Frightening, but A necessary evil

Making sure your FAA licence is embedded with Singapore Air Safety Publication (SASP) Part 2 Regulatory Requirements for conversion.

Reference:
SASP Part 2 – Licensing of Professional Pilots
Code of Federal Regulations – Title 14, Part 61

This article provides information on the requirements for non-rated FAA ATPL/CPL licence holders to convert their licence to CAAS licence. The information is also relevant to pilots with other foreign licence. This article is scoped to cover the written requirements and does not cover the actual process of conversion. For the latter, see below.

The conversion process can be complex and long-drawn, as there are disparities between the requirements of the two CAAs. Some requirements are more stringent in FAA but for the most part, CAAS requires more. The most consequential being FAA CPL(A) hours requirements take in various aircraft types while CAAS CPL(A) only considers aeroplanes hours.

The information provided below is based on the author’s personal interpretation of the written literature, what they gathered from CAAS Personnel Licensing, and their experience during the conversion process. It does not represent the views of any CAA.

RSAF AIRCREW

The article also includes information on how RSAF aircrew can interlay their fixed-wing hours in the conversion. When “hours” is used, it refers to aeroplanes hours unless specifically stated otherwise.

Common CAA terms and their RSAF equivalents:

  • Pilot Under Training (P U/T) –> Dual hours
  • Pilot Under Supervision (P U/S) –> 1st Pilot hours
LET’S TALK CONVERSION PROCESS FIRST

Converting Your Foreign Pilot Licence. Gone were the days where the airlines staff accompanies you to the conversion office and you provide and justify your documents. The application is done online via CAPELS now. The entire conversion comprises three applications, in sequence. Completion of all three grants you the CAAS Pilot Licence. Click on the links below for a detailed walk-through of the process. But first, make sure you have read the conversion requirements stated below before you apply.

Application for Assessment of Foreign Licence Requirements (Part I). This is your first application. This was previously known as FC02 and takes about ten working days to process. You require this in order to commence your type rating. This is where your flying log would be scrutinised to make sure you have fulfilled every single requirements stated below. Once granted, Part I is valid for six months.

Application for Certificate of Validation (COV). As part of your type rating in Singapore, you would be required to fly on a Singapore Registered aircraft (9V-). In order for you to do that without a CAAS licence, you need to apply for the COV. You should apply one month before your flight. Once granted, COV is valid for six months.

Application for a Pilot Licence through Foreign Licence Conversion (Part II). Work in progress..

SASP Part 2 – Chapter 4 – FLYING EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE (AEROPLANES) / WITH INSTRUMENT RATING

See below for the summary of the mandatory requirements for CPL ME/IR and foreign licence conversion.

1. An applicant for CPL(A) shall produce evidence that:

  • 1(a). He has successfully completed an approved course of flight training OR
  • 1(b). active flying in the RSAF with at least 700 hours and meeting requirements in Para 2 OR
  • 1(c). have at least 700 hours and meeting requirements in Para 5.

2. CPL(A) IR applicants must fulfil the requirements above and also Para 3 below.

  • 2(a). 100 hours as PIC. At least 20 hours of those must be cross-country or overseas flying. Of the cross-country PIC hours, have at least one flight of at least 300 nm, in the course of which the aeroplane landed and came to rest at, at least two intermediate aerodromes.
  • 2(b). 5 hours of night flying:
    • 2(b)(i). including five T/Os and Landings, as PIC, AND
    • 2(b)(ii). 3 hours of flight time (dual), including 1 hour of cross-country flying.
  • 2(c). 10 hours of IF (dual), of which not more than 5 hours may be instrument ground time.

2A. Despite 2(c) above, the IF (dual) hours may be reduced to not less than 2 hours if the applicant holds

  • (a). a CPL(H) which includes a valid instrument rating (H) OR
  • (b). a valid RSAF Master Green or Green Instrument Rating on helicopters.

3. Minimum 200 hours and graduate from an approved course. Including Para 2 above and the IR(A) requirements in Chapter 7.

5. Foreign license applicants must complete an approved course of full-time flight training. Otherwise, the applicant must have at least 700 hours and meet the followings:

  • 5(a). 200 hours as PIC, of which a max of 100 hours 1st pilot may be used.
  • 5(b). 50 hours of cross-country or overseas flying as PIC, with at least one flight of at least 300 nm, in the course of which the aeroplane landed and came to rest at, at least two intermediate aerodromes. At least 10 out of the 50 hours must be night or with sole reference to instruments. The IF hours counted to here cannot be used for 5(d).
  • 5(c). 5 hours of night flying including five T/Os and Landings, as PIC, AND
  • 5(d). 40 hours of IF, with at least 20 hours in aeroplanes, the rest may be approved flight simulation training device. IF in aeroplanes may be simulated or actual.
  • 5(e). 35 hours multi-engine hours (ME/IR).
AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT LICENCE (AEROPLANES)

If you are reading here, you are most probably a fighter or transport pilot with the required aeroplanes hours. The conversion to CPL(A) IR is sufficient for you to begin type rating and eventually, a CAAS licence. The conversion to CAAS ATPL cannot be completed because of one requirement.. which is:

500 hours on civil registered multi-engine transport aeroplanes certificated for operation with a minimum crew of at least two pilots.

This is only applicable to you after you have achieved the hours in the airlines as part of your progression to become a Capt. Regardless, you need to meet all requirements in CPL(A) AND..

8. Minimum 1500 hours and the requirements stated below:

  • 8(a). 500 hours 1st pilot OR 250 hours PIC with max of 150 hours 1st pilot counted in.
  • 8(b). 200 hours cross-country or overseas flying of which at least 100 hours as PIC or 1st pilot.
  • 8(c). 100 hours of night flying as PIC or 1st pilot, with at least 25 hours cross-country or overseas flying as PIC or 1st pilot, inclusive of two flights terminating at an aerodrome at least 65nm from point of departure. (Applicant with CPL(H) or ATPL(H) can be exempted from cross-country requirement if able to prove completion of two such flights as PIC of helicopters, including 5 T/Os and landings as PIC).
  • 8(d). 75 hours IF with not more than 30 hours may be instrument ground time.

8A. An applicant for an ATPL(A) who holds a valid CAAS CPL(A) that was converted from a foreign professional pilot license shall have a minimum of at least 3,000 hours and meet the following:

  • 8A(a)(i). 500 hours as 1st pilot OR
  • 8A(a)(ii). 250 hours as PIC of which a max of 150 hours 1st pilot may be used.
  • 8A(b). 200 hours of cross-country or overseas flying of which at least 100 hours PIC or 1st pilot.
  • 8A(c). 100 hours of night flying as PIC or 1st pilot: inclusive of:
    • 8A(c)(i). At least 25 hours cross-country or overseas flying as PIC or 1st pilot, inclusive of two flights terminating at an aerodrome at least 65nm from point of departure AND
    • 8A(c)(ii). At least 5 T/Os and landings as PIC.
  • 8A(d). 75 hours IF with the followings:
    • 8A(d)(i). At least 10 hours dual,
    • 8A(d)(ii). At least 20 hours in multi-engine AND
    • 8A(d)(iii). For dual hours, not more than 20 hours of instrument ground time or not more than 30 hours in an approved FFS.
  • 8A(e). 500 hours on civil registered multi-engine transport aeroplanes certificated for operation with a minimum crew of at least two pilots.
SASP Part 2 – Chapter 11 – CONVERSION OF A FOREIGN PROFESSIONAL PILOT LICENCE
PREREQUISITES
  • 2(c). Foreign licence to remain valid from the point of application until the grant of the Singapore licence. (Approximately six months validity remaining at the point of application).
  • 2(d). Show proof of all theoretical knowledge examination results of the licences possessed. In addition, if one is applying for CAAS CPL with the intent of joining an airline in Singapore, one needs to pass the theoretical knowledge examination at the CAAS ATPL Level, obtaining the CAAS Frozen ATPL.
  • 2(e). Valid Radiotelephony Licence from the foreign licensing authority. If you have an FAA licence, you need to apply with the Federal Communications Commission.
  • 2(g). The need to hold Singapore Licence; you will require a letter of offer from your prospective company.
  • 2(h). If you have less than 700 hours, you need to show evidence that you have completed a course of flying training approved by the foreign CAA. Typically, the school will give you a certificate, indicating all that you have achieved and the total hours flown. 
FLYING EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

3. Only military hours from the Republic of Singapore Air Force would be recognised. Foreign military hours will not be counted.

Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplanes) with Instrument Rating

5. You need foreign CPL(A) / ATPL(A) with valid IR. Possess a minimum of 200 hours including:

  • 5(a). 100 hours as PIC. At least 50 hours of those must be cross-country or overseas flying. Of the cross-country PIC hours, have at least one flight of at least 300 nm, in the course of which the aeroplane landed and came to rest at, at least two intermediate aerodromes.
  • 5(b). 5 hours of night flying, including five T/Os and Landings, as PIC
  • 5(c). 40 hours of IF, of which, 10 hours shall be dual
  • 5(e)(i). At least 20 of the 40 IF hours shall be in multi-engine aeroplanes
  • 5(e)(ii). At least 35 hours on multi-engine aeroplanes
ADDITIONAL CONVERSION REQUIREMENTS

Medical Standards

10. Pass CAAS Class 1 Medical

Ground Examination Requirements

14. Applicants with the following:

  • 14(b). With 700 hours and
  • 14(b)(i). 200 hours PIC/1st pilot and
  • 14(b)(ii). At least 100 hours cross-country or overseas flying and
  • 14(b)(iii). At least 50 hours of instrument flying,

shall be examined on and pass the following theoretical knowledge examinations specified in Chapter 3:

  • [Air law],
  • [Ops procedures],
  • [Human Performance] (Unless you are able to show proof you have passed this subject), 
  • [Performance](Unless you are able to show proof you have passed this subject),
  • Aircraft Type Technical examination for the aircraft rating to be endorsed on the Singapore license, unless the applicant is current.
    SASP Part 2 – CHAPTER 12 SPECIAL LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR RSAF PILOTS

    1.1. Only applies to RSAF Pilots.

    4.2. Minimum flying training required in an approved flying training organisation for:

    • 4.2(a). F-15 and Transport – none.
    • 4.2(b). F-16 – Minimum of 35 hours on multi-engine.
    • 4.2(c). Helicopter pilots – A minimum of 65 hours on single-engine and a minimum of 35 hours on multi-engine.