Learning to fly in Australia

The Australian pilot licencing system provides a logical 'stepping stone' approach to learning to fly. In describing the process here, it is stressed that a pilot licence is awarded to the applicant who has reached the required skill level. As such, the flying hours stated here reflect the number of flying hours an average person requires to reach that skill level. It is certainly possible for the applicant to reach that skill level in less flying time (in which case they must have flown at least the minimum required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority).

 

The General Flying Progress Test (GFPT).

A pass in the GFPT allows the holder to pilot an aeroplane in the local area of the aerodrome, or in the training areas associated with the aerodrome, whilst carrying passengers (not for hire or reward). The applicant will have completed the following practical and theoretical components:

  • 40 hours of practical flying training - 15 of which are flown solo;
  • passed the Basic Aeronautical Knowledge (BAK) exam. Subjects include Aerodynamics, Engines and Systems and Aircraft Performance;
  • passed the flight test (approx 1.5 hours).

 

The Private Pilot Licence (PPL).

Training for the PPL is concentrated on navigation skills. The holder of a PPL is able to fly anywhere in the country (and indeed the world), whilst carrying passengers (again not for hire or reward). It is possible to be exempted from certain airspace types (ie capital city airports), which has the effect of reducing the training time and cost - although the holder is restricted to those classes of airspace they have been specifically trained for. The following practical and theoretical components are typically what it takes to be awarded a PPL:

  • 25 hours of in flight navigation training - at least 5 will be solo;
  • passed the PPL theory exam. Subjects covered include Air Law, Meteorology, Navigation and Human Factors;
  • passed the PPL flight test (approx 3 hours).

 

The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

A CPL holder has all the privileges of the PPL, except passengers may now be carried for hire or reward. The applicant must have a minimum of 200 hours total flight time before attempting the flight test. Course requirements are:

  • 10 hours of instrument flying time;
  • 10 hours of general flying training;
  • 20 hours of navigation training;
  • a pass in the CPL theory exam;
  • passed CPL flight test (approx 3 hours), conducted in a 'complex' aircraft.

 

Licence holders may qualify to fly more complex aircraft with further training on systems such as retractable undercarriage, or even multi-engine aircraft.

Holders of a PPL or above may undertake training to allow flight at night or through bad weather - these are called ratings and are subject to strict recency requirements.

 

Night VFR Rating.

Allows the holder of a Private Pilot Licence (or higher) to conduct VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flights at night (in good weather and in a suitably equipped aircraft). Typical training needed is:

  • 5 hours in a synthetic trainer practicing use of the radio navaids;
  • 5 hours of circuits, including 2 hours solo;
  • 7 hours of night navigation exercises;
  • although there is no formal theory exam, study guides are available to enable you to gain the required theoretical knowledge;
  • passed a flight test (approx 2.5 hours).

 

Instrument Rating.

Allows the holder of a Private Pilot Licence (or higher) to conduct flights (in a suitably equipped aircraft) in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). Typical training includes:

  • 40 hours of instrument flight time, this may include some time in a synthetic trainer;
  • passed the Instrument Rating Exam;
  • passed a flight test (approx 3 hours).

 

Holders of a CPL or higher may also obtain a Flight Instructor Rating, or an Agricultural Rating.

 

Useful links:

Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) – Flight crew licencing requirements (including information on recognition of overseas qualifications).

 

Last updated: Thursday 19th July 2007.