Private Pilot Licence PPL, Commercial Pilot Licence CPL, Night VFR

Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

A PPL allows you to fly a single engine aeroplane anywhere in Australia. Ratings for Multi-Engine, Night Flying or Instrument Flying can be added. The PPL is internationally recognised and is necessary for people interested in becoming a commercial pilot.

Further Training (CPL, NVFR)

Contact us for further information about our further training courses including a Night Visual Flight Rules (NVFR) rating or a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

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What happens in Private Pilot Licence training?

When you begin training for your Private Pilot Licence in Brisbane, you will undertake the necessary steps to take your first solo flight and to become a pilot. You will learn how to fly the aircraft in many configurations and under different conditions.

The process of learning will take in the basics of climbing and descending, turning and stalling; and then you will fly the aircraft in the practice arena where you can practise taking off and landing successfully.

Once your instructor is confident that you can manage any potential situations that may arise, you will be sent for your very first solo flight. No matter how many times you will fly again, your first solo flight is something that will stay with you for life. Even highly experienced pilots will recall their first solo flight with fondness.

Further training will see you learning to fly in variable wind conditions and on shorter runways. Your training will equip you for future flights and will serve to enhance your skills and knowledge.

What can I do with my  Private Pilot Licence?

Front on photo of plane.When you hold your PPL, you can pilot an aircraft as both a pilot-in-command or as a co-pilot. Your PPL allows you to pilot an aircraft when it is being operated in a private operation, or when the holder of the licence is undergoing some training in flight.

If this is your first time applying for a Private Pilot Licence or doing a pilot licence course, you also need to make sure that you apply for an aircraft category rating and a class or type rating as well.

After you have your licence and category rating, you can then go on and submit applications for other category ratings. If you would like to fly as a pilot-in-command or co-pilot in a multi-crew situation, then you need to undertake the appropriate training in multi-crew cooperation.

Obtaining your Private Pilot Licence:

Your pilot licence cost can be broken down in the following way:

Private Pilot Licence Cost

Recreational Pilot Licence (Piper Tomahawk Aircraft)

$15,318

Cessna 172 Conversion (3 Lessons)

$1,467

Sim (ADF/VOR/GNSS)

$249

Dual Navigation Cross-country Lessons (6 flights)

$8,262

Solo Navigation Exercises (2 flights)

$2,754

Pre-Test Flight

$1,377

Flight Test

$923

Testing Officer Fee

$880

CASA Licence Fee

$60

TOTAL (APPROXIMATE) 

$31,290

 

Payment Methods

We do not take any upfront payments or charge deposits. We try to keep things simple and just take payment on the day of your booking. We take all standard credit cards, EFTPOS and cash. We don’t charge extras for landing fees, air services, fuel, headsets or credit card surcharges – what you see is what you get.

Private Pilot Licence - FAQs:

How do I obtain my PPL?

You need to be 17 or over to attain your PPL. There are also certain pilot licence requirements you need to meet within the category rating you want with your PPL. These are:

  • Learn theory
  • Complete your flight training
  • Pass your theory exam
  • Meet the minimum required aeronautical experience
  • Pass a Private Pilot Licence flight test

A pass is required in the CASA PPL exam. This is a multiple-choice exam conducted online at Archerfield. Your earlier study for the Basic Aeronautical Knowledge (BAK) exam will help you significantly, and you should set aside the evenings over a week or two to study for the PPL exam.

What can I do with my Private Pilot Licence?

When you hold your Private Pilot Licence, you can fly to anywhere in Australia. The PPL course focuses on the skills necessary to fly across the countryside through various kinds of airspaces.

How does a PPL (Private Pilot Licence) differ from an RPL (Recreational Pilot Licence)?

Your PPL allows you to fly anywhere in Australia, whereas an RPL only allows you to fly within 25 nautical miles of your take off spot. The PPL gives you the training and skill necessary to manage navigation and flight over a longer distance, including map reading, navigation, cross-country flying and radio navigation aids. Your RPL gives you the training to fly the aeroplane but not the skills to navigate over long distances.

What is the minimum age needed for the PPL?

All PPL holders must be at least 17 years old to be issued with their PPL.

Do you need any qualifications to begin flight training?

You don’t need to hold any kind of formal qualifications to train for your PPL. You will need to undertake some basic exams to ensure that you can communicate successfully and understand all of the training, so you will be tested on numeracy and literacy.

Are there any medical requirements?

Because PathFinder Aviation runs from Archerfield Airport, you need to pass a more in-depth Class 2 medical before you are able to fly solo. Our higher standard of testing means that you may not be able to pass if you have (or have had) a heart condition, diabetes, mental illness or another kind of serious health issue. If you have doubts about this kind of medical exam, then it might be best to meet with a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME) before you go too much further with your training.

Your PPL

Vintage Aircraft.Every flying hour you conduct in an RA-Aus registered aeroplane can be used to meet the requirements for the CASA issued Private Pilot Licence (PPL).

Converting to a PPL requires only a few flights to cover aircraft handling and Instrument Flying prior to navigation flights. Your navigation flights will expose you to the benefits of Controlled Airspace (Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Amberley and Oakey).