Getting your Private Pilot Licence
If you would like to fly a private aircraft, you need a private pilot licence (PPL).
An PPL gives you more privileges than an RPL and is internationally recognised.
Aircraft
Up to 5700kg
Passengers
Up to 5
Operational Ratings
Add NFR, IFR and more
Hours
Min 35
- be at least 17 years old
- have english proficiency
- hold a class 1, 2 medical
- 40 hours flying time
- 10 hours as pilot-in-command
- Pass the PPL theory exam
- Pass the PPL flight test
Private Pilot Licence Course Breakdown
- Effects of Controls
- Straight and Level
- Climbing and Descending
- Turning
- Consolidation and Circuits
- Flapless and Missed Approaches
- Circuit Emergencies
- Circuits – Pre-solo
- Solo Circuit
- Circuit Consolidation
- Solo Circuits
- Circuit Consolidation
- Solo Circuits
- Advanced Stalling
- Forced Landings
- Steep Turns
- Crosswind Circuits
- Pre-Training Area Solo
- First Training Area Solo
- Short Field Take off and Landing
- Consolidation
- Precautionary Search
- Solo Consolidation
- Basic Instrument Flight
- Consolidation
- Solo Consolidation
- Start NAV Phase
The CASA approved syllabus for the first phase which includes the RPL syllabus and typical order of lessons is shown above. The typical flying time to achieve the first phase of your Private Pilot Licence is 30 hours. The course is competency based so some students will complete in less time and some students will complete in more time. This will greatly depend on hour often you can fly.
- Navigation excercise # 1
- Navigation excercise # 2
- Navigation excercise # 3
- Navigation excercise # 4 – solo
- Navigation excercise #5
- Navigation excercise #6
- Navigation excercise #7 – Solo
- Flight Test
Starting on the Navigation phase of you learning is one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of aviation. This is where you can start honing the skills of having the privilege to be able to fly anywhere in Australia once you earn your Private Pilot Licence. You will fly from Archerfield in Brisbane to many locations learning new skills that can be applied to many forms of navigation, even sailing!
Aircraft Used
Flight Tech uses two types of aircraft for your PPL training. We start with the Aeroprakt A32 Vixxen which teaches students the very basics and the important principles needed to fly any aircraft in your private or commercial career. Once the navigation phase starts you will then transition to the heavier Cessna 172P. If you are interested in adding CSU and Retractable endorsments, we can even include this with a 3rd aircraft. The Cessna 172RG. It is important to fly more than one aircraft in your training to gain experience in different types, this makes for a better, more skilled pilot.
Go straight to PPL and skip RPL
Stretch your wings and go straight to the Private Pilot Licence (PPL). Flight Tech recommends going straight to earning your Private Pilot Licence. This will include less restrictions than stopping at the RPL phase and include the following privileges…
- Travel anywhere in Australia with access to controlled aerodromes and controlled airspace without the need to add additional endorsements.
- The ability to fly heavier more complex aircraft with the ability to take more passengers, add the ability fly at night or under the IFR (Instrument Flight Rules).
- One Theory Exam and Flight Test, no need to do the RPL exam and Flight Test.
- All our courses are pay as you go, this is the most cost effective way to achieve your pilot’s licence.
- One on one instruction, we try and keep the same instructor assigned to the student from beginning to end with the exception of various checks by our Head of Operations to ensure quality instruction.
Want more? What can you add to a Private Pilots Licence?
There are several operational ratings that you can add to your Private Pilot Licence (PPL) to expand your flying privileges and increase your skills and knowledge. Here are some of the operational ratings that you can add to your PPL:
1. Command Instrument Rating (CIR): This rating allows you to fly in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) as the Pilot in Command (PIC). You will learn how to navigate using instruments and fly the aircraft solely by reference to the instruments, without relying on visual references outside the cockpit.
2. Multi-Engine Class Rating: This rating allows you to fly multi-engine aircraft, which can increase your speed and range, as well as provide additional redundancy in case of engine failure.
3. Night VFR Rating: This rating allows you to fly at night under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), which requires adequate visibility and clear skies. You will learn how to navigate and land in the dark and how to use aircraft lighting and instrumentation to enhance your visibility.
4. Low-Level Rating: This rating allows you to fly at low altitudes, typically below 500 feet above ground level (AGL). You will learn how to fly safely and effectively in terrain-following flight profiles and how to navigate in mountainous and rugged terrain.
5. Aerobatic Rating: This rating allows you to perform aerobatic maneuvers, such as loops, rolls, and spins. You will learn how to fly the aircraft in unconventional attitudes and how to recover from unusual flight conditions.
6. Formation Flying Endorsement: This endorsement allows you to fly in formation with other aircraft, typically used for air shows, fly-pasts, or military operations.
Each rating requires specific training and testing, and you must meet certain requirements before being granted the rating. Adding operational ratings to your PPL can broaden your skills and increase your flying options, making you a more versatile and competent pilot.