PPL
(Private Pilot's Licence)

Now that you are both competent and confident at the controls of an aircraft, you'll now be ready to fly to some more exciting locations.

The transition from GFPT to PPL involves some more in-depth theory and cross country flights to diverse locations such as Cessnock in the Hunter Valley, Australia's national capital Canberra, and inland rural centres like Cowra, Dubbo and Orange. You'll also have your first experience of a flight over Sydney's spectacular harbour and complete two solo flights across-country.

Some students plan for their exercises to take them somewhat further, and complete 'dream' training flights to the Melbourne Grand Prix or the Whitsunday Islands.

PPL flights are longer than your GFPT exercises, and the planning stage is more involved too. Depending on your destination, each navigation exercise will take two to three hours of flying time. However, there are only eight exercises to be completed and so, weather permitting, this stage of your training can be completed fairly quickly.

Before your first solo cross-country, you'll need to pass the PPL theory exam, which is set by CASA but sat 'under supervision' at Aerospace Aviation. It is an on-screen computer exam, with multiple choice questions covering topics like Meteorology, Navigation, Flight Rules, Aircraft Operations and Performance. The subject material is all very interesting, and you'll have all the support you need to prepare for the exam.

Finally, you'll be taken for your PPL flight test, before being awarded your Private Pilot's Licence. With due regard to airspace limitations, you are now qualified to fly anywhere you like in Australia.

However, you are still not trained to fly in inclement weather outside of daylight hours – and by law you are not allowed to receive any reimbursement or reward for your skills. To fly in more difficult conditions and make any kind of income from flying, you need to progress to your Commercial Pilot's License.

You must have passed your 17th birthday to hold a Private Pilot's License (although you can start training earlier).