Get Your Australia Pilot License
Complete CASA guide for PPL(A) — Part 61 (CASR): cost, hours, theory exams, medical, and how to convert from foreign licenses. Updated for 2026 regulations.
Cost & key data
| PPL(A) — Part 61 (CASR) cost | AUD $18,000 – $25,000 |
| Minimum flight hours | 40 h |
| Theory study (typical) | 35 h |
| Medical class | Class 2 Medical (Basic Class 2 also accepted for PPL) |
| Knowledge test | PPLA Aeronautical Knowledge Examination |
| Minimum age | 17 years |
| License validity | Lifetime; flight review every 24 months |
| Working language(s) | English |
| Drone authorisation | CASA Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) + ReOC operator (RePL — Remote Pilot Licence (Part 101)) |
| Average training time | 6 months full-time |
Step-by-step path to your CASA license
Average completion: 6 months full-time.
- Step 1Pass the medical
Obtain a Class 2 Medical (Basic Class 2 also accepted for PPL). The medical certificate must be current before you can fly solo.
- Step 2Theory study & ground school
Complete approximately 35 hours of ground theory covering air law, navigation, meteorology, principles of flight, communications, and human factors.
- Step 3Fly the required 40 hours
Log a minimum of 40 flight hours with a certified instructor at an CASA-approved flight school. Includes solo cross-country flights.
- Step 4Pass the knowledge test
PPLA Aeronautical Knowledge Examination — 60 multiple-choice questions, 70% to pass.
- Step 5Pass the skill test (checkride)
Complete an end-of-course practical exam with an CASA examiner. Once passed, your PPL(A) — Part 61 (CASR) is issued.
License classes issued by CASA
- RPL — Recreational Pilot Licence
- PPL(A)
- CPL(A)
- ATPL(A)
- RePL (drone)
- Part 102 ReOC (operator certificate)
Australia drone license under CASA
Drone authority
RePL — Remote Pilot Licence (Part 101)
Test format
Theory exam (~60 questions) + practical flight assessment via a CASA-approved RPA training organisation
Maximum altitude
400 ft AGL
Renewal cycle: every 0 years. See the worldwide drone pilot hub for country-by-country comparisons.
How CASA compares to FAA & EASA
vs FAA (United States)
Similar PPL hours (40h). Drones use RePL + ReOC instead of Part 107. ATPL theory split into 7 subjects — middle ground between FAA and EASA.
Open guidevs EASA (Europe)
Cheaper than EASA, with English-only exams. RePL is broadly equivalent to EASA A2/Specific authorisations.
Open guideCompare with other worldwide authorities
CASA pilot license — frequently asked questions
What is the difference between RePL and the sub-2 kg excluded category?
Australia exempts drones under 2 kg flown in the standard operating conditions from licensing. RePL is required for commercial work above 2 kg, BVLOS, near aerodromes, or above 400 ft AGL.
How long does a CASA RePL take?
Typically a 5-day intensive course with a CASA-certified RPA training school, or self-study + 1-day assessment.
Can I fly a US-registered drone in Australia under FAA Part 107?
No — Part 107 has no reciprocity with CASA. Foreign operators need a CASA Area Approval or RePL conversion.
What is a ReOC?
Remote Operator Certificate — required for any organisation conducting commercial drone operations, separate from the individual pilot's RePL.
Is a Class 2 medical hard to obtain?
Standard medical exam by a CASA DAME. Basic Class 2 introduced in 2018 simplifies issuance for healthy applicants flying recreationally or for PPL.
Ready to start training for your CASA license?
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