Private pilot licence

A Private Pilot License (PPL) is a more advanced level of flying qualification than RPL in Australia. The PPL allows you to fly as a pilot in command or co-pilot in private operations or flying training operations. In this article, we will provide an overview of the PPL in Australia.

What Does a Private License Authorise a Person to Do?

As the holder of a private license, you are authorized to fly an aeroplane as pilot in command or co-pilot while the aeroplane is engaged in private operations or as pilot in command in flying training operations. This is outlined in CASR 61.505.

Regular Flight Review Requirement

As a PPL holder, you must complete periodic flight reviews that will assess your competency to perform the activity authorized by that rating. This requirement is outlined in CASR 61.400. If you hold a flight crew rating such as a pilot rating, you must complete periodic flight reviews. Glider pilot licenses are also subject to periodic flight reviews. Examples of ratings you may hold include a class rating, aerial application rating, instructor rating, instrument rating, low level rating, night VFR rating, and night vision imaging system rating.

Recent Experience Requirements

As a PPL holder, there are certain recent experience requirements outlined in CASR 61.395. You must not act as pilot in command carrying passengers by day unless you have carried out three take-offs and landings in the previous 90 days. If you are not carrying passengers by day, there are no prescribed take-off or landing recency requirements.

For a flight at night with passengers, you must have conducted three take-offs and landings at night in the previous 90 days. At night without passengers, you must have conducted at least one night take-off and one night landing within the previous 6 months in an aircraft of the same category.

Personal Logbooks

As a holder of a PPL, you must retain and maintain a personal logbook to a standard outlined in CASR 61.345. You must record your full name, date of birth, and details of each flight you conduct in an aircraft or flight simulator. The accuracy of the information you enter into your logbook is paramount and subject to auditing by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

You need to retain your logbook for at least seven years after your last entry and ensure that it is unaltered within this time. You must produce your logbook if CASA asks and comply with this direction within seven days. If errors are discovered in your logbook, CASA may direct you to correct any errors and you are required to comply within 14 days.

Production of License Documents, Medical Certificates, and Identification

For a number of reasons, CASA may direct you to produce any or all of the following documents for inspection. You must comply immediately if you were exercising, about to exercise, or had just finished exercising the privileges of your license, or within seven days in any other case. The documents include your pilot license document, any aviation medical certificates, and photo identification. This is outlined in CASR 61.340.

Conclusion

Obtaining a PPL in Australia is a great way to advance your flying skills and experience. The PPL allows you to fly in private operations or flying training operations as a pilot in command or co-pilot. There are certain recent experience requirements and periodic flight review requirements that must be met to maintain your license. The accuracy of your personal logbook entries is also important and subject to auditing by CASA.

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