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SydneyRecreational Pilot Licence
Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL)
NEXT INTAKE?
Flexible learning to suit your lifestyle
HOW LONG?
*Based on 2 lessons per week. This self paced course can be fast-tracked by increasing your weekly lessons.
COURSE LOAD?
Face-to-face
2
Hours of self study per week
LOCATION
FLYING HOURS?
Enjoy the freedom of flight.
During the course, a student pilot will learn how to handle the aircraft in all situations necessary for safe flight. This is a flexible course that can be undertaken at Sydney Flight College on a part-time basis.
Upon successful completion of RPL Flight Training you will:
Be able to fly within 25 nautical miles of your departure airport
Be able to fly in clear weather
Be able to fly during the day
Be able to pilot single engine aircraft
Hold the CASA Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL)
Is this course right for me?
Our self paced Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) course is designed to fit the unique schedules of aspiring pilots.
SFC Graduate
Recreational Pilot
Course overview.
Hours
Hour
Hours
Months
Hours
Hours per week
Flying
Fuel
Landing fees
Briefings
Primary Instructor
SFC facilities
Member benefits
- Start anytime
*Estimated pay as you go price in the Piper Warrior is the syllabus is completed without any repeats.
Flying
Fuel
Landing fees
Briefings
Primary Instructor
SFC facilities
Member benefits
- Start anytime
*Estimated pay as you go price in the Archer TX is the syllabus is completed without any repeats.
Our guide offers an overview of our self paced courses, tailored to fit your lifestyle and allowing you to obtain your licence at a pace that suits you best.
Study Mode: Face-to-face
Location: Bankstown Aerodrome (Sydney, Australia)
Total course hours: 50 Hours
Duration: 3 months based on 2 lessons per week (2 hours study per week) | Self paced
Cost: AUD $24,000* in the Archer TX or AUD $20,000* in the Piper Warrior
*Estimated pay as you go price if the syllabus is completed without any repeats.
Fees: This course is self funded. Fees must be paid upfront per flight.
Schofields Flying Club Limited Trading as SFC
RTO 90866
Prerequisites:
16+ years old to sit your Recreational Pilot Licence Flight Test;
Able to speak and understand English Level 4;
Be able to pass a Class 2 Medical*.
*Class 2 Basic: An alternative to a full Class 2, conducted by a Medical Practitioner, easier to attain and cost effective. Although it has operational restrictions.
*Class 2: A medical conducted by a DAME (Designated Aviation Medical Examiner), which allows you to exercise the full privileges of your licence (RPL & PPL).
Core Units | Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL)
Lesson
Dual/Solo
Effects of Control
Dual
Straight & Level
Dual
Climbing & Descending
Dual
Turning
Dual
Stalling
Dual
Circuits x4
Dual
Circuits: Flapless & Go Arounds
Dual
Circuit Emergencies: EFATO
Dual
Circuit Emergencies: Glide Approaches
Dual
Circuits: Pre-Solo Check
Dual
Circuits: First Solo
Solo
Circuits: Second Solo Check
Dual
Circuits: Second Solo
Solo
Circuits: Third Solo Check
Dual
Circuits: Third Solo
Solo
Circuits: Solo
Solo
Circuits: Crosswind Operations
Dual
Training Area Familiarisation
Dual
Practice Forced Landings (PFL)
Dual
Steep Turns
Dual
Advanced Stalling
Dual
Training Area Check
Dual
Training Area Solo
Solo
Circuits: Short Field Operations
Dual
Basic Instrument Flight (BIF)
Dual
Basic Instrument Flight (BIF) Simulator
Dual
Training Area Solo 2
Solo
Precautionary Search and Landings (PSL)
Dual
Training Area Solo 3
Solo
Consolidation & Circuits
Dual
RPL Pre-Licence
Dual
RPL Flight Test
Dual
Before undertaking your RPL Flight Test to obtain your Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL), you must first sit your CASA Recreational Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) exam.
The exam will test your knowledge of the completed course units. You have 2 hours to complete the exam, and you must achieve at least 70%. The exam incurs an additional expense and costs approximately $174.
Preparation for your exam is through self-study; however, SFC offers ground theory courses to help you feel confident and fully prepared for exam day. Please contact us to let us know if you're interested in joining the course.
Reading these documents thoroughly will help you understand your rights and responsibilities, plan your academic journey effectively, and make the most of the resources and opportunities available at SFC.
This form is for eligible VET Student Loan students who are withdrawing or deferring from their course of Units of Study (UoS).
This document describes the SFC procedures for making and resolving complaints or grievances.
Before you provide us with any personal information, it's important you read and understand our Privacy Policy.
Let's outline the out-of-pocket expenses you can expect to incur while completing this course, ensuring you can make an informed decision about pursuing your passion for flying.
Support options
Third party assistance
Handypay
We understand that you may require financial support to complete your flight training journey. That's why we've teamed up with Handypay to offer fast, flexible and affordable payment plans to help you reach your aviation dreams sooner. Payment plans are now even easier with market leading rates, no exit fees and more.
Handypay offers:
Loan amounts from $2,001 - $75,000
Loan terms between 1-7 years
Repayment frequency of Weekly, Fortnightly or Monthly
No early repayment penalties
Funding approved within 24 hours
HandypayTM is a product of Our Money Market Lending Pty Ltd (ABN 64 605 231 669), an unrelated party of SFC from which SFC receives no commission, reward or inducement. As with any financial offering, interested students are encouraged to seek their own professional advice when considering such offerings.
Prior to commencement
SFC Starter Pack
SFC have partnered with Downunder Pilot Shop to create the SFC Starter Pack. A curated collection of products to ensure all students starting their training have everything they need.
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Fly now.
Pay later.
We understand that you may require financial support to complete your flight training journey. That's why we've teamed up with Handypay to offer fast, flexible and affordable payment plans to help you reach your aviation dreams sooner. Payment plans are now even easier with market leading rates, no exit fees and more.
Handypay offers:
Loan amounts from $2,001 - $75,000
Loan terms between 1-7 years
Repayment frequency of Weekly, Fortnightly or Monthly
No early repayment penalties
Funding approved within 24 hours
HandypayTM is a product of Our Money Market Lending Pty Ltd (ABN 64 605 231 669), an unrelated party of SFC from which SFC receives no commission, reward or inducement. As with any financial offering, interested students are encouraged to seek their own professional advice when considering such offerings.
How do I get started?
Learn to fly with the best. The SFC team are always looking for interested and ambitious students. Take the next step in your aviation career and apply for our Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL).
Applications for Recreational Flight Training are open year-round, and you can start anytime.
Stage 1. SFC Meet and Greet
A chance for you to visit the clubhouse and college campus and check out our training fleet in person. A Course Advisor will explain all relevant information about the Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) and answer any questions you may have about our flight training.
Stage 2. Membership Application
Club Membership
SFC is a not-for-profit flight school, and all students are required to hold a Full Club Membership. This will give you access to participate in flyaways, club events and discounts.
Application Form
To commence the Recreational Pilot Licence Application Process , complete the SFC Application Form. This will hold your position in the course.
Stage 3. Primary Instructor and initial booking
Allocation of Primary Instructor
Based on your availability, we will assign you a Primary Instructor for your Recreational Pilot Licence training. Your Primary Instructor is your mentor throughout your training to help you achieve your goals.
Book in your first lessons
We will book in your induction and first 4 lessons to kick-start your training.
You can start the RPL course anytime, as Sydney Flight College offers flexible learning to suit your lifestyle. Applications are open year-round, allowing you to begin training at your convenience.
The RPL course typically takes about 3 months, based on 2 weekly lessons. However, it's a self paced course that can be fast-tracked by increasing your weekly lessons.
The course is face-to-face and self paced. It involves 36 hours of flying time and requires approximately 2 hours of self-study per week, for a total of 50 hours.
The RPL course is conducted in Sydney, specifically at the Bankstown Aerodrome.
Upon completing the RPL course, you can fly within 25 nautical miles of your departure airport, fly in clear weather during the day, and pilot single-engine aircraft. You will also hold the CASA Recreational Pilot Licence.
The Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) flight test at Sydney Flight College (SFC) generally lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. During this time, students demonstrate competency-based flight skills, such as departure and landing, aircraft maintenance and operating the aircraft in various scenarios and weather conditions to ensure safe operation. This practical test is part of the final assessment required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to earn your Recreational Pilot Licence. It is usually conducted after completing the necessary training hours and theory exams.
To take the Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) Flight Test, you must be at least 16 years old, hold a Class 1 or 2 Medical Certificate, and pass an English Language Test. You also need at least 25 flight hours, including 20 hours with an Instructor and 5 hours of solo flight. Once you obtain your RPL, you can pursue additional ratings and endorsements, work towards advanced licences, and maintain your pilot licence through regular flight reviews.
Training for the Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) typically takes about three months if you fly two to three times per week. The actual flight test lasts approximately 1.5 hours, assessing your ability to operate an aircraft safely under various conditions. The training covers practical flight training, solo flights, and Instructor-led lessons to build essential piloting skills. Successfully completing the RPL Flight Test allows you to operate an aircraft for private operations and pursue further pilot training and endorsements.
Want to fly across Australia?
Don't limit yourself to an RPL. Instead, explore our Private Instrument Rating+ (PIFR+) for fewer restrictions and greater freedom.
