Private Pilot Licence

An Australian Private Pilot Licence allows you to fly as Pilot in Command anywhere in Australia. As a Private Pilot you are not permitted to charge for your services without holding a Commercial Pilot Licence, but you are permitted to cost share with your passengers to split the cost of hiring or operating an aircraft.

The Royal Aero Club's Private Pilot Licence syllabus is endorsed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is made up of four main stages:

• First Solo Flight
• Training Area Solo Flight
• General Flying Progress Test (GFPT)
• Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) require 40 hours minimum flight time to issue a Private Pilot Licence. With the extensive competencies required to meet the Australian National Competency Standards for Private Pilots and to recieve endorsements to fly in all airspace types, a student with no prior experience could not expect to meet these standards within 40 hours.

A realistic target to aim for is 60 flying hours to be prepared to sit a PPL Flight Test. The exact number of hours you will require is dependant on how often you have lessons and your skill level.

First Solo Flight

In the lead up to your first solo, you will learn all aspects of flight necessary for you to go solo, including normal and abnormal situations. The hours required for you to complete before your first solo flight will vary depending on the frequency of your lessons and your skill.

Students flying regularly should expect to complete their First Solo after approximately 12 hours. You must be 16 years old to undertake your first solo flight.

You must pass the Pre-Solo Theory Examination before you go on your first solo flight.

Training Area Solo Flight

Following your first solo flight, you will build 3 hours solo. Then, with your instructor you will conduct more advanced flight sequences in the training area south of Perth and north of Mandurah.

Once signed off for your Training Area Solo, you will complete 2 hours of solo flight. You must pass the Pre-Area Solo Theory Examination before you go on your first training area solo.

General Flying Progress Test (GFPT)

Following your first training area solo, you will complete further advanced training.

Successful completion of the General Flying Progress Test (GFPT) will indicate that you are competent to fly the aeroplane to the required standard. However you are yet to learn the art of navigation over long distances.

As the holder of a GFPT, you are able to carry passengers within the Training Area. Before completing the GFPT you will need to complete the Radio Theory and Basic Aeronautical Knowledge Examinations.

Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

Following the completion of the GFPT you will learn how to navigate efficiently and accurately. You will learn the basics of pilot navigation, map reading, cross country flying techniques and the use of radio navigation aids.

Having completed the navigation exercises, you will be ready to undertake the Private Pilot Licence Flight Test. Before completing the PPL Flight Test you will need to complete the Private Pilot Licence Theory Examination and also be a minimum of 17 years of age.

The Royal Aero Club of Western Australia is able to provide full theory support for the Basic Aeronautical Knowledge and Private Pilot Licence Theory Examinations through the WA Aviation College.