CASA RECREATIONAL PILOT LICENCE (RPL)
Overview: Full-Time – Up to 3 consecutive days for tailwheel pilots or 5 consecutive days for non-tailwheel pilots (part-time options available).
The Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) is administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This licence allows pilots to fly a heavier aircraft (generally up to 4 seats) in comparison to the Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC) which is limited to 2 seats. Pilots enjoy the flexibility of having the option of additional endorsements and sharing flying adventures with more than 1 friend at a time.
Like all of our courses, the RPL is designed to be completed in a short, fully immersive training block. This creates the ideal training environment to achieve your goals. It not only improves retention rates of new information and skills, but it allows our instructors to spend one-on-one time with you, tailoring the course to your individual learning needs.
Prior to undertaking this course, you must have completed an RPC.
- What can you do?
- Fly a single-engine CASA registered aircraft:
- Up to 1500kg
- Generally up to 4 seats
- Day time only
- Within 25 nautical miles – unless you already hold a RA-Aus Navigation Endorsement; these privileges will carry over subject to meeting some minor regulator requirements.
How old must you be?
To hold this licence you must be 16 years or older.
-
What are the medical requirements?
There are a few medical options for this licence. Check out CASA Medicals. - The Class 2 Basic is generally the right type of medical for most pilots looking at flying for recreational purposes.
- The Class 2 is more suited to those who have pre-existing medical conditions as the Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME) may be able to determine you are fit to fly.
- The Class 1 is recommend if you're considering a career as a commercial pilot to ensure you meet the more stringent standards for commercial operations.
What aircraft do we use for the course?
Piper Super Cub
- What can you add onto this Licence?
- Controlled Airspace Endorsement
- Navigation Endorsement (if not done with your RPC)
- Tailwheel Endorsement (this will carry over from your RPC if you completed your training with us)
- Manual Propeller Pitch Control Endorsement (this additional training is available as our Cessna 180 is fitted with an adjustable propeller system).
I'M TAILWHEEL EQUIPPED
- How long does it take to complete this course?
- This course takes approximately 2-3 consecutive days and 5-8 hours of flying to complete.
- Our instructors will tailor the amount of flying each day to best suit your individual learning rates but we aim to achieve around 3 hours of flying per day.
- We allocate 3 consecutive days to complete this course (allowing for weather and individual learning rates).
- Part-time course structure: Minimum 2x half-day training blocks/week.
How much does it cost?
CASA Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL)
Fly aircraft up to 1500kg-
This is an estimate and based on the following:
-
Flying Hours (Piper Super Cub) = 5 Hours @ $378/hour = $1890
-
Instructor Time = 2 Days @ $605/day = $1210
-
Course Deposit - $1500
I'M HERE FOR TAILWHEEL
- How long does it take to complete this course?
- This course takes approximately 3-5 consecutive days and 8-12 hours of flying to complete.
- Our instructors will tailor the amount of flying each day to best suit your individual learning rates but we aim to achieve around 3 hours of flying per day.
-
We allocate 5 consecutive days to complete this course (allowing for weather and individual learning rates).
- Part-time course structure: Minimum 2x half-day training blocks/week.
How much does it cost?
CASA Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) + Tailwheel Endorsement
Fly aircraft up to 1500kg-
This is an estimate and based on the following:
-
Flying Hours (Eurofox 2K Tailwheel) = 3 Hours @ $196/hour = $588
-
Flying Hours (Piper Super Cub) = 7 Hours @ $378/hour = $2646
-
Instructor Time = 3 Days @ $605/day = $1815
-
Course Deposit - $2500
*This licence is competency-based. The time and cost required to complete this course will vary from student to student and is influenced by other external factors like weather. This course includes 2 hours of basic instrument flying in accordance with our approved training syllabus. Please note there are no legal minimum hours required to complete this course, it is purely based on pilot competency to successfully pass an Aeroplane Flight Review (AFR).
Theory exams:
There are no required exams for the transition from RPC to RPL however, when you conduct a Flight Review to activate the licence you will need to know the privileges and limitations of this licence, be able to demonstrate sufficient flight planning skills and have a sound knowledge of the aircraft you are operating.
Previous experience required?
You’ll need your RA-Aus Recreational Pilot Certificate before completing this course.