How to Become a Pilot in Australia (CASA Guidelines)
Study guideLast reviewed: 2026-09-15
Becoming a pilot in Australia is a structured journey regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Whether you want to fly for fun on the weekends or build a career as an airline pilot, understanding the pathway from day one saves time and money.
Step by step
1. Get an Aviation Reference Number (ARN). Your ARN is your unique identifier with CASA. You need this before you can sit exams, get a medical, or hold a licence.
2. Obtain an Aviation Medical Certificate. Before spending thousands on flight training, ensure you are medically fit. A Class 2 medical is required for private flying (PPL), while a Class 1 is required for commercial flying (CPL).
3. Find a Flight School (Part 141 or 142). Take a Trial Introductory Flight (TIF) at a local flight school to ensure you enjoy it. Ask about their fleet, instructor availability, and if they operate under Part 141 (general training) or Part 142 (integrated training).
4. Pass the Theory Exams. Aviation isn't just physical flying; it's heavy on theory. You must pass CASA exams for each licence level (RPL, PPL, CPL). This is where tools like Aero Academic come in.
5. Pass the Flight Test. Once your instructor deems you competent and your theory is complete, you will fly with a flight examiner. Pass this, and you are officially a pilot.
The Licence Pathway
The Australian flight training system is tiered. Each licence grants more privileges but demands higher skill and knowledge.
RPL (Recreational Pilot Licence): Fly up to 25nm from your departure airport. Great for weekend hobbyists.
PPL (Private Pilot Licence): Navigate anywhere in Australia. You can carry passengers, but you cannot be paid to fly.
CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence): The professional entry-level licence. Requires 200 hours of flight time (or 150 on an integrated course) and allows you to work as a pilot.
ATPL (Air Transport Pilot Licence): The highest level, required to captain multi-crew airline transport aircraft.
The Secret to Saving Money
Flight training is expensive. The number one reason students overspend is turning up to flight lessons unprepared. If you don't understand the theory—like how a VOR works or how to calculate density altitude—your instructor will have to teach you on the ground at $100+ an hour, or worse, in the air at $350+ an hour.
Pass your CASA theory exams early using the Aero Academic Exam Simulator, and arrive at every flight lesson ready to fly.
Aero Academic