Flying For Fun
Flying is a challenging and incredibly exciting hobby enjoyed by thousands of people across Perth, WA, and Australia—many of whom learned to fly with the Royal Aero Club.
Our expert flight instructors are ready to help you achieve your aviation goals.
Getting your pilot’s licence
Our Private Pilot Licence course is endorsed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and has three main stages:
It takes at least 40 hours’ flight time to get your Private Pilot Licence. Within those 40 hours, you’ll become competent flying in a range of airspace types. It’s an exciting challenge, as you work towards achieving the CASA competency standards for Private Pilots.
It’s worth noting that if you have no prior flying experience, you can’t expect to meet the standards within the 40 hours. The exact number of hours you will require is dependent on the frequency of your flying training and your skill level. A more realistic target to aim for would be about 60 hours in the air. Once you are adequately prepared, you can go for your PPL flight test.
The sky’s the limit
An Australian Private Pilot Licence allows you to fly as Pilot in Command anywhere in Australia.
As a Private Pilot you aren’t allowed to charge for your services (you need a Commercial Pilot Licence for that) but you are permitted to cost-share (split the cost of hiring or operating an aircraft) with your passengers.
To start your training, sign up for our next free Learn to Fly Seminar or call our friendly operations team at Jandakot Airport, Perth, on (08) 9417 0000, and speak to one of our knowledgeable flight instructors.
First Solo Flight
Your first solo flight is an unforgettable experience and the Royal Aero Club of WA can help you achieve this momentous milestone.
In the lead-up to your first solo flight, you will learn all the aspects of flying necessary for you to control an aircraft yourself, including normal and abnormal situations.
The number of hours it will take you to complete your training before your first solo flight will vary, depending on the frequency of your lessons and your skill. Students flying regularly should expect to complete their first solo flight after around 12 hours.
You must be 15 years old to undertake your first solo flight and pass the Pre-Solo Theory Examination.
Training Area Solo Flight
Following your first solo flight, you will build up to three hours’ solo flying. Then, with your instructor, you will carry out more advanced flight sequences, in our training area south of Perth and north of Mandurah.
Once you’ve been signed off for your training area solo flight, you will complete two hours of solo flying. You must pass the Pre-Area Solo Theory Examination before you go on your first training area solo flight.
For more information, call our friendly operations team at Jandakot Airport, Perth, on (08) 9417 0000, and speak to one of our knowledgeable flight instructors.
Recreational Pilot Licence
If you’ve already achieved your first solo flight, then you’re ready to work towards your Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL). To achieve that, you’ll have to complete more advanced training, designed to refine and improve your aircraft general handling skills.
The RPL is the first official pilot licence you will earn and the privileges that go with it can be exercised as soon as your licence has been processed by CASA.
Successfully achieving your RPL means you are able to fly an aeroplane competently, to the required standard. However, you are yet to learn the art of navigation over long distances. As the holder of an RPL, you are only allowed to carry passengers within a limited area.
Flying theory
Before completing your RPL you will need to complete the Radio Theory and RPL Examinations. You can prepare for these exams through self-study or you can sit in on part-time or full-time theory training courses throughout the year with the WA Aviation College.
For more information, call our friendly operations team at Jandakot Airport, Perth, on (08) 9417 0000, and speak to one of our knowledgeable flight instructors.
Private Pilot Licence
Once you’ve achieved your Recreational Pilot Licence, you can work towards your Private Pilot Licence with the Royal Aero Club of WA.
You will learn how to navigate efficiently and accurately, and learn the basics of pilot navigation, map reading, cross-country flying techniques and how to use radio navigation aids.
Navigation exercises and flying theory
During your navigation exercises you will get to experience aerodromes across the Perth metropolitan area and around the Wheatbelt and South West.
Once you’ve completed the navigation exercises, and you’ve passed your Private Pilot Licence Theory Examination, then (as long as you’re at least 17 years old) you will be ready to undertake the Private Pilot Licence Flight Test.
You can self-study for these examinations or you can sit in on part-time or full-time theory training courses with the WA Aviation College throughout the year.
For more information, call our friendly operations team at Jandakot Airport, Perth, on (08) 9417 0000, and speak to one of our knowledgeable flight instructors.
Commercial Pilot Licence
Achieve your Commercial Pilot Licence theory requirements with part-time study at the Royal Aero Club of WA and the West Australian Aviation College ground school.
This flexible way to achieve your licence is designed to work around busy lifestyles. It allows your training to continue for as long as is required (this can take upwards of four years).
Financially, the part-time option can be a more affordable option, as it allows you to spread the costs over a greater time frame.
For more information, visit the West Australian Aviation College or call our friendly operations team at Jandakot Airport, Perth, on (08) 9417 0000, and speak to one of our knowledgeable flight instructors.
