Private Pilot Licence

A step up from the RPL the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) allows you to realise the dream of flying where and when you want in any aircraft you are approved for. Taking friends for a holiday, touring the country by air, commuting to work from remote areas, or skipping the long airport queue when travelling for business are all possibilities with a PPL. A PPL is also a gateway to more advanced aircraft types and is the second step on the journey to a commercial pilot license. 

How much does it cost?

For a comprehensive breakdown of costs involved in a typical student’s training please see our costs and value page.

For details of the cost for the Private Pilot Licence, please see below.

What you need to know

What are the requirements to gain a PPL?

You must be 17 years old to get a PPL. For each category rating you want to obtain you must: 

  • complete the relevant flight training 
  • undertake a general English language assessment (only required for the first category rating) 
  • pass a PPL theory exam (this can be set and conducted by your flying school) 
  • pass a PPL flight test 
  • have at least 40 hours flying time including a minimum of 35 hours dual and 10 hours as pilot-in-command, and 3 hours of instrument flight. 
      Do I need a medical assessment to apply for a PPL?

      YES – You need to have either a Class 1 or 2 medical certificatebefore you can take the PPL flight test. 

      What are the requirements to use my PPL?
      • have a current flight review for the aircraft being flown (see CASA’sflight reviews information sheet for more details) 
      • meet the medical requirements 
      • have conducted three take-offs and landings in the previous 90 days if you wish to carry passengers 
      How Many Passengers Can I Carry?

      If you have a PPL you can carry up to five passengers and you can share costs equally with the other passengers.

      What can I NOT do with a basic PPL?

      As a PPL is a not a commercial license licence, you cannot fly for any purpose which earns you a profit. For more details on activities you can conduct with a PPL see CASA. 

      If you wish to conduct commercial activities in an aircraft then you need a Commercial Pilot License.