feedback questions, engaging visuals, and full sample exams to prepare confidently for your licence conversion.

ATPL Air Law (H) Licence Conversion

Convert your existing ATPL (H) to New Zealand standards with our ATPL Air Law (H) Licence Conversion online course, designed for professional and overseas helicopter pilots. Gain full confidence with NZCAA Air Law through clear lessons, 230+ instant‑feedback questions, engaging visuals, and full sample exams to ensure you’re fully exam‑ready.

The Perfect Step for Overseas Pilots

Our ATPL conversion courses are crafted by current Kiwi airline pilots.

*You’ll make your purchase and enrol at PilotLifeTraining.com, our Pilot Training Platform

Learn from those who’ve made the journey.

✈️ High quality online course content

✈️ Quiz and sample exams

✈️ Designed by kiwi pilots and instructors

✈️ Study when it suits you – anytime, online

✈️ Access support from our awesome team

✈️ Pass your exams with confidence

Frequently Asked Questions 

What makes your courses so affordable?

With so many aspiring pilots choosing us, we’re able to keep prices low and quality exceptional—delivering professional training without the high costs!

Can I really learn all this online? 

Yes, you can! Lots of private and professional pilots do it with us. We’re New Zealand’s leading provider of online aviation theory courses, so you’re in good hands.

Can I take official exams after completing the courses?

Yes, you can! You can sit approved external exams through ASPEQ, which is recognised by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority. 

Got questions? Visit our Contact Us page and our team will be happy to help.

*You’ll make your purchase and enrol at PilotLifeTraining.com, our Pilot Training Platform