Steps to getting a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) in Australia

DDAC Admin • June 17, 2024

A brief overview of what's required

1. Eligibility: To hold a PPL in Australia, you must be at least 17 years old and proficient in Aviation English. You may need a general English language proficiency (GELP) certificate. You only need to meet this requirement at the recreational pilot licence (RPL) stage (CASA, 2024).


2. Medical Certificate: Obtain a Class 2 medical certificate from a CASA-approved Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME).


3. Flight Training: Enrol in a flight school and complete the required flight training, including both ground school and flight instruction. An average student will qualify for a private pilot licence (PPL) after 55-60 hours of flying. If completing training on a part time basis (say 1 hour a week) this will take just over 12 months. Full time training will take about 2 months (CASA, 2024).


4. Theory Exam: Pass the CASA theory exams covering topics such as aircraft systems, regulations, airspace, weather, and navigation.


5. Flight Hours: Accumulate the minimum required flight hours for a PPL. On the way to completing a PPL, you'll gain a Recreational pilot licence (RPL). Recreational pilots can fly light, single-engine aircraft as the pilot-in-command, independently of a flight training organisation, without supervision. You must be 16 years old to get an RPL. RPL holders:

  • can fly up to 25 nautical miles from the aerodrome either where:
  • the flight began
  • the chosen training area
  • a direct route between where the flight began and training area
  • can fly private operations with day visual flight rules (VFR) in a single engine aircraft with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 1500kg
  • limited to carrying one passenger if the RPL holder has recreational medical certificate.

Once you have passed your RPL test, you can go for your private pilot licence (PPL). Private pilots can fly anywhere in Australia, fly many types of aircraft, and gain similar operational ratings to a commercial pilot. You can also share aircraft hiring costs with your passengers. Generally, you cannot earn an income through flying – you need a commercial pilot licence for that. You must also hold the appropriate aircraft category rating on your PPL. A pilot licence must have at least one of the following category ratings:

  • aeroplane
  • helicopter
  • gyroplane
  • airship
  • powered-lift aircraft.

As well as the class or type rating for the aircraft you want to fly. You can apply for another category rating on your licence once you get your initial licence and category rating.


6. Practical Flight Test: Pass a practical flight test with a CASA-designated examiner, which includes both oral and flight components.


7. Application: Submit the required documentation and application fee to CASA. This is generally done by the CASA-designated examiner.

By Office Admin August 18, 2024
Location-specific factors you need to consider
By Office Admin July 14, 2024
Consider these points when choosing a flight school
By DDAC Member May 6, 2024
How new technology is shaping the future of flight training.
By DDAC Instructor April 15, 2024
Teaching others to fly can be very rewarding!
By DDAC Member March 18, 2024
Think outside the box to fund your flight training
Photo by Ricardo Esquivel: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-riding-on-vehicle-2220401/
By DDAC Instructor February 12, 2024
It is possible for pilots to fly in conditions below visual flight regulations if they have earned an instrument rating (VFR). Here is an introduction to instrument rating and the skills you'll need to get started: What does Instrument Rating mean? An Instrument Rating (IR), a supplemental certification, allows pilots to fly in conditions where visual reference to the ground is lost, such as fog or clouds. All instruments, such as the altimeter, airspeed indicator, and attitude indicator, are used during flight training for pilots with an IR. Instrument Rating Requirements Before getting an instrument rating, a pilot must have either a private pilot's license (PPL) or a commercial pilot's license (CPL), as well as a certain number of flight hours and cross-country flight experience as a pilot in command. How Exactly Does One Train? Gaining an instrument rating requires both classroom study and in-flight experience. Instrument flying regulations (IFR), instrument approach procedures, and the proper use of navigational aids are just some of the topics covered in ground schooling. With a hood or other obstruction in place, the pilots will learn to fly in what is called "Instrument Meteorological Conditions" (IMC). Instrument Rating Test Once the training is complete, the pilot must take and pass a written and practical exam for an instrument rating. The written test checks how much you know about weather, navigation, and the rules. The required number of hours in the air with an examiner shows how well you can fly safely and competently in a variety of conditions. Benefits of an Instrument Rating Getting an instrument rating is very helpful for pilots because it lets them fly in more situations and makes them feel safer while doing so. Pilots with an instrument rating can apply for jobs with airlines and other businesses in the commercial aviation sector. Keep Your Instrument Rating Intact greatly Pilots must go through training and flight reviews every six months to a year to keep their instrument ratings up to date. This makes sure that pilots have access to the most up-to-date information and can fly safely in any condition. Getting an instrument rating is usually good for pilots because it gives them more options in the aviation industry. With hard work and training, any pilot can improve their skills and earn an instrument rating.
By DDAC Instructor January 15, 2024
Are you ready to embark on a new journey?
By DDAC Member December 18, 2023
A pilot's perspective on the typical experiences during flight training
By DDAC Member November 20, 2023
The future is up!
By DDAC Member October 23, 2023
Get your career soaring to new heights.
Show More
Share by: