Nepal
Guide · Licenses
Pilot license conversion in Nepal
- CAAN · Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal
- 2 min read
- Last checked 8 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
CAAN issues a Nepalese license on the basis of a foreign license from an ICAO member state under its Personnel Licensing Requirements (PELR, 5th Edition). For a commercial license you need a foreign CPL with an instrument rating and at least 200 hours, CAAN's Basic CPL exam and its exam in Nepalese regulations, a CAAN Class 1 medical and a check ride observed by CAAN.
What you will need
- A valid CPL with an instrument rating from an ICAO member state, after an approved training course there
- At least 200 hours as a pilot of airplanes, including 100 hours as pilot in command, 20 hours of cross-country flying as pilot in command with one flight of at least 300 NM and full-stop landings at two places, 10 hours of instrument time (up to 5 on the ground) and, to fly at night, 5 hours at night. CAAN credits at most 20 hours in a simulator
- CAAN's Basic CPL theory exam and its exam in Nepalese regulations (AIP)
- A check ride observed by CAAN
- A CAAN Class 1 medical and a valid English language proficiency certificate
- Verification of your license by the authority that issued it, a certified logbook and confirmation that the license is not suspended or revoked. School certificates from abroad need an equivalence certificate
Good to know
To fly a multi-engine airplane carrying passengers, you also need a multi-engine rating. For an airline type rating, CAAN sets its own exams on the aircraft's systems and performance.
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.
South Asia
Bringing your license home Sources and last checked
- CAAN Personnel Licensing Requirements, 5th Edition, Rev. 03 (2024) last checked 8 Nov 2026
- CAAN PELR clause 7.6.1, experience for the CPL (aeroplane) last checked 8 Nov 2026
- CAAN form for the issuance of a CPL (aeroplane) last checked 8 Nov 2026
- CAAN Basic CPL examination last checked 8 Nov 2026