AU
Pilot licences in Australia
Australia’s regulator is the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Licences
| Licence | Minimum age | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|
| RPL, Recreational Pilot Licence RPL | 16 | Limited recreational flying. |
| PPL, Private Pilot Licence PPL | Not stated | Private flying. |
| CPL, Commercial Pilot Licence CPL | 18 | Professional flying within the licence’s privileges. |
| ATPL, Airline Transport Pilot Licence ATPL | Not stated | Higher-level privileges for qualifying airline and other operations. |
The precise rules depend on aircraft category, operation and licence pathway.
RPL requirements
For an aeroplane RPL, CASA lists requirements including:
- At least 16 years of age.
- Required English proficiency.
- Appropriate medical qualification.
- Required theoretical knowledge examination.
- Approved flight training.
- At least 25 hours of flight time, including the prescribed dual and solo experience.
- A flight test.
CASA’s published guidance specifies 20 hours dual and five hours solo for the RPL pathway described on its website.
CPL requirements
For a CPL, CASA requires applicants to be at least 18, satisfy English requirements, complete the relevant theory examinations and approved flight training, meet minimum experience requirements, pass the flight test and satisfy the applicable medical requirements.
Fees
CASA licensing and testing fees should be checked against the applicable current fee schedule. Flight-school charges are separate.
Fly under CASA rules
Tell us the licence you’re aiming for in Australia and where you’re starting from. We’ll help you plan the route.