Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

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This page provides you with a detailed breakdown of the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Course. For general information about learning to fly with Airborne Aviation visit our Learn To Fly section.

A Private Pilot Licence (PPL) allows you to fly "in command" anywhere in Australia, and many parts of the world.

You may not charge for your services as a pilot without holding a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), but you are permitted to cost share with your passengers to split the cost of the aircraft hire.

The Private Pilot Licence (PPL) course comprises of four main stages:

• First Solo Flight
• Training Area Solo
• General Flying Progress Test (GFPT) Licence
• Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Licence

Flight Training and Experience Requirements

Aeronautical experience requirements for the issue of an Private Pilot Licence are detailed in Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR) 5.85. The requirements are as follows:

    40 hours total flight time, which includes:

• 5 hours of general flight as pilot-in-command (PIC)
• 5 hours cross-country as PIC
• 2 hours instrument flight
  

Flight training is undertaken to ensure standards meet or exceed the private pilot standard specified in the Day VFR Syllabus - Aeroplanes. This syllabus incorporates the Australian National Competency Standards for Private Pilots.

With the extensive competencies that need to be met, and to receive a licence with endorsements to fly in all airspace types, a student pilot without prior flying experience could not expect to meet these standards in 40 hours. A realistic target for budgeting purposes is 55-65 hours to be adequately prepared for the PPL flight test. The exact number of hours you will require are dependant on the frequency at which you have lessons, and your skill level.

The four stages to obtaining your PPL are as follows:

1. First Solo Flight This part of your initial training will cover all aspects of flight necessary for you to undertake your first solo flight including normal and abnormal operations. The hours required to complete your first solo will vary depending on the frequency of your lessons, and your skill. Students should expect to complete their first solo flight after approximately 15 hours. A total of 2 hours of solo flying in the circuit (take-off and landing) will be undertaken. You must be 16 years old to fly solo.

2. Training Area Solo This training prepares you for more solo flying in the flying training area adjacent to the airport. You will complete 3 hours of solo flight, during this time practicing sequences that have been covered in your training.

3. General Flying Progress Test (GFPT) Successful completion of this flight test indicates that you can "fly" the aeroplane to the required standard - but are yet to learn how to navigate over long distances. Holding a GFPT you are now authorised to carry passengers while acting as pilot-in-command in the flying training area, and while on navigational exercises under instruction.

4. Navigation Training Having completed the GFPT this phase is designed to teach you how to navigate efficiently and accurately. Here you will be taught the basics of pilot navigation, map reading, cross country flying techniques and the use of radio navigation aids. Having completed the navigation training element you will be ready to undertake the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) flight test.

In addition to the flight training and experience the following requirements you must:

• Be at least 17 years of age to be issued a PPL
• Pass a Class 2 Medical examination - refer to the CASA web site

Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Exam Structure

There are four exams which you will undertake while on the way to your PPL.

• Pre-First Solo Exam
• Pre-Area Solo Exam
• Basic Aeronautical Knowledge (BAK) Exam
• Private Pilot Licence PPL(A) Exam

Private Pilot Licence Course Estimate

Many students with no aspirations of seeking employment as a "commercial pilot" elect to obtain their Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). There are a number of reasons why:

• GST free flying up to 150 hours, including recreational flying
• Your flying hours as a private pilot can be put towards a CPL and is GST free
• Increased flying proficiency and knowledge, making you a better pilot
• A number of advanced ratings can be included within the 150 hours
• There is no set time period to obtain a CPL - do it at your own pace

When you commence your training with Airborne Aviation if you tell us of your intent to obtain a CPL in the future your flying training is GST free. There are no lock in contracts and no time constraints.

Below is an estimate of the costs for a PPL based on list pricing at 28th October 2011. Courses typically run on a one-to-one basis and are designed to fit in to both your schedule and budget constraints.

Private Pilot Licence (PPL) General Flying Progress Test (GFPT) - 35 Hours Dual (C172) - 5 Hours Solo (C172) - 1 Hour Simulator Training - 20 Hours Theory - Landing Fees (40) - Movement Fees (40) - Flight Test and Student License Fees - Exam Fees - Security Checks & ASIC Card - Pilot Case - Theory Manuals, Aircraft Manual, Student Notebook - Visual Flight Guide - Maps, ERSA, Nav Equipment, Kneeboard, etc - VFR Syllabus $15,585 Navigation Training - 15 Hours Dual (C172) - 5 Hours Solo (C172) - 10 hours Theory - Landing Fees (16) - Movement Fees (7) - PPL Cyberexam Fee $6,934 Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Flight Test - 3 Hours Dual (C172) - Authorised Testing Officer Fee - Landing and Movement Fees - CASA License Fee $1,239 Estimated Total: Price is exclusive of GST. Payment can be made as you go, pre-paid in full or via installments. Pre-payment can attract a discount of up to 7.5%. Medical examination fees paid directly to designated aviation medical examiner (DAME) not included. $23,758     Option 1: Initial Training in C152 or PA38 Exchange GFPT 40 hours C172 for: - 35 Hours Dual (C152 or PA38) - 5 Hours Solo (C152 or PA38) - Landing & Movement Fees deduct $1,640 Option 2: Constant Speed Unit (CSU) Endorsement and C182 Check Exchange 6 hours dual navigation in C172 for: - 6 Hours Dual (C182) - Landing & Movement Fees add $457

On completion of your Private Pilot Licence you could consider undertaking any of the following courses to increase your knowledge, skills, options - and for the fun of it!

• Night VFR Rating
• Aerobatic Rating
• Multi-Engine Endorsement
• Tailwheel Endorsement
• Constant Speed Unit (CSU) Endorsement
• Retractable Undercarriage Endorsement
• Command Instrument Rating
• Commercial Pilot Licence Course

Why Airborne Aviation?

Selecting a flying training organisation is an important step when making the decision to learn to fly or when upgrading your qualifications.

Visit our Why Airborne page to see what differentiates us from the competition.

Questions?

Most commonly asked questions can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions page.

If you have any questions or would like to get started please do not hesitate to contact us.