Understanding Private Pilot License: Pros and Cons

If you wish to experience the thrill of flying an aircraft, a pilot license is mandatory in Australia. Whether you wish to do it professionally or just for fun, your journey to becoming a pilot starts with a private pilot licence. Aviation courses in Melbourne offer different types of pilot licences, so depending on a person’s personal goals, they need to choose the right course and obtain the appropriate pilot’s license. 

Here are the three main types of pilot licenses in Australia.

• Recreation Pilot License or PPL- Requires fewer training hours, and allows a person to fly light aircraft within 25 nautical miles of take-off.

• Private Pilot License or PPL- Allows an individual to plan and conduct private flights anywhere in Australia. 

• Commercial Pilot License or CPL- Permits commercial flying with commercial airlines in Australia and Abroad.

What Is A Private Pilot License? 

The PPL license in Australia is the intermediate-level pilot’s license that permits private flying anywhere in Australia. An individual applying for a PPL must have a valid recreational pilot license because the ppl training will add to the skills obtained during RPL training. The PPL pilot training course includes up to 30 flying hours along with up to 20 hours of theory and 1 hour of simulation training. 

A PPL license holder has extended rights than an RPL holder. The RPL holder can only fly a light aircraft within 25 nautical miles of the departure point. So, this license is suitable for people who want to experience the thrill of flying an aircraft. However, the PPL allows an individual to plan and conduct flights anywhere in Australia. Even if you wish to become a professional pilot, a PPL is mandatory. Getting this license is one of the best options if you love to fly. 

What Are The Advantages Of Having A PPL?

A PPL holder enjoys several advantages rather than just the experience of flying an aircraft. The PPL allows an individual to fly for a wide range of purposes. Here are some key advantages of having a PPL:

• Fly With Family: PPL permits an individual to plan and conduct private flights with up to 5 passengers anywhere in Australia. A PPL holder can plan fun trips with family and travel anywhere in Australia with family and friends. Going on “air dates” with their special ones is common practice among PPL holders. So, if you would love to give your partner a memorable experience of flying to a romantic destination privately, a PPL license can help. 

• No Traffic: As mentioned in the previous point, a person holding a PPL can fly with up to 5 passengers anywhere in Australia. Of course air traffic exists, however it’s not like what we experience on roads.  

• Provide A Better Experience to Business Associates: Wouldn’t it be great to fly your business associates and clients to a meeting destination? So, get the PPL license now, and take your clients on a private flight.  

• Angel Flying: PPL holders are allowed to fly as an Angel Pilot via any Angel flight organisation in Australia. Angel flights are special flights dedicated to helping people who require medical treatment typically in remote or hard to reach areas. If a person requires medical treatment, which is not available in their area, they can get help from an Angel Flying organisation. So rather than just private flying, PPL holders can also fly as Angel Pilots and help out people in the community.  

What Are The Limitations Of Having A PPL?

A PPL has a few limitations. The license is not a permit for professional flying. A PPL holder cannot get paid for flying an aircraft in Australia. They can also not fly a commercial airline unless they undergo valid airline pilot training in Australia. Similarly, a PPL doesn’t allow an individual to fly an aircraft outside Australia. The license can be used only to fly inside the country and for private purposes. 

Get PPL Training And Start Flying!

A PPL has several advantages. It allows a person to fly privately for a wide range of purposes. Anyone who loves to fly an aircraft must get their PPL license. The best way to obtain a PPL is to research and sign up for aviation courses around Australia. Top flight schools offer a wide range of flexible flight training courses for commercial and private flying. So, contact the best flight school in your area, and get ready to fly.