HOW MUCH $$$ DOES it COST to become a PILOT in AUSTRALIA? RAAUS RPC vs CASA RPL

[@detlyn]

Thank you so much for breaking it down. Best explanation video for someone considering a recreational license on KZbin. Legend.

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Thanks Det, appreciate it 🤙🏼

[@trutheretic]

cheers for breaking down the costs and licences better than anyone else 🎉

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

🍻, although the prices might need an update soon haha

[@JaspreetSingh-tq4pb]

I was planning to start my journey to get my RPL this video helps alot. To the point and very professionally explained, thankyou heaps for that.

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Hey Jaspreet, Thank you I appreciate it. I’m glad you got some value from it. Where are you planning to do your flight training?

[@JaspreetSingh-tq4pb]

@@SpruceMooseAviation Hi 👋! I short listed 2 flying schools near Murray Bridge (SA).

[@TimHuntAU]

​@@JaspreetSingh-tq4pb- I also live in Adelaide mate. Do you have any recommendations?

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

@timhunt4852 Hey Tim. I can highly recommend Command flight training. I’d be happy to link you up with the owner if you want to do a trial flight?

[@NeonsStyleHD]

In 1982, to go from Zero to Commerical Pilot was $21,000 that's like over $100,000 in todays money. Back then, restricted licence to allow you to carry passengers within the training area required 40 hours of training. Now it's fooking 20. I was robbed!

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

😂 don’t worry we’re still being robbed. Did you end up making it a career?

[@adambarbour4659]

I’m pretty sure on an RPL you can also add “flight activity endorsements” which involves aerobatics and spin recovery. In addition to your class 1 and 2 med, you also have a Basic Class 2 which is basically your GP declaring you unconditionally can hold a drivers license. A basic class 2 allows you to carry pax, but no aerobatics permitted.

[@handmethepanda]

And I'd be interested in a similar breakdown on the PPL version.

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

I’ve had a couple of requests for this one now so I’ll move it up the content list. Thanks for watching and commenting, appreciate it.

[@rrocketman]

Thanks very much for this mate

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Not a problem 🤙🏼

[@handmethepanda]

I enjoy your humor.

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Thanks Steven, I find a lot of aviation content a little dry so I’m trying to mix in some of my bad jokes where I can haha

[@TheFox808]

Great video thanks! Since Gostner Aviation closed there's now only two places left in Sydney that offer RPC - Dave's Flying School and SRFC, both at The Oaks. Unless you know of any others?

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Appreciate it 🤙🏼. I know Sydney Flying Academy still offer it out of YSBK. Also Fly Illawarra at YSHL. I’m sure there would be some up the coast as well. But yes, it’s getting less and less. It probably has a lot to do with the way the lease holders at YSBK are taking the airport and killing off aviation with extremely high rental increases.

[@TheFox808]

@@SpruceMooseAviation Thanks very much for the suggestions I'll check them out. Yeah I've noticed a lot of flying schools have closed in the last several years. Hopefully the new Western Sydney Airport won't force the rest of them to close.

[@serverlan763]

Just about no one has ever got their RPL with 20 hours of flying. The average is 35-45 and In reality, by the time you have got your ASIC card, bought your books, medical, bought your head set, sat your CASA exam and paid for your flight test, It's likely you would have spent 15-20K. The quickest and cheapest way to do it is, take off a Month and do it compressed, every day. Otherwise try to fly 3-4 times a week. An RPL is not considered to be much of a Licence. The good thing with them though is you have something for your training and you can use it prior to getting your PPL. It's also good experience understanding CASA exams before you sit your PPL exam.

[@MarekKnappe]

I did it that way - rpc + nav and then convert it to rpl. If I would do it again and focus only on cost I would go straight to RPL, flying in c150 is very similar price to raaus school

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Yeah I think at the end of the day either are going to be similar in price. Hand flying is more sensitive in LSA’s so I found them great for building those skills.

[@rahulgautam8113]

Can you recommend me cheap flying school hear in Australia

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Hi Rahul, I would look for just “the cheapest”. I’d look for an instructor that you like flying with and that you can pass the flight lessons efficiently and with full understanding. That will end up “the cheapest” way in the long run even if the per hour cost is a more then others.

[@archstudioRAM]

Hi, does any of this licensees allow you to flight overseas? Like in Europe or US? If not does Australia have an international small aircraft license ?

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Hey, I’m not 100% sure on how the international licence conversions work. I do know that CASA licences are recognised internationally but you will still need to go through a licence conversion process to be able to fly in another country. It would also depend on which licence you want to convert. If it’s a private licence then I believe it’s easier then converting a CPL/ATPL

[@viciousviolet3783]

What would be the best one if I just want to be able to go on small flights with two other people? Also is there a minimum age a child has to be to be able to go for a joy flight with me if I did get the license? I’m in NSW

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Hi Violet, I'd recommend getting the CASA RPL as a minimum. This restricts you to only flying locally from your departure point but from a knowledge/situational awareness/safety point i'd recommend continuing your training and getting a PPL. This will help over an RAAUS RPC in regards to passengers as well. You can fly heavier aircraft with more seats and bring someone to help with the little ones so you can focus on the main tasks of flying the Aircraft. In relation to flying with children, there is no limit on the age but there are different rules and regulations depending on the age. i.e. Infant = 2 years or Under, Child = 2-13 Years, Adult = 13+. You can find all the CASA requirements at this link file:///Users/tom/Downloads/advisory-circular-91-18-restraints-infants-children.PDF I hope this helps, I apologise for the delay in response and Happy New Year

[@brinjal1371]

Are the rates same for international students?

[@mcfly6161]

Here’s a doozy. I got my RAA group A plus NAV in 10:10 dual and 2:00 solo because I converted my group B experience. I’ve since done 40 odd hours solo, yet according to the RPC to RPL criteria, I’ll need to complete another 10 hours dual despite being signed off already. Is this the case?

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

So which part of the RPL licence do You not meet? Is it the 20 hours duel instruction with an approved school?

[@mcfly6161]

@@SpruceMooseAviation I haven’t submitted an application yet, however I believe due to not having the 20 hours dual in a 3-axis aircraft it won’t be accepted. I don’t think my dual time (20 hours) in weight-shift will count due to it being a different aircraft type.

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

I wouldn’t think so no. For good reason though. Although you have the weight shift hours I imagine it’s a very different way to fly. Good luck with the flying 🤙🏼

[@nicolasarguelles5458]

Hi, I’m from Colombia and I’m commercial pilot in my country. I would like to fly there! But I don’t find some information about how I can validate my license in Australia. Can you help me please ?

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Hi Nicolas, Check out this link for CASA. www.casa.gov.au/standard-page/converting-overseas-licences Hope that helps.

[@bennithomas8414]

I am from India , Since I have limited funds for my flight training , I would like to know if I can do part time job while undergoing flight training in Australia in order to get my CPL ?

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Hi Benni, as long as you can gain the right to work here then yes. Combining work and flight training is extremely common here. Including myself, I work 50-60 hours per week and do my flight training and videos around it. I suggest looking into the process of getting a work visa first and once you have that sorted out you have many options for flight training. I hope that helps and good luck 🤙🏼

[@bennithomas8414]

Thank you very much .

[@bennithomas8414]

Thank you for your reply , Although I tried my level best to find an unskilled job in Australia just to full fill my passion to become an Airline Pilot , so far not succeed , any way thanks for your advice !

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

@@bennithomas8414 Maybe consider a truck licence if you haven’t got one already? There is a huge shortage in Australia and you may be able to get sponsorship to drive here.

[@bennithomas8414]

Thanks for your help , unfortunately I don't have a driving license , if some how I make the money for PPL in Australia ( by selling my only property to achieve my only goal to become an Airline Pilot ) Is it possible to find any unskilled job while undergoing PPL in order to obtain my CPL ?

[@MP_TROLL]

I’m in Sydney and I’ve been looking for a good flight school. Who do you recommend.

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Sydney Flight Training for sure. I’d recommend going in and having a chat with Peter and Ben

[@minmyatnaing9738]

thanks for your video . mate in Australia, can we skip the rpl and go directly to ppl? cuz i want to reduce the cost i think minimum hour for ppl is 40 hours as far as i know .. so if i got the rpl, the hours i got from there are included in the ppl 40 hours in total ? because i found some school offer price like 18000 dollars for rpl and 12000 for ppl . does it mean it cost around 30000 dollars to done my ppl. btw, thanks for you amazinng videos.♥

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Hi Min, Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it. In short, yes you can go straight to PPL. You can even go straight to CPL if you are willing to sit the 7 exams before anything else. All flying hours can go towards gaining your PPL but you will require a few more things; this link to CASA has everything you need to know. www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certificates/pilots/pilot-licences/getting-private-pilot-licence-ppl

[@potatotomato8507]

Ok So with your RPL, isn't there possibility to go on further the become a flight instructor, but would it be cheaper to get an RPC license, become an instructor through the endorsement and then turn it into an RPL license? And just say I got an RPC license and got many different endorsements on it but I wanted to get an RPL as well, and so I got the RPL, but what about those endorsements that don't transfer, will they just be at an RPC level and so I would have to do these endorsement activities under the conditions of an RPC?

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Hey. CASA and RAAUS are two separate organisations. Yes, you can become an RAAUS instructor quicker. But that’s based on only instructing in RAAUS LSA’s for recreational purposes. You can’t convert an RAAUS instructor rating over to CASA. You need to have a CPL before doing the instructor rating with CASA. Hope that helps

[@potatotomato8507]

@@SpruceMooseAviation Hey, thanks for this. It's been a year lol but I'm now starting up again on my pilot license, but doing it through casa. so looks like I will have to get my CPL first

[@obaidullahzazai442]

Hi I am a permanent resident of Australia 🇦🇺 so I want to become a pilot how I can start it, How much time it will get for a commercial pilot or helicopter 🚁?

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Hey Obaidullah, I’m a fixed wing pilot so I can only share my knowledge on those. Helicopters scare me 😂. How long it takes depends on a lot of factors, like previous experience, how well you take in each lesson, How much you study and prepare for each lesson etc etc. I’d suggest doing a TIF (Trial Introductory Flight) with a school before doing anything else.

[@obaidullahzazai442]

@@SpruceMooseAviation Thank you so much

[@CharlieDyson-hi4tl]

at what age can i start both the rpc or the rpl. im 13 but want to start learning early.

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Hey Charlie, you can start either at any age. You can do all of the duel instructed lesson prior to turning 15 and once you’re 15 you can do your first solo flights. Then you can get your license at 16 years old.

[@ivan_orange]

Can I get a RPL license in Australia and transfer those license to the US?

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Hi Ivan, Im not 100% sure as I've never done it or looked into the process. I do know that a lot of Australian pilots go over to the US for work so It should be fine. I guess the main question would be around where you are going to be based the most and if its just worth training in that country. I know a conversion exam and flight test is required if converting from FAA to CASA so id assume it similar the other way around as well. Sorry I cant be of more help o this one. All the best with your flying

[@MarekKnappe]

@@SpruceMooseAviation I looked at that and looks like you can fly in us only on ppl, rpl is not internationally recognised

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Ahh okay. Good to know

[@studybeforeflight]

Nice video mate. And love your desk, so much space!

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Thank you! Here’s a secret, it’s actually my old dining table 😂. But makes a great desk. It’s really good for studying 📚

[@studybeforeflight]

@@SpruceMooseAviation That's what I thought, I wish I had the space. By the way, I will suggest you to get a proper keylight for your video, your background is brighter than your face. You are the star of the show, need to light up your face. People will pay attention to you more than the poster on the wall LOL

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

@@studybeforeflight 😂 Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it. This video production stuff is all a learning curve for me. I’m on it 💡

[@mikeanddawn2757]

I’m wondering if the 15-year-old would get through the CASA Exam lol. 😂

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

It’s funny you say that. I actually did a giveaway when I hit 100 subscribers and gave away a copy of both the RPL and PPL Bob tait books. The winner was 14 at the time and he just contacted me this week after passing his RPL test last Friday after turning 16. An amazing achievement

[@joshirymc8556]

Help me find RPC dual lessons for $250 at archefield, I can only find $350 lowest!

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Hi Josh. I haven’t looked at pricing in a while and as mentioned it’s probably going to change. You may need to look outside the major training airports as the schools there will have higher overheads which they need to reflect in the pricing. You will however get more exposure to the procedures within the larger airports as well so the extra costs do have some added benefits. Like all things you need to weigh up your personal pro’s and con’s and make a decision from there. Good luck with your aviation journey 🤙🏼

[@soheilfd]

🙏

[@ThatSimPilot_]

Is there a cost for converting from an RPC to an RPL

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Hi pilot640, I believe CASA charge $50 for the licence conversion. Plus you require a flight review in a VH registered aircraft to “activate” the licence once you receive it in the post. The flight should only be about an hour unless you have something the instructor wants to work on with you. Here’s a link to the licence conversion form for further info www.casa.gov.au/recreational-pilot-licence-rpl-recognition-pilot-certificate

[@urbanirrigation]

Can you recommend RPL schools that is nearest to any Melbourne universities ?

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Hey. Unfortunately not. I’m based in Sydney and haven’t had any experience with flight schools in Victoria. Maybe another subscriber can comment and help? If not have a look at flight schools at Moorabbin airport. That’s the main training airport.

[@anthonywright9566]

What if your partially colour deficient?

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

It’s definitely something the doctor checks for but I’m not sure how CASA approaches colour deficiencies. I’d probably make a phone call to a DAME and ask some “hypothetical” questions around it. This link has a list of DAME’s and other information that may help you. www.casa.gov.au/content-search/medical-and-eye-examiners

[@anthonywright9566]

Brilliant - thanks for your help on that

[@shivammishra1380]

How much will it cost for become a commercial pilot in Australia ??

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Generally $85,000-$130,000

[@shivammishra1380]

Ook thanks and these licence are just for hobby or 25 nautical miles radius

[@shivammishra1380]

They are not counted as CPL for that we have fly extra hours and pay extra plus clear the other papers wait for your reply for clearing the doubt 🙂

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

The flight hours count towards your total required for a CPL (either 150 hours for an integrated course or 200 hours for a non integrated course). If you haven’t already, I’d recommend going for a trial flight to see how you like it.

[@shivammishra1380]

@@SpruceMooseAviation actually i leave in india so i don't have clear vision about it so with the help of both licence are there any job opportunities in Australia