Private Pilot Licence
On completion of an RPL, most pilots pursue the Private Pilots Licence (PPL) to extend their flying privileges. The PPL training course is centered around the theory and practice of navigation, navigation aids, and controlled airspace operations. PPL holders can fly anywhere within Australia, including through controlled airspace and into controlled airports. The PPL is a gateway and pre-requisite to advanced training options such as night flying and instrument flying ratings.
Prerequisites
- Must be minimum of 17 years of age on completion of course (candidates can start prior to reaching 17 years old)
- CASA Class 1, Class 2 or Recreational Aviation Medical Practitioner’s Certificate (RAMPC) medical
- Language, Literacy and Numeracy requirements are applicable, please speak to RTO Coordinator for further information
Overview
Complete minimum of approximately 30 hours of flying training including:
- 22 hours dual cross country
- 6 hours solo cross country
- 2 hours dual instrument flight
Students will undertake the following sequences during their course:
- Initial Nav Phase:
- Nav 1: Basic Techniques
- Nav 2: Introduction to Controlled Airspace
- Nav 3: Pre-solo Check Flight
- Nav 4: First Solo Nav, outside of Controlled Airspace
- Advanced Phase:
- Nav 5: Navigational Aids & Controlled Aerodromes
- Nav 6: Consolidation Exercises
- Nav 7: Pre-solo Check Flight
- Nav 8: Second Solo Nav, including Controlled Airspace and Aerodromes
Typically, each navigation exercise will be between 2-4 hours of flight time, with a planning briefing of 2 hours on a day prior to the flight.
Duration
- Full time | 4 weeks, weather permitting
- Part time | As required (progress through syllabus at your own pace)
- Recommended minimum lesson frequency for part time training is 1 lesson per week
Theory
The Private Pilot Licence – Aeroplanes (PPL-A) theory is learned concurrently with the PPL flying course. Most students choose to self-study at their leisure, although some of the course content is also covered during classroom briefings and in practice.
There is one multi choice exam to be completed prior to the first solo navigation flight:
- Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) Exam
Example topics covered in this exam are: Navigation, Human Factors, Meteorology, Aircraft Knowledge, Aerodynamics, Loading & Performance. A single textbook covers the required knowledge items and although study is required, a successful result is easily within reach of the average person.
Outcomes
On completion of the Private Pilot Licence Course, you will be able to:
- Act as pilot in command of a single engine aeroplane
- Carry passengers on private flights
- Operate within Australia, inside or outside of Controlled Airspace or Aerodromes
- Operate airborne radio equipment in an aviation environment, including Controlled Airspace and Aerodromes
- Certify an aeroplane is serviceable for flight
Endorsements
Unlike the RPL, where additional privileges are added after obtaining the core Licence, the PPL by default includes all standard privileges such as controlled airspace and aerodromes, and also removes limitations such as the 1500kg weight limit for RPL holders.
Once obtaining a PPL, holders often pursue the following advanced endorsements:
- Manual Propeller Pitch Control: Operate an aircraft with a variable pitch propeller
- Night Rating: Fly at night as a Private Pilot
- Private Instrument Rating: Fly through poor visibility and cloud with only reference to instruments
Members are billed for the flying time conducted during a lesson, measured on the aircraft’s VDO meter to the nearest 1/10th of an hour. Other costs may include Instructor briefing time before a flight or airport landing fees (Not at Redcliffe, but other aerodromes during navigation training).
Payment is required on completion of a lesson and the following methods of payment are accepted:
- EFTPOS
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Cash
- Bank Transfer (prior to flight)
Members may choose to pre-pay a component of their course for ease of billing, but this is not a requirement.
