• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licences
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Basic Examination
• Flight Operations Licensing
• Flight Operations Examinations
• General Information

1. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licences

1.1 How do I apply for a Singapore Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) Licence?

If you are a Singaporean or a permanent resident , you must:

i) be at least twenty-one years old

ii) be able to read, write and converse in English

iii) be employed by an organisation which operates or services Singapore registered aircraft

iv) have had the practical experience specified in Chapter 7.3 of the SAR Section 7, and have passed examinations prescribed for the category of licence, and

v) not be suffering from any disability likely to adversely affect your technical skill or judgement

If you are a foreigner working in a CAAS-approved organisation in Singapore, you must show that you need to certify for work done on Singapore registered aircraft.

1.2 How do I renew my Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's Licence?

A licence is valid for up to 24 months from the date of issue.

Thirty days before your licence expires, you will have to apply to the Airworthiness/Flight Operations Division on form CAAS(AW)01 to have your licence renewed. To qualify for a licence renewal, you must demonstrate that:

i) you have exercised the privileges of your licence for at least six months in the last 24 months; and

ii) you are not suffering from any disability likely to adversely affect your technical skill or judgement.

1.3 What if my licence has lapsed?

A licence which has lasped for less than 24 months can be renewed for the remaining period. However, a renewal fee for 24 months will be charged.

A licence which has lapsed for more than 24 months cannot be renewed without an examination to determine the competency of the holder. You will need to submit two letters with the application:

i) A letter from your employer declaring that you have not exercised your privileges as a licensed engineer in the period after your licence has lapsed; and

ii) A letter explaining why your licence has lapsed.

It is important to note that the renewal of a licence cannot be backdated and consequently any certifications made in the intervening period is considered illegal.

1.4 Where can I submit my applications?

You can submit your application for grant, extension and renewal of an AME licence on a CAAS form CAAS(AW)01, together with details of the required practical experience to the CAAS Airworthiness/Flight Operations Division.

1.5 What are the fees for the grant, extension and renewal of an AME licence?

The current fees are as follows:

i) Issue and renewal of an AME licence - S$132.00

ii) Extension of an AME licence - S$66.00

iii) Issue and renewal of an Aircraft Radio Operator Approval - S$14.00

2. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Basic Examinations

2.1 When will I need to sit for a basic examination?

You will need to pass all relevant basic papers to qualify for a Singapore AME licence or to meet CAAS requirements for certain positions in approved organisations.

2.2 When are AME examinations held?

Scheduled Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Basic examinations are conducted annually in April and October. All basic examinations and specific examinations for general aviation aircraft are held during these sessions

Non-scheduled examinations are held on the first and third Friday of the month except for April and October. You will have to obtain CAAS approval to sit for a non-scheduled examination.

2.3 What is the format of the examinations?

All examinations are conducted in English and may be in the form of written or oral tests. Each examination carries a permanent credit for all categories, groups or ratings to which it applies.

A candidate may be barred for one session if he or she fails a particular subject in two consecutive examinations, or three times in the period of a year.

Written examinations are multi-choice, with a penalty for incorrect answers.

2.4 Are there any qualifications that I have to fulfil to sit for a basic examination?

Yes, you will need to have at least two years of aeronautical engineering experience in either mechanical or avionics trade. This qualifying period may be varied if you are attending an approved ab initio course.

2.5 How do I apply to sit for an AME examination?

i) You have two years of aeronautical engineering experience.

ii) You have not failed twice consecutively in any of the subjects you are applying for in the preceding two examination sessions.

iii) You have not failed three times in the preceding year in any of the subjects that you are applying for.

2.6 Are there any restrictions for basic examinations?

You cannot apply to sit for cross-trade examinations, i.e. if you have applied for mechanical trade subjects, you will not be allowed to apply for avionics trade subjects.

2.7 What are the examination fees?

The fee is S$17 for each basic AME subject.

2.8 What are the basic subjects available and what are their syllabi?

Please refer to the Singapore Airworthiness Requirements (SAR) Section 7 for information on the list of subjects and their syllabi.

2.9 Where are the examinations held?

Examinations for a single subject may be held at more than one venue. Do check your examination notification slip to see which venue has been allocated to you. The addresses of the venues are on the notification slip.

2.10 Where can I find more information on CAAS examination requirements?

You can obtain more information on examinations and licences from the Singapore Airworthiness Requirements (SAR) Section 7, available from the CAAS Airworthiness/Flight Operations Division at $2.58 per copy. Do note that currently CAAS accepts payments by cheque only.

2.11 How do I get information regarding the exam schedule/timetable?

Your individual examination schedule will be posted to you approximately 3-4 weeks before the examination. You can also check your exam schedule here

3. Flight Operations Licensing

Student Pilot Licence / Private Pilot Licence

3.1 What are the requirements for the initial issue of a Singapore Student Pilot Licence (SPL)?

To qualify for the issue of an SPL, you will need to

i) be between 16 to 60 years old at the time of application

ii) be able to read, write and converse in English

iii) pass a Singapore Class 2 initial medical examination with a CAAS Designated Medical Examiner (DME)

iv) be a member of a flying club in Singapore

3.2 After qualifying the above requirements, how can I apply for the issue and later renewal of an SPL?

To apply for the issue/renewal of an SPL, you must provide to the CAAS Airworthiness/Flight Operations Division the following:-

i) Two recent passport size photographs (for initial issue only)

ii) A Singapore crossed cheque/cashier's order/money order of $28 made payable to 'CAAS'

iii) Completed application form CAAS (FO) 06 Application forms can be obtained from the Airworthiness/Flight Operations Division at the time of application.

3.3 What if my SPL has lapsed?

You can renew your lapsed SPL by doing a Class 2 initial medical with a CAAS DME.

3.4 What is the validity period of an SPL?

The SPL is valid for two years from the date of medical done for applicants below 40 years old and 1 year for applicants who are 40 years old and above.

3.5 Are there any restrictions for an SPL holder?

Yes. You are restricted to fly within Singapore only.

3.6 How can I obtain a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) after acquiring an SPL?

You must hold a valid SPL to obtain a PPL. You will also need to fulfil the following requirements :-

i) pass all CAAS PPL theory and practical exam papers

ii) pass a Singapore Class 2 medical with a CAAS DME

iii) pass the PPL general handling flight test

iv) accumulate at least 40 hours of total flying experience Note that a restricted PPL will be issued. A restricted PPL allows you to fly within Singapore only.

3.7 How can I renew my PPL?

You will have to fulfil the following :-

i) Pass a Singapore Class 2 medical with a CAAS DME within the month of licence expiry

ii) Prepare a Singapore crossed cheque/money order/cashier's order of $39 (applicants age 40 years and above) and $78 (applicants below 40 years old) made payable to 'CAAS'

iii) Show evidence in your flying logbook with certification from the flying instructor of your flying club that you have accumulated a minimum of 5 hours total flying experience in the period of 12 months prior to the expiry of the licence, of which 2 hours must be dual flying.

3.8 How can I lift the navigation restrictions in my PPL?

The restrictions on a restricted PPL may be lifted by undergoing a cross-country flight training in an overseas flying school in which the flying syllabus is in accordance with that of CAAS. The flying syllabus for the lifting of PPL restrictions is stipulated in Singapore Air Safety Publication Part 1 (SASP1). You will have to fulfil the above requirements within one year of having passed your PPL Navigation and Meteorology papers.

3.9 What if my PPL has lapsed?

To renew a PPL which lapsed for less than 5 years, you will have to fulfil the following requirements:

i) pass the aircraft rating flight test

ii) pass the Human Performance & Limitations paper if you have not sat for this examination before

To renew a PPL which lapsed for more than 5 years, but less than 10 years, you will have to fulfil the following requirements:

i) pass the Aviation Law, Flight Rules and Procedures paper

ii) pass the aircraft rating flight test

iii) pass the Human Performance & Limitations paper if you have not sat for this examination before

To renew a PPL which lapsed for more than 10 years, you will have to fulfil the following requirements:

i) pass all the ground examinations

ii) pass the aircraft rating flight test

3.10 I have a valid foreign ATPL/CPL/PPL. I wish to fly a Singapore registered aircraft for pleasure in Singapore for a short period of time. How can I do that?

You may wish to apply for a Singapore Certificate of Validation. This Certificate of Validation is valid for a maximum period of 3 months or until the expiry of your foreign licence, whichever is earlier. You will be required to :-

i) Produce the original and photocopies of your foreign licence, medical certificate, flight radiotelephony operator licence, flying logbook and other supporting documents at CAAS' Airworthiness/Flight Operations Division for verification purposes.

ii) Prepare a Singapore crossed cheque/money order/cashier's order of $39 made payable to 'CAAS'.

3.11 I have a valid foreign PPL. I will be staying in Singapore for a long period of time and wish to convert it to a Singapore equivalent in order to fly a Singapore registered aircraft here. How can I do that?

We will consider converting your valid foreign PPL to a Singapore PPL. You will be required to :-

i) Produce the original and photocopies of your foreign licence, medical certificate, flight radiotelephony operator licence, flying logbook and other supporting documents to the Airworthiness/Flight Operations Division for verification purposes

ii) Pass a Singapore Class 2 initial medical with a CAAS DME

iii) Prepare a Singapore crossed cheque/money order/cashier's order of $28 made payable to CAAS for initial issue of a Student Pilot Licence (you will be required to initially hold a Student Pilot Licence whilst under training for the issue of a PPL)

iv) Pass the Aviation Law, Flight Rules & Procedures paper

v) Pass the Human Performance & Limitations paper (if you have not sat for this examination or its equivalent before) vi) pass the aircraft rating flight test

3.12 Where can I get more information on Student Pilot/Private Pilot Licensing requirements?

You may wish to purchase CAAS Publication SASP Part 1 priced at $4 at the Airworthiness/Flight Operations Division with a Singapore crossed cheque/cashier's order/money order for more information on Student Pilot/Private Pilot Licensing requirements. The SASP Part 1 is also available here.

Professional Pilot Licence

3.13 What qualifications will I need to apply for the initial issue of a Singapore Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)?

i) You must not be less than 18 years old (CPL) and 21 years old (ATPL)

ii) You must pass at least five subjects at the GCE 'O' Level including English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject.

iii) Pass a Singapore Class 1 initial medical with a CAAS DME

3.14 How can I fly commercially on international flights in Singapore if I don't have any flying experience previously?

Initially, you have to be trained to be a commercial pilot in order to fly commercially on international flights in Singapore. For a start,

i) you may wish to apply for the post of cadet pilot with a Singapore air operator when they advertise for the position in the papers, if you meet all the qualifications for a CPL or ATPL.

ii) Alternatively, you may wish to undergo a full CPL flying training school overseas and obtain a foreign CPL or ATPL. We will consider converting the licences to a Singapore equivalent. Please note that prior to the conversion of the licence, you will be required to be gainfully employed as a pilot with a Singapore air operator eg. airline or flying club.

3.15 If I wish to obtain a foreign CPL by undergoing a full CPL flying training overseas, are there flying schools overseas which are approved by CAAS?

There are no flying schools overseas approved for the CPL flying training except for the Singapore Flying College, a flying unit based in Jandakot, Perth. However we have an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Massey University School of Aviation in New Zealand to allow Singaporeans to undergo a 3 year Bachelor of Aviation Degree course and upon completion, obtain a New Zealand Commercial Pilot Licence. We may consider converting the New Zealand licence to the Singapore equivalent.

For further information on this course, you may wish to contact the New Zealand Trade & Development Board (TDB) in Singapore at tel. no. 7387453.

3.16 What tests and examinations I have to pass in order to obtain a CPL and ATPL?

Prior to the issue of a CPL and ATPL, you will have to :-

i) pass a Singapore Class 1 initial medical with a CAAS' DME

ii) pass a series of a minimum of 20 examination papers

iii) pass the relevant flight tests with a CAAS Flight Examiner

3.17 I have a valid foreign CPL/ATPL with a substantial flying experience and wish to fly commercially on international flights with a Singapore airline. What shall I do?

To apply for the conversion of your valid foreign CPL/ATPL to a Singapore equivalent, you will need to :-

i) obtain employment as a pilot with a Singapore airline

ii) pass a Singapore Class 1 initial medical with a CAAS DME

iii) pass the Aviation Law, Flight Rules & Procedures paper

iv) pass the Human Performance & Limitations paper if you have not sat for the examination before (applicable to applicants for conversion to Singapore CPL only)

v) pass the initial aircraft type paper vi) pass the initial aircraft rating flight test with a CAAS flight examiner

vii) pass the initial instrument rating flight test with a CAAS flight examiner

3.18 How do I apply for the issue/renewal of a CPL/ATPL?

To apply for the issue/renewal of a CPL/ATPL, you must produce the following documents in person to the Airworthiness/Flight Operations Division :-

i) Singapore Class 1 initial/renewal medical

ii) two recent passport size photographs (for initial issue only)

iii) all flying logbooks (for initial issue only)

iv) all supporting documents eg flight test reports from the sponsoring airline (for initial issue only)

v) current Singapore CPL/ATPL (for renewals only) vi) a Singapore crossed cheque/money order/cashier's order of $144 (for CPL holders below 40 years of age) or $72 (for CPL holders 40 years and above and all ATPL holders) made payable to 'CAAS'.

Application forms can be obtained from the Airworthiness/Flight Operations Division at the time of application.

3.19 How long are the CPL/ATPL valid for?

The CPL is valid for one year from the date of medical if you are below 40 years old, and 6 months if you are 40 years old and above. The ATPL is valid 6 months regardless of age. All licences' expiry dates are at the end of a calendar month.

3.20 Where can I get more information on CPL/ATPL Licensing requirements?

You may wish to purchase CAAS' Publication SASP Part 2 priced at $6.18 from the Airworthiness/Flight Operations Division with a Singapore crossed cheque/money order/cashier's order for more information on CPL/ATPL Licensing requirements. The SASP Part 2 is also available here.

3.21 What are the requirements for the conversion of a foreign PPL to a Singapore PPL?

Consideration will be given to an applicant holding a valid and current foreign PPL issued by a ICAO Contracting State converting to a Singapore Private Pilot Licence (PPL) provided he fulfill the following requirements :-

(a) Pass a Singapore Class 2 medical with a CAAS' Designated Medical Examiner

(b) Pass the Singapore Private Pilot's Airlaw and Human Performance & Limitations (HPL) papers

(c) Pass the Radio Telephony Theory paper (unless he can produce a Radio Telephony Licence)

(d) Pass the PPL flight test with a CAAS' Authorised Flight Examiner

The above must be completed 6 months prior to the issue of a Singapore PPL. Verification of the pilot licence and flying logbook/s must be made in person at the CAAS Airworthiness /Flight Operations Division.

4. Flight Operations Examinations

4.1 What are the examination papers I need to take to qualify for a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) (Aeroplane)?

You will need to obtain a pass in each of the following subjects : -

a) Aviation Law, Flight Rules and Procedures

b) Navigation

c) Meteorology

d) Aircraft Rating (General)

e) Radiotelephony (Theory and Practical)

f) Human Performance and Limitations

4.2 What is the format of the PPL examinations?

All examinations are conducted in English and may be in the form of written or oral test. Written examinations are multi-choice, with a penalty for incorrect answers.

4.3 What are the dates and venues for the PPL examinations?

PPL examinations are held on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month unless it is a Public Holiday. Flight Crew examinations are held at CAAS, Airworthiness/Flight Operations Division.

4.4 What are the entry requirements for PPL ground examinations?

You must hold a valid Singapore Student Pilot Licence to qualify to sit for PPL ground examinations.

4.5 How do I make a booking for the PPL ground examinations and what are the fees?

An examination booking will only be made upon receipt of the appropriate examinations application form and fee. Application forms may be obtained from the Airworthiness/Flight Operations Division.

The fee for the ground examination papers is S$11 per subject. (Please note that all payment is by cheque only.)

4.6 How many attempts do I have at the PPL examinations?

If you do not pass a subject on the first attempt you may be referred for a re-examination in that subject which must be passed within 6 weeks with a maximum of 3 attempts. If you fail to do so, you will be barred from taking that subject for a period of 3 months.

4.7 What is the syllabus for the PPL ground examinations?

The PPL ground examination syllabus is given in Appendix B of the Singapore Air Safety Publication Part 1 (SASP1).

4.8 How do I receive my result? When can I expect to receive my result?

To ensure confidentiality, examination results will only be released through the post or collected personally by the applicant a week after the examinations.

4.9 What are the examination papers I need to sit to qualify for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)?

You will be required to pass the following papers for the issue of a CPL and ATPL :-

i) The Navigation Group of papers

ii) The Aircraft Technical papers

iii) Aviation Law, Flight Rules and Procedures

iv) Signals A pass in the Human Performance and Limitations paper is required for the re-issue or 'upgrade' of a Professional licence for licence holders who have not sat for this paper before. Re-issue applies to any licence renewed after expiry of its normal validity period. A candidate who does not obtain a pass in this subject will have to re-sit the subject in accordance with the rules for re-sitting the Navigation Group of papers.

4.10 What are the requirements to sit for the CPL/ATPL papers?

You must possess a valid Singapore licence (minimum Student Pilot Licence) and have :-

i) Embarked on an approved course of training with a flying training organisation; or

ii) Met the criteria for exemption which may be applicable to the following categories of applicants, as determined by CAAS :

(a) a qualified pilot and serving in the RSAF who is in current flying practice and meets the experience requirements for the licence and ratings.

(b) a pilot whose total fixed-wing flying experience requirement is at least 700 hours

(c) a pilot whose pilot-in-command rotary flying hours is at least 400 hours

4.12 How often are the CPL/ATPL examinations conducted?

CAAS conducts flight crew examinations every 2nd and 4th Friday of each month, excluding public holidays. Ad-hoc examinations for the Navigation group of papers is normally held once every two months. Details of examination dates and times are available at the Airworthiness/Flight Operations Division.

All applicants except for those who attended an abridged course of approved training may apply to sit for the Aircraft Technical papers and Aviation Law, Flight Rules and Procedures on the 2nd and 4th Friday examination sitting. Applicants who attended an abridged course of approved training will be required to sit the Airlaw, Flight Rules & Procedures together with the Navigation Group of papers.

4.13 What are the closing dates for the application of CPL/ATPL examinations?

Application should be made at least three days before the examination date. Closing date of application for the ad-hoc Navigation Group of papers is two weeks prior the examination date.

4.14 What are the passing marks for the CPL/ATPL examinations?

You must pass more than 50% of the papers within a group in order to be awarded a partial pass in that group. The passing mark for each examination paper in the Navigation Group of papers is 70% except Signals which is 80%. The passing mark for each examination paper in the Aircraft Technical Group of papers is 75% except for Performance 'A' which is 70%.

4.15 Where can I get the syllabi for the CPL/ATPL examination papers?

The syllabi for the examination papers are published at the Singapore Air Safety Publication Part 2 (SASP2) at a cost of $6.18. The SASP Part 2 is also available here.

5. General Information

5.1 Where is the CAAS Airworthiness/Flight Operations Division?

We are located at:

Airworthiness/Flight Operations Division
4th Storey North Finger Pier
Unit No. 047 - 029
Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
Singapore 819643

5.2 What are the opening hours of the A/FO Division?

Our operation hours are as follows :
Monday - Thursday	0830 hrs to 1300 hrs
	1400 hrs to 1700 hrs
Friday	0830 hrs to 1300 hrs
	1400 hrs to 1630 hrs
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.

5.3 Any there any other useful information that I should know of?

Currently CAAS accepts payment by cheque and credit cards ( visa & master cards ) at the A/FO Counter. Cheques should be made payable to " CAAS ".