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Learning to fly

The University Flying Club does not offer flight training. This page is general information about the pilot licences available in Australia, with links to the official CASA resources. If you’re already a licensed, experienced pilot, we’d love to have you — see joining the club.

Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL)

The RPL is intended for people who want to fly purely for recreation, with some restrictions. It allows you to fly light (under 1,500 kg MTOW), single-engine aircraft as pilot in command, and can be achieved in as little as 25 hours.

Once you’ve earned the licence you can fly without supervision from a flight instructor or flying school, but you’re restricted to 25 nautical miles from your departure aerodrome unless you add endorsements:

  • Navigation endorsement — fly more than 25 nm from the departure aerodrome
  • Controlled aerodrome endorsement — operate at towered aerodromes like Jandakot
  • Controlled airspace endorsement — fly in controlled airspace
  • Flight radio endorsement — use the radio

If you hold an RA-Aus Pilot Certificate, you can convert it to an RPL with an application, supporting evidence and a flight review; navigation endorsements carry across.

The best starting point is CASA’s guide to getting your Recreational Pilot Licence.

Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

The PPL is for pilots who want to fly aircraft, or conduct flights, that the RPL doesn’t permit — larger or more complex aircraft, night flying, instrument ratings, twins and more.

  • Internationally recognised — fly in Australia and (subject to local rules) overseas
  • Access to a greater range of ratings, endorsements and hire aircraft, often with less restrictive insurance conditions
  • Generally the first step for anyone heading towards a commercial licence

CASA’s guide to getting your Private Pilot Licence covers the details.

Already licensed?

If you hold a CASA RPL or higher and have some experience under your belt, the University Flying Club offers one of the most affordable ways to keep flying in Perth — a superbly equipped Van’s RV-9A at member rates. Join the club.