At a glance
- Minimum age: 16 years, at the time of the flight test (CASR 61.475)
- Medical: at least a Recreational Aviation Medical Practitioner's Certificate (RAMPC), valid at the flight test and at issue
- English: at least General English Language Proficiency (ICAO Aviation English Level 4 if you also take the Flight Radio endorsement)
- Pre-requisite licence: none — but you need an Aviation Reference Number (ARN)
- Aeronautical experience: at least 25 hours of flight time — at least 20 hours dual and at least 5 hours solo (simulated time does not count)
- Theory pass mark: 70%
- Flight test: Day VFR, single-engine
Overview
The Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) is the first licence in the CASR Part 61 hierarchy. It gives you genuine licensed-pilot status while keeping the operating envelope deliberately contained — single-engine, by day, under the VFR, close to home. It is issued by category: aeroplane RPL(A) or helicopter RPL(H). The path is flight training, a flight test, and a single theory exam.
Privileges
A base RPL lets you act as pilot in command (or co-pilot) of a single-engine aircraft, by day under the VFR, if:
- the aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 1,500 kg or less;
- it is not turbine- or rocket-powered and is certified for single-pilot operation; and
- you stay within a 25 nautical mile radius of your departure aerodrome, within the flight training area, or along a direct route between the two.
Endorsements that extend the RPL
The base licence is intentionally local. You broaden it with endorsements, each with its own training and exam:
- Navigation — unlocks cross-country flight. Pass the RPLN exam (or PPLA/PPLH) and complete at least 5 hours solo cross-country, including a flight of at least 100 nm with full-stop landings at two aerodromes.
- Flight Radio — use of the radio. Pass the radio exam and hold ICAO Aviation English Level 4.
- Controlled Airspace and Controlled Aerodrome — operate in controlled airspace / at controlled aerodromes. Pass the relevant exam and training.
Eligibility & prerequisites
You can begin training before everything is in place, but at the flight test you must be at least 16, hold at least a valid RAMPC medical, and meet the General English standard (Level 4 Aviation English if you're also taking the Flight Radio endorsement). You don't need a prior licence — just an ARN. Training is conducted at an approved Part 141 or 142 organisation.
The theory exam
- Closed-book, multiple choice — 50 questions, 2 hours to complete, 70% to pass.
- Two pathways satisfy it: the CASA RPL exam — RPLA (aeroplane) or RPLH (helicopter) — or a theory exam run by your Part 141/142 Flying Training School (FTS) that covers the units BAKC, RBKA/RBKH, RFRC and PHFC.
- Any question you miss generates a Knowledge Deficiency Report (KDR) your instructor/examiner reviews.
- The Navigation and Flight Radio endorsements have their own separate exams. (See the knowledge units below.)
The RAAus pathway
Many pilots build their first hours through Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) — and that time isn't wasted: RAAus flight time credits toward the RPL (and later PPL) aeronautical experience, so a recreational start can shorten your path to the licence. PilotIQ tracks this side by side with your CASA licence:
- Your RAAus Pilot Certificate and its endorsements — cross-country, passenger-carrying, radio (AROC), controlled aerodrome/airspace, low-level, formation, retractable undercarriage, constant-speed unit (CSU), tailwheel and Group G (>600 kg). RAAus is aeroplane and weight-shift only — there is no helicopter category.
- A per-flight RAAus flight flag, auto-detected from the registration (e.g. 24-xxxx) and cleared for VH- aircraft, so your recreational hours stay separated but still count toward your RPL/PPL totals.
- RAAus currency — flight review (biennial / 24 months), membership (annual) and aircraft registration (annual) — tracked alongside your CASA items so nothing lapses.
How to prepare with PilotIQ
Adaptive practice that targets your weak units, flashcards for fast recall, full mock exams that mirror the format, a plain-English theory library across every unit, and readiness tracking so you know when you're consistently above 70%.
After the exam
Theory is one milestone. It sits alongside your flight training and a final flight test with an examiner (the test the Part 61 MOS sets for the RPL). Most pilots then add the Navigation, Flight Radio and Controlled Airspace endorsements, and progress to the PPL — which removes the area restriction and adds full private privileges.
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); your individual medical and currency situation should still be confirmed with CASA or your DAME.