A Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) typically takes 30 – 35 hours of flight time. A Private Pilot Licence (PPL) typically takes another 30 – 35 hours of flight time. A Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) will take 150 (Integrated) hours or 200 hours (Non-Integrated) of flight time from scratch.
The time it takes you will depend heavily on how frequently you are able to fly, how flexible your schedule is, and your overall commitment to study. We have the aircraft and instructor availability for you to complete your licences as fast as you are able to pass each of the required competencies.
The more you are able to train, the more successful your training will be. Experience has shown that students who study and train more regularly are able to retain and build on their knowledge more easily. The more time you spend at your flight school (even if you aren’t flying), the more you will learn. Whilst we understand that everybody has different time commitments in their lives, we recommend that you train a minimum of once a week.
An aircraft class rating is a flight crew qualification that authorises the holder to operate aircraft that fit the description of the class rating (and are not designated as type-rated aircraft).
For example, a Diamond DA42 is a multi-engine aeroplane and is not designated as a type-rated aircraft, so it is covered by the multi-engine aeroplane class rating. You can find out more about aircraft class ratings on the CASA website.
A type rating authorises a pilot or to operate a particular type of aircraft. All aircraft that are certified for multi-crew operations will have a type rating. Type ratings are also given to specified single-pilot aeroplanes that have performance, complexity or handling characteristics that warrant pilots completing a type-specific training course.
In order to pilot a type-rated aircraft, you need to complete the relevant aircraft type training and flight tests. At the end of the test, assuming you pass, your flight examiner will enter details of the rating in your licence and send a report to CASA so that your records can be updated.
For more information on type ratings, please visit the CASA website.
A flight review is an opportunity to receive training that refreshes your flying skills and operational knowledge. Pilots undertake flight reviews to ensure they continue to be competent flying particular types of aircraft or exercising the privileges of an operational rating.
After gaining a qualification, it is normal for some skills to deteriorate over time. A flight review ensures your piloting skills remain or are brought back up to standard. Flight reviews are also used to meet the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirement for countries to ensure pilots continue to be competent in exercising the privileges of their licences and ratings.
If you hold a pilot licence, rating, or endorsement, and are unsure whether you require a flight review to demonstrate certain aspects of your qualifications, then please contact us.
A proficiency check is an assessment of your skills and knowledge in a particular operational area. Pilots are required to undertake proficiency checks to ensure they continue to be competent in conducting particular kinds of operations.
After gaining a qualification, it is normal for some skills to deteriorate over time. A proficiency check ensures your piloting skills continue to meet the standards described in the Part 61 Manual of Standards, and where applicable, those of your operator.
The following proficiency checks are prescribed under Part 61:
- Instrument rating proficiency check (IPC)
- Instructor rating proficiency check
- Examiner rating proficiency check
- Aerial application rating proficiency check
- Night vision imaging system proficiency check
You can find out more about proficiency checks on the CASA website.
Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) holders can fly within 25 nautical miles of their departure airport. Private Pilot Licence (PPL) holders are able to fly anywhere within Australia.
Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC) holders can fly within 25 nautical miles of their departure airport but are only able to fly RA-Aus-registered aircraft. With the RPC Cross Country Endorsement, that range can be extended to flights anywhere within Australia.
Both the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) are CASA Part 61 licences, meaning that they are recognised internationally and comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 1 requirements. They also adopt the ICAO’s aircraft type and class rating system, simplifying the aircraft endorsement system for pilots.
There are currently 193 ICAO member states worldwide, with that number increasing each year. To fly in other ICAO countries having completed one of the above licences, a simple validation and check flight is normally all that is required.
For each pilot licence, you are required to pass 3 types of exams – an oral test, written test and practical flying test.
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- Written Test: This is a multiple-choice test that covers all areas of aviation theory relating to your licence course. There are many resource guides available to assist with preparation including books, mock exam questions, and the best resource of all – your Learn To Fly instructors and fellow students. We recommend spending as much time studying at school as you can, as well as time outside of school studying on your own. Most written aviation theory exams require a 70% pass mark.
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- Oral Test: The day you take your practical flying test in the aircraft, your Flight Examiner will conduct an oral interview where you will be asked to discuss all the theory and knowledge areas you’ve studied during the course. This includes aircraft systems, weather, aerodynamics, air laws, airport operations, airspace designations and operations, charts, aircraft performance, and much more. The oral exam requires study, preparation and understanding on your part. Your flight instructor will be able to assist you with preparation, as will your fellow students (especially those with the first-hand experience completing the exam).
- Practical Test: Your practical flying test takes place in the aircraft, and this is where all your training comes together. You will fly with an official flight Flight Examiner who will ask you to perform all the manoeuvres and skills you have been working on from the beginning of your flight training. Your flight instructor will assist you in preparing for the actual test scenario in your flights leading up to the test.
You must be at least 21 years old to get your ATPL. You also need to do the following for the category rating you want to get with your ATPL:
- Hold either a Commercial Pilot Licence or Multi-Crew Pilot Licence with the same aircraft category rating
- Complete the relevant flight training
- Learn the theory and pass 7 ATPL theory exams
- Complete an approved course of multi-crew cooperation training
- Pass an ATPL flight test
- Meet the minimum aeronautical experience requirements
If you want to work as a pilot and be paid to fly, you will need to hold a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
You must be at least 18 years old. You also need to do the following for the category rating you want to get with your CPL:
- Complete CPL flight training
- Meet the minimum aeronautical experience requirements
- Pass 7 CPL theory exams set by CASA
- Pass a CPL flight test
There is a range of career options for commercial pilots including tourism, flight training, agriculture, logistics and passenger transport. Some of these career options require some additional training in addition to holding a CPL. Learn To Fly has a range of additional Ratings and Endorsements available, including multi-engine training and instrument flying.
