Becoming a pilot is one of the most rewarding things you can do, whether your goal is to enjoy weekend flying, travel privately, or fly for the airlines. But before you start flight training, it’s important to understand the different types of Australian pilot licences, what training pathways are available, and the privileges each one grants.
This guide explains all the basics when it comes to the Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL), Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), and Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).
Australian Flight Training Pathways
Before diving into individual licences, let’s look at the main training pathways available in Australia. Each licence can be achieved either through a structured course or modular training, depending on your goals and preferred pace.
1. Part 141 Flight Training: Non-Integrated
Most Australian flying schools operate under CASA Part 141, offering structured training for recreational and private pilot licences, along with a commercial training syllabus to follow after your independent “command” or “solo flight” hour building. Features of Part 141 non-integrated training include:
- Ideal for recreational and private training while also offering a less compressed commercial pathway.
- Offers flexible scheduling and pay-as-you-go structure along with the option to self-study for your theory exams (a good way to save money).
- Ideal for students who want to train part-time or alongside other commitments.
- Comes with the option of pursuing additional qualifications along the way thanks to a flexible structure.
2. Part 142 Flight Training: Integrated
Part 142 schools (often larger academies or airline-linked programs) deliver integrated CPL courses. They are called “integrated” as the course combines theory and flying into one approved syllabus. Features of Part 142 integrated training include:
- Structured “full-time” programs with a CPL typically being completed in 9 to 12 months.
- Lower minimum flight hour requirements due to the integrated design. This reduces the total required aeronautical experience from 200 hours to 150 hours.
- Ideal for those pursuing an aviation career pathway from day one and wish to speed up their progress.
Key Take-Aways
There are pros and cons that come with both non-integrated and integrated training pathways and your choice will largely come down to the amount of time and money you can commit to your training. We will be doing a deep dive on making this choice in a later article.
Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL)
Overview
The Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) is the first step in CASA’s licensing structure and is where you really learn how to fly. It allows you to act as pilot in command of a single-engine aircraft within 25 nautical miles of your departure aerodrome or further if you hold additional navigation endorsements (our advice: if you want to fly to different places then skip the nav endorsements and go straight to a PPL).
The RPL is perfect for anyone who wants to fly for fun or start the journey toward a private or commercial licence.
Minimum Requirements
- Age: 16 years or older
- Medical: CASA Class 2 medical certificate
- English Proficiency: ICAO Level 4 or higher
- Training Hours: Minimum 25 hours total flight time, including:
- 20 hours of dual instruction
- 5 hours solo flight time (including 2 hours solo circuits)
Theoretical Knowledge
You’ll complete the CASA RPL(A) theory exam, covering:
- Basic aerodynamics and flight principles
- Aircraft systems and performance
- Meteorology and air law
- Human factors and decision-making
HOWEVER, if you are working toward a PPL then you can skip the RPL theory exam as the PPL theory exam will cover you for both licences (why do two exams when you could do one?).
Privileges and Limitations
- Fly as pilot in command within 25 NM of the departure aerodrome
- Carry one passenger (or multiple if you hold a Class 1 or Class 2 medical)
- Fly by day only under Visual Flight Rules (VFR)
- Add endorsements such as navigation, controlled airspace, or design features and flight activities to expand your privileges
The RPL is often your first milestone in aviation as it’s affordable, achievable, and builds the foundation for your PPL and beyond.
Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
Overview
The Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is the next step up. It allows you to fly anywhere in Australia, carry passengers, and enjoy the freedom of private air travel. While the PPL doesn’t permit paid flying, it’s a prerequisite for the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
Minimum Requirements
- Age: 17 years or older
- Medical: Class 2 medical (or higher)
- Training Hours:
- 40 hours total flight time minimum (this includes the hours built during your RPL), including:
- 10 hours solo flying
- 5 hours solo cross-country navigation
- 2 hours of basic instrument flight time
- 40 hours total flight time minimum (this includes the hours built during your RPL), including:
Theoretical Knowledge
You’ll complete the PPL(A) theory exam, covering:
- Australian Air Law
- Navigation
- Meteorology
- Aircraft Performance and Loading
- Human Factors
- Aircraft General Knowledge
- Aerodynamics
Privileges and Limitations
- Fly anywhere in Australia under day VFR conditions (visual conditions)
- Carry passengers in private (non-commercial) operations
- Operate in controlled and uncontrolled airspace
- Add endorsements such as night VFR, instrument rating, or multi-engine rating plus much more!
The PPL is ideal for private aircraft owners or anyone wanting the freedom to explore Australia by air. It’s also the stepping stone to the CPL for aspiring professional pilots.
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
Overview
The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) marks your transition from private to professional pilot. It authorises you to fly for hire or reward, including charter, aerial work, flight instruction (with flight instructor rating), scenic operations, and all manner of other aviation career paths.
CPL training builds advanced flight skills, complex aircraft handling, commercial operation understanding, and professional-level theory knowledge.
Minimum Requirements
- Age: 18 years or older
- Medical: Class 1 medical certificate
- Training Hours:
- Non-integrated (modular) CPL: Minimum 200 hours total flight time, including:
- 100 hours Pilot in Command (PIC)
- 20 hours cross-country PIC
- 10 hours Instrument Flight
- Integrated CPL course: Minimum 150 hours total flight time, including:
- 70 hours Pilot in Command
- 20 hours cross-country PIC
- 10 hours Instrument Flight
- Non-integrated (modular) CPL: Minimum 200 hours total flight time, including:
Theoretical Knowledge
You’ll need to pass seven separate CPL theory exams:
- CPL Air Law
- CPL Human Factors
- CPL Meteorology
- CPL Navigation
- CPL Aerodynamics
- CPL Aircraft General Knowledge
- CPL Performance
These are demanding exams and form the theoretical foundation for advanced training and future airline studies (ATPL exams).
Privileges and Limitations
- Fly for hire or reward (get paid to fly!)
- Act as Pilot in Command in single-pilot commercial operations
- Add commercially valuable or integral endorsements such as:
- Instrument Rating
- Multi-Engine Class Rating
- Flight Instructor Rating
The CPL is the gateway to professional aviation whether you want to instruct, fly charter, or begin your journey toward airline flying and the ATPL.
Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)
The Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) is the highest level of pilot certification in Australia. It’s required to act as Captain (Pilot in Command) on multi-crew aircraft operating in airline or air transport operations.
Even if you already hold a CPL and have started working as air transport flight crew, the ATPL is the qualification that is needed to command airline flights (“this is your Captain speaking”). Most entry level airline jobs will require that you have at least passed some if not all ATPL exams.
Completing your ATPL exams is something that you can certainly complete during your flight training and is extremely valuable if you are looking at an airline career. However, the actual training/progression into an ATPL is typically completed during your employment, so we won’t go into detail about this licence here.
Which Pilot Licence Do You Need?
Choosing the right licence depends entirely on your aviation goals. Here are some typical pathways:
1. Recreational or Hobby Flying
If you want to fly locally on weekends, enjoy sightseeing, or experience the thrill of flight, the RPL is ideal and a perfect starting point. It’s affordable, requires less training time, and gets you in the air quickly.
2. Private Aircraft Ownership & Cross-Country Travel
If your dream is to own an aircraft or travel across Australia with family and friends, the PPL gives you the freedom to fly anywhere in the country. This is also the perfect foundation on which to expand your qualifications.
3. Professional Pilot or Flying Instructor
If you want to earn a living flying, you’ll need a CPL. Many CPL graduates continue to gain experience through instructing or aerial work before moving into larger commercial roles.
4. Airline Pilot or Airline Captain
If your goal is to fly for an airline, your pathway will include:
- CPL + Instrument Rating + Multi-Engine Class Rating (among other qualifications – Multi-Crew for example)
- Accumulate the required experience
- Complete the ATPL theory exams and eventually a flight test
NOTE: many airlines hire First Officers with CPL + ATPL theory passes, then upgrade them to captain once they meet the experience requirements for the full ATPL issue.
Final Thoughts
Australia has one of the most respected and clearly structured pilot licensing systems in the world. Whether you’re training at a small school or a major academy, your CASA-issued licence is recognised globally for its professionalism and safety standards.
Understanding the differences between the RPL, PPL, CPL, and ATPL is the first step in mapping your aviation journey. This will also help you choose the best flight school to help you achieve your ultimate aviation goals. If you want more information on choosing the right flying school for you, then check out our other article: “How to Choose a Flight School in Australia: A Guide for Future Pilots”.