Malaysia
Guide · Licenses
Pilot license conversion in Malaysia
- CAAM · Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia
- 2 min read
- Last checked 5 Nov 2026
We are not an aviation authority. This guide summarizes the official sources linked in each section. Rules change, so confirm with your authority before you enroll. Last checked November 2026.
In short
A foreign CPL can be converted through a CAAM-registered flight school (ATO) in Malaysia. If you want to start your career in Malaysia, the usual way is to complete only the CPL abroad, then come home for the CPL conversion and an abridged course at a registered school that includes the CAAM multi-engine instrument rating (MEIR). You also sit the CAAM ATPL theory exams. Pilots with an ATPL and more than 1,500 hours can convert directly.
What you will need
- The CPL conversion and an abridged course at a CAAM-registered flight school, including the CAAM MEIR
- The CAAM ATPL theory exams
- The CPL skill test
- A medical with a CAAM-approved examiner
- An English test at a CAAM-approved center
- For professional training: five SPM credits including English, Mathematics and Science, or at least 500 flying hours
Good to know
CAAM can validate a foreign license for short-term flying for a Malaysian sponsor with a work permit. That is not a route to a Malaysian license.
Three things to check before you enroll
Does your home authority accept the school?
Some authorities only recognize training at foreign schools they have approved.
What will you sit at home?
Most authorities ask for at least an air law exam and a flight test, some for much more.
Do you need a sponsor first?
In some places the authority only converts a license when an employer or airline asks for it.
Talk it through with us, free
Our school advisory is free for students. Partner schools pay us a commission when a student we advised enrolls.
Southeast Asia
Bringing your license home Sources and last checked
- CAAM pilot licence FAQ last checked 5 Nov 2026
- CAAM CAD 1 Personnel Licensing last checked 5 Nov 2026
- CAAM validation form last checked 5 Nov 2026