How Difficult Is It To Get A Recreational Pilot Licence?

It’s a dream that many people share: lifting off from the tarmac, climbing higher and higher, soaring through the sky with you in complete control of the cockpit. Few people realise they can actually turn this dream into a reality. Becoming a pilot isn’t something that’s just reserved for the elite or those with too much money and time up their sleeves. There are many flying schools around the country that strive to make learning to fly an affordable, achievable goal.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority — or CASA’s — Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) is perfect for those who are wanting to take to the skies.  Many people use it as the first stepping stone in their professional aviation career while others see it as a complete goal in itself.

So, how difficult is it to get a recreational pilot licence? Read on to find out!

What does an RPL allow me to do?

The RPL allows you to carry up to three passengers and fly within 25 nautical miles of your departure airport, in any CASA registered aircraft, with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 1,500kgs. 

If you are wanting to fly further, you can progress from the RPL on to the Private Pilot Licence (PPL), which allows you to fly anywhere in Australia. If you want to work as a professional pilot, the next step from there is to obtain your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

Eligibility

There are a few eligibility requirements that must be met before you can start your RPL training. These include:

• You must be able to speak and comprehend a certain level of English. English language requirements can be found on CASA’s website. 
• You must hold a Class I or Class II medical certificate.
• You must possess an Aviation Security ID Card (ASIC)

Whilst you can start flying at any age, you must be at least 15 years old to fly solo, and 16 years old to take the RPL flight test. 

Training and testing

Flight training is designed to teach you basic controls and manoeuvres, as well as how to operate in emergency situations. The goal is to provide you with all the skills you need to keep yourself and others safe in the sky.

Prior to taking the RPL test, you will need to complete at least 25 hours of flight time, including 20 dual and 5 as pilot-in-command. Your flight school will teach you the knowledge required to pass the RPL theory exam, in addition to the flight test itself.

Endorsements 

Flying is like many other things in that you never stop learning how to improve your skills. After you’ve passed your Recreational Pilot Licence, you can train and test for additional category ratings and endorsements. These can allow you to extend the situations in which you are able to fly.

Even if you have no intention of flying as a full-time career, endorsements are a great goal to work towards and can help you keep your skills in tip-top shape.

For most people, obtaining a Recreational Pilot Licence simply requires a little bit of time and dedication. If you have any questions about your particular situation or chance of success, speak to a professional flight school.