RA-Aus Pilot Certificate

What is the difference - pilots certificate or pilots licence?

A Recreational Pilot Certificate is issued by RA-Aus and allows you to fly two seat aircraft during daylight hours only up and up to a Maximum Take Off Weight of 600kg.

A Recreational Pilot Licence is issued by CASA and allows you to fly aircraft in daylight hours only up to Maximum Take Off Weight of 1500kg.

The cheapest and best way to obtain an RPL or PPL or CPL is to get an RA-Aus Recreational Pilot Certificate first! 

Why? Because the hours count towards an RPL & PPL & CPL . Learning to fly in a Recreational Aircraft is $100 to $150 per hour cheaper than leaning to fly in a GA aircraft. It's definitely the smarter way to get there!

Can I Really Get My Pilot Certificate In 20 hours Of Training?

The requirements listed are the absolute minimums required.

Your Pilot Certificate is issued to you based on your competency.

Some students learn quickly and some students learn more slowly.

Your flying must be consistent and competent to attain your Pilot Certificate! Most students are unlikely to do this in 20 hours.

Somewhere between 25 to 35 hours would be a more realistic expectation.

Where Can I Fly Once I Have My Pilot Certificate?

Once you have your Pilot Certificate, you can fly within a 25 nautical miles radius from the Airport you are taking off from, whilst also remaining ‘Outside of Controlled Airspace’ (OCTA).

If you wish to fly further away from the Airport you will need a Cross Country Endorsement.

What Is Required For A Cross Country Endorsement?

For a Cross Country Endorsement you need to meet the following minimum requirements:

a. Have completed a minimum of 10 hours cross country navigation flight training and accumulated a minimum of 2 hours solo cross country navigation experience; and

b. Reach the standard required for recreational / light sport Flight Training (Navigation)

c. Pass an RA-Aus Flight Rules and Procedures written examination or an equivalent exam recognised by the RA-Aus; and

d. Pass a navigation flight test in a two seat recreational / light sport aircraft with a Pilot Examiner or a CFI. 

Pilots holding a Private Pilot Licence, or higher licence, or other equivalent pilot qualifications recognised by the RA-Aus are deemed to meet this requirement.

Once you have your Cross Country Endorsement you can fly virtually anywhere in Australia ‘Outside of Controlled Airspace’. That is a lot of space! And a whole lot of adventure flying! Fly to Uluru or circumnavigate Australia. Now that would be an Adventure Flight!

Can I Take A Passenger?

When you have 10 hours of ‘In Command’ experience, you can also gain your Passenger Endorsement and take a friend to share in the excitement. 

How Often Should I Have A Flying Lesson?

This depends on your time schedule and your budget. Ideally, once a week will allow you to progress forward and allow you to consolidate your learning. The further apart your lessons are, the more time you will spend revising the previous lesson.

The younger students will find this less challenging. Some students do it in consecutive day ‘Chunks’ because of their work schedule. Whichever way you choose, being consistent will help you achieve your goal.

How Long Are The Lessons?

Actual time spent in the aircraft will average 1.0 hour and occasionally up to 1.3 hours, depending on the lesson of the day.

You will need to allow approximately 2 hours per lesson. This allows you time to check out the aircraft, participate in a pre-flight briefing, fly the aircraft, and do a de-brief after the flight. 

What Else Do I Have To Do?

As you progress, there are 4 multiple choice knowledge tests you will need to pass.

A Student Pilot Kit gives you the necessary books to gain the knowledge required. This contains the Flying Training Manual, Basic Aeronautical Knowledge, Flight Radio for Pilots, and a Pilot Log Book.

Do You Want To Fly Now?

You can start your flying lessons with a Free Temporary RA-Aus Membership that covers you for 3 hours flying or 3 months, whichever comes first. And that is easy, you just fill out an on-line form on the day of your first flight.

This gives you the opportunity of going flying for a few lessons to see if you are enjoying it, before you commit to continue your lessons.

The next step is to become a financial member of RA-Aus which includes the issue of the Student Pilot Certificate, 3rd party insurance cover, Operations Manual, Technical Manual, 12 months RA-Aus membership and 12 months on-line subscription to the monthly Recreational Aviation Australia journal, Sport Pilot. 

how do i obtain a Recreational Pilots licence?

An RA-Aus Pilots Certificate is equivalent to a CASA issued Recreational Pilots Licence (RPL). To get your RPL you need to complete a CASA application form and follow the instructions on the format provide evidence of your pilot certificate, submit a recent photograph  and provide appropriate proof of your identity.

You also need to undertake a flight review before you can use your licence. Your new licence grants you the relevant category rating, aircraft class rating and design feature endorsements.

You are also granted a recreational navigation endorsement if your pilot certificate authorizes you to conduct cross-country flights and if you meet the minimum flight times.

Can I Start Flying Now?

Yes, you can start flying now! To get your first taste of being at the controls of an aircraft, and feel the exhilaration of aviation, book your Trial Instruction Flight!

Start learning to fly with Fly Now Redcliffe. Book a Trial Instruction Flight, Click here now!

HOW DO YOU CONTACT US?

If you would like to contact us to make a booking or ask more questions about learning to fly...

Please Only Text David Karan 0413 629 107

 He will call you as soon as he is available.