You must be at least 17 years old to get your Private Pilot Licence (PPL). You also need to do the following for the category rating you want to get with your PPL:
- Hold an RPL or you have done an integrated RPL training course;
- Pass a PPL theory exam;
- Meet the minimum aeronautical experience requirements;
- Pass a PPL flight test
With the PPL, you will be licensed to fly as Pilot in Command and conduct navigational flights throughout Australia in any CASA registered aircraft up to 5700 kg, carrying a maximum of 5 passengers. As well, once you have 100 PIC hours you can get your Flight Instructor rating and teach training endorsements.
The Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC) is issued by Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) whereas the Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) is issued by CASA. The RPC allows you to fly any aircraft under 600kgs (e.g. Sling 2) and take up to 1 passenger whereas RPL allows you to fly any aircraft up to 1500kgs (e.g. Cessna 172 or Diamond DA40) and carry up to 3 passengers.
At Learn To Fly Melbourne, we offer both RPC and RPL.
Students can choose to achieve their RPL through RPC. Student can gain their RPC through the RPC training program, the RPC is equivalent to an RPL. Once students receive their RPC, they can apply to CASA for the issuance of an RPL by simply filling in a form. Afterwards, to activate the RPL, a flight review on a GA aircraft is needed and this can be done by us as well.
Yes we do, we offer full time courses for both local and international students.
Yes, there are different types of licences. You can obtain a Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL), a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). A CPL is required if you intend to obtain work as a pilot. Details of paths to each licence can be found in our Courses section.
We believe you probably have an ambition or dream to learn to fly, however, you don’t know if you like it or have an aptitude for it or not until you fly once. A Trial Introductory Flight (TIF) is a good starting point. If you are uncertain about learning to fly, or if you just want to get airborne to “feel what it is like” before you commence training, a Trial Introductory Flight is an air experience flight; a way of sampling flight training without making any commitment to joining the school.
After the TIF, if you are happy to continue and become a pilot, then the first thing to ask yourself is whether you want to fly for fun, or for a career. The answer to this question will determine the training you need to do and the licences you need to hold.
The Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) is your first step. This course teaches you the basics of flying and builds towards your first solo flight. Once you achieve your RPL you are able to fly CASA-approved aircraft up to 25nm from your departure aerodrome and carry up to 3 passengers.
The Private Pilot Licence (PPL) introduces navigation training, and PPL holders can fly CASA-approved aircraft anywhere in Australia with up to 5 passengers. The RPL and PPL do not allow you to take on paid work as a pilot.
If you want to work as a pilot and be paid to fly, you will need to complete the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) course. If you commence a CPL course from the beginning, then the training will take you through RPL and PPL syllabus before moving onto CPL syllabus. If you already hold a PPL you can start the CPL syllabus.
Learn To Fly offers beginner courses like the Learn To Fly Starter Set and Learn To Fly First Solo Flight programs that allow you to get a taste of flying before committing to further training. All of the training in these courses can be applied as prior learning for students who do wish to proceed further.
You don’t need to have perfect eyesight as long as your vision can be corrected to 20/20 with glasses or contacts, you will be eligible for a CASA Class 1 & Class 2 Medical Certificate. This makes you eligible to fly as a commercial pilot. If you wish to obtain your Commercial Pilot Licence, you will need to conduct a CASA Class 1 Medical Clearance.
We would recommend students be at least 14 years old, so you can fly solo at 15 and obtain the RPL at 16 and PPL at 17. For the CPL, you need to be at least 18 on the date you get your licence. For younger aviation enthusiasts, we have children’s programs on our flight simulator and offer a number of activities designed to educate and entertain children of all ages. In terms of an upper age limit, you can go flying no matter how old you are as long as you can pass the medical check.
For direct entry to most airlines, you will require a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), a Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating (MECIR) and typically theory credits for the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). Airlines will publish their minimum criteria for pilot applications on their website.
Most of the information can be found on the airlines’ website.
Anyone can Learn To Fly! Learning to fly is not as hard as you might imagine, however, it does require dedicated time. It will require your mind and your body, giving you new muscle memory skills and knowledge. The good news is that just about anyone can learn to fly, it’s all up to YOU.
You don’t need any formal education to start your flight training, but there are other requirements that you need to satisfy including age, English proficiency and an aviation medical check.
We suggest you must be a minimum age of 14 and be able to understand and speak English to start the flight training. Some students start their theory training at the age of 13.
Moreover, you don’t need any formal education to start your flight training, you do not need to study physics or maths at school to obtain a pilot licence. Having this knowledge certainly does help, but is in no way a requirement. If you wish to become an airline pilot you may need both physics and maths — both are typically entry requirements. You can check individual airline recruiting websites to view a list of requirements.
