Becoming a certified pilot may be one of the best decisions you ever make. Whether it’s for short, recreational flights in lightweight single-engine aircraft, flying fighter jets for the RAAF or commercial planes in regional or international routes, the possibilities are endless.
What it Takes to become a Pilot
Besides relentless determination, you’ll need to put in some work towards a relevant licence. This entails passing a theory exam on flight fundamentals, completing the specified hours of flying time and passing a medical and flight test. Aspiring pilots can get training at accredited flying schools, either self-funded or aligned with TAFE or Uni, through programs offered by the Military, or an airline cadet program.
Types of Licences
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is Australia’s governing body and issues different pilot licences. This begins with the Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) which gives you the privilege of piloting a single-engine aircraft of no more than 1500kg, within 25 nautical miles (46km) or your departure aerodrome during daytime and in reasonable weather. As the pilot in control, and flying unsupervised, you will also be able to carry one passenger, provided you hold a recreational medical certificate.
If you want to fly further, the next step is completing further study and flight training to obtain flight endorsements or get a Private Pilot Licence (PPL). This can also be issued for different aircraft classes, such as helicopters and airships, besides planes. A PPL licence lets you fly bigger aircraft, anywhere in Australia, at any time (day or night), and carry up to 5 passengers If you want to earn a living flying, the next step is the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). Again, the selection of aircraft is larger. And lastly, piloting any larger airline-type aircraft in private or commercial operations is possible if you hold an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).
RPL Requirements and Training Courses
In order to get your RPL, you must be 16 or older and attend RPL training courses. These are offered by the flight school and in different forms. Students can attend face-to-face, virtual or online classes. There’s also the mandatory 20 hours of flight training with an instructor and 5 hours that you need to clock solo.
RPL theory will bring the fundamentals of flying in structured classes, each pertaining to different areas of flying. Aspiring pilots first start off with the basics of aerodynamics, and concepts such as elementary flight controls, straight and level flying, climbing, descending, and turning. They also get a hold of what stalling is. Aviation students further build their knowledge with aircraft airframes, propellers, engine types, flight systems, and flight instruments.
Human factors affecting flying, such as vision, stress and fatigue, and general aviation law covering areas like rules and regulations are also discussed. Meteorology is a fundamental factor in RPL theory and here is the study of different weather phenomena, and the ability to interpret synoptic charts and weather forecasts.
Courses round out with the core fundamentals of navigation, covering areas like aircraft speed and direction and using maps. Lastly, there’s the flight planning and performance of your aircraft, to help plan flights. All courses additionally come in the form of RPL training books.
RPL Endorsements
Upon passing the exam (with a score of 70 percent or higher), completing flight training, and clocking the needed flight time, flight students need to pass the flight test. If all goes to plan, and you obtain your RPL licence, you can extend your flying privileges with additional training and obtaining endorsements.
A controlled airspace endorsement lets you exceed the 25 nautical mile limit, and fly in controlled airspace, or Class C and D airspace surrounding major regional and general airports equipped with a control tower, as well as in and around major cities and towns. Similar possibilities are provided by the navigation endorsement, letting your fly cross country. A radio endorsement supplementing your RPL licence lets you use aircraft radio in communication and navigation.
What You Can’t do with an RPL?
An RPL restricts pilots to small, single-engine aircraft, meaning if you want to fly larger or multi-engine planes, you’ll need to take additional training or hold a PPL. This also extends to helicopters if you hold an RPL licence with a helicopter category, meaning turbine-powered helicopters are out of bounds. You must also fly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), or during daylight and in good weather.
Flying at night or in inclement weather is only allowed with Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), meaning you hold an instrument rating. And lastly, an RPL is not an internationally recognised aviation licence, and it can’t be used outside Australia.
How Long Does It Take?
If you engage in full-time study and training, an RPL can be obtained within 4 to 6 weeks. This means 4 or 5 days of study and flight training each week. Anyone with less time on their hands can go at a slower pace, getting 1-2 hours of training each week, and getting their licence within 4 to 6 months. One hurdle that 45 per cent of candidates find difficult on their first go is the RPL exam, so if you’re serious about becoming a certified pilot ensure you put in the study.
