CASA said this week that it will explore ways of CAR 5 flight crew licences being converted to CASR Part 61 despite the deadline expiring six weeks ago.
The issue was raised this week as several flight schools said they were turning away lapsed CAR 5 pilots who wanted to return to flying. With the deadline to convert to Part 61 expiring on 1 September, returning pilots are faced with starting their training again from ab initio level.
"Since the 11-year transition to Part 61 licenses closed on September 1, 2025, we have become aware that some people have yet to make the change," a CASA spokesperson said.
"Our policy experts are looking at a way to address this that may involve an exemption. We ask people who did not make the transition to be patient while we look at potential solutions."
One flight training organisation that had tried to convert a CAR 5 licence for a returning pilot was rebuffed by CASA Client Services, receiving an e-mail that stated:
"If you have not applied to transition your licence by the deadline, unfortunately you are no longer eligible to do so. CASA is unable to make exceptions or process late applications.
"We understand this may be disappointing, but the transition period was extensive and well-publicised."
CASA implemented CASR Part 61 on 1 September 2014, with CAR 5 conversions expected to take place in conjunction with licence updates and flight reviews, or submitted specifically for conversion.
Most active licences were converted by this process, but little thought was given to CAR 5 pilots returning after several years away.
It is a characteristic of private general aviation that pilots begin their training relatively young, then leave aviation as other life specifics take priority. Many will later return to flying as disposable income recovers.
In those cases, FTOs would sort their medical and flight reviews, plus do some remedial training to get them current on procedures and skills. Generally, there was no need to start training again from scratch.
However, unless CASA is able to fashion a solution, that is what returning pilots will face.