RPL vs PPL: Which Pilot Licence Should You Get?

If you're thinking about learning to fly in Australia, one of your first decisions is which licence to pursue. The two most common starting points are the Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) and the Private Pilot Licence (PPL). Here's how they compare.

Quick comparison

• RPL — Fly single-engine, non-turbine aircraft up to 1,500 kg Maximum Take-off Weight (MTOW) within 25 nautical miles of your departure aerodrome, with passengers, during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) (day VFR only)
• PPL — Fly anywhere in Australia (and internationally with validation), at night with additional training, with more aircraft types and fewer restrictions

Training requirements

RPL requirements

• Minimum age: 16 years old
• Minimum flight hours: 25 hours (including 5 hours solo)
• Theory exam: CASA-administered exam (via the PEXO system), 2 hours duration, 70% pass mark. The exam costs $189.53 ($124.53 invigilator fee + $65 CASA fee). The exact number of questions is not publicly specified by CASA.
• Medical: CASA Basic Class 2 or Austroads driver's licence medical

PPL requirements

• Minimum age: 17 years old
• Minimum flight hours: 40 hours (including 10 hours solo)
• Theory exams: 7 separate CASA-administered exams (more in-depth across subjects such as navigation, meteorology, air law, and more)
• Medical: CASA Class 2 Aviation Medical

Cost comparison

The RPL is significantly cheaper to obtain:

• RPL: Approximately $10,000–$15,000 AUD
• PPL: Approximately $20,000–$35,000 AUD

These are approximate figures and vary by flight school, location, and how quickly you progress. They include flight training, theory materials, medical costs, and exam fees.

RPL privileges and limitations

The RPL allows you to fly under the following conditions:

• Single-engine, non-turbine (piston) aircraft only
• Maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 1,500 kg — as specified in the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness
• Day VFR (Visual Flight Rules) only
• Within 25 nautical miles of your departure aerodrome (unless you hold a cross-country endorsement)
• You may carry passengers once appropriately endorsed

The PPL removes most of these restrictions, allowing cross-country flight, heavier and multi-engine aircraft, and night flying with additional ratings.

Which should you choose?

Choose the RPL if:

• You want to fly recreationally near your home aerodrome
• Budget is a concern
• You want to start flying sooner with fewer exams
• You're happy flying lighter, single-engine piston aircraft in day VFR conditions

Choose the PPL if:

• You want maximum flying freedom across Australia and beyond
• You're considering a career in aviation (the PPL is the standard stepping stone to a Commercial Pilot Licence)
• You want to fly to different destinations, at night, or in a wider range of aircraft

Can I upgrade from RPL to PPL later?

Yes — many pilots start with the RPL and upgrade to a PPL later. Your RPL flight hours and training count towards the PPL requirements, so nothing is wasted. You'll need to complete additional flight hours, pass the remaining theory exams, and meet the PPL medical standard.

Starting with the RPL is a popular and cost-effective pathway — it gets you flying sooner while you continue building towards the PPL if that's your long-term goal.

Start preparing for your CASA theory exams

Whether you choose the RPL or PPL, both require passing CASA theory exams. Our practice questions cover all RPL and PPL topics to help you pass first time.

Related Resources

• What is an RPL?
• PPL Theory Exams Guide
• RPL Endorsements & Ratings