At a glance
- Minimum age: 17 years, at the time of the flight test (CASR 61.515)
- Medical: Class 2, valid at the flight test and at issue (CASR 61.410)
- English: ICAO Aviation English Language Proficiency Level 4
- Pre-requisite licence: none — an RPL is not required — but you need an ARN
- Theory exam: a single PPL exam — PPLA (aeroplane) / PPLH (helicopter) — 60 questions, 3.5 hours to complete, 70% to pass
- Aeronautical experience: 40 hours (non-integrated course) or 35 hours (integrated course) — breakdown below
- Flight test: Day VFR
Overview
The Private Pilot Licence (PPL) significantly extends the RPL. It removes the geographic and airspace constraints and lets you operate as pilot in command across the country, into controlled airspace, on genuine cross-country journeys. It is issued by category: aeroplane PPL(A) or helicopter PPL(H). The path is flight training at an approved Part 141/142 organisation, a flight test, and a theory exam.
Privileges
As a PPL holder you may:
- act as pilot in command, including on multi-engine class/type-rated aircraft if you hold that rating;
- fly cross-country without the RPL's area restriction;
- operate in controlled airspace and into controlled aerodromes (with the appropriate ratings/endorsements);
- carry passengers privately — but not for hire or reward (that requires a CPL);
- the flight-radio privilege is embedded in the PPL (ICAO Aviation English Level 4 required).
Eligibility & prerequisites
At the flight test you must be at least 17, hold a valid Class 2 medical, and meet ICAO Aviation English Level 4. You don't need to hold an RPL first — though many pilots progress from one, and that experience can count toward the PPL hours. You need an ARN, and training must be at an approved Part 141/142 organisation.
Aeronautical experience
Aeroplane
- Integrated course: at least 35 hours total — including ≥30 h as a pilot, ≥20 h in an aeroplane, ≥10 h solo, ≥5 h solo cross-country, and ≥2 h dual instrument (at least 1 h in an aeroplane).
- Non-integrated course: at least 40 hours total — including ≥35 h as a pilot, ≥20 h in an aeroplane, ≥10 h solo, ≥5 h solo cross-country, and ≥2 h dual instrument (at least 1 h in an aeroplane).
Helicopter
- Integrated course: at least 35 hours total — including ≥30 h in a helicopter, ≥10 h solo, ≥5 h solo cross-country, and ≥2 h dual instrument (at least 1 h in a helicopter).
- Non-integrated course: at least 40 hours total — including ≥35 h as a pilot, ≥30 h in a helicopter, ≥10 h solo, ≥5 h solo cross-country. (This course is non-ICAO-compliant, and the licence reflects that.)
"And" means "another requirement is…", not cumulative addition. Aeronautical experience includes flight and simulated flight time (CASR 61.075).
The theory exam
- A single CASA exam covers PPL aeronautical knowledge: PPLA (aeroplane) / PPLH (helicopter) — closed-book, multiple choice — 60 questions over 3.5 hours, 70% to pass. (Holding passes in all seven CPL subject exams for your category also satisfies it.)
- It must be passed before the flight test. Any question you miss generates a Knowledge Deficiency Report (KDR) the examiner closes out around the flight test.
- The exam is drawn from the Part 61 MOS knowledge units (below) — it is one combined paper, not one exam per unit.
How to prepare with PilotIQ
Adaptive practice weighted to the PPL's emphasis (navigation, meteorology, human factors, operations & planning), flashcards, full mock exams that mirror the exam format, a plain-English theory library, and readiness tracking by unit.
After the exam
The theory pass is one component. It runs alongside your flight training and a flight test covering cross-country navigation, controlled-airspace operations and general handling. Afterwards you can add a night VFR rating, further class/type ratings, and eventually an instrument rating — and the PPL is the stepping stone toward the CPL.
Fly fit, fly legal
Human factors is a core knowledge area — and one rule is non-negotiable from your very first flight: no alcohol within 8 hours of flying (the "bottle to throttle" rule), and never fly while affected by alcohol or its after-effects. A strict blood-alcohol limit applies to flight crew, and CASA recommends allowing a full 24 hours after your last drink. PilotIQ covers this — alongside fatigue, hypoxia and the rest of human factors — in the theory library.
PilotIQ is independent study material and is not affiliated with CASA. Figures above are from the CASA Flight Crew Licensing Manual V18.2 (Mar 2026); confirm your individual medical and currency situation with CASA or your DAME.