Flying in Australia: a pilot's guide
CASA regulates Australian flight under the CASRs; pilots earn an RPL or PPL with Class 1/2 or Basic Class 2 medicals in a class-based airspace system.
The national authority
Civil aviation in Australia is regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations. This guide summarises the framework; confirm detail with CASA.
Getting a licence (PPL and beyond)
Australia issues the Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) and Private Pilot Licence (PPL), with Commercial and instrument ratings beyond. Training is through approved flight training operators with theory exams and a flight test.
Medical requirements
Depending on the licence, a Class 1 or 2 aviation medical, or the Basic Class 2 option, is required, issued through CASA-approved examiners.
Notable rules & airspace
Australia uses a class-based airspace system administered with Airservices Australia, including extensive Class G in remote areas, and its own VFR and radio requirements.
Where to find the official rules
Consult CASA for current licensing, medical and operating requirements.
Australia aviation by the numbers
2,799 airfields on record (159 with scheduled service), 1,819 airspace volumes, 374 navaids.
- Small airport2,087
- Heliport401
- Medium airport177
- Closed112
- Large airport18
- Seaplane base4
- Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport12,999 ft
- Melbourne Airport11,998 ft
- Brisbane International Airport11,680 ft
- Perth International Airport11,299 ft
- Darwin International Airport / RAAF Darwin11,004 ft
Counts computed from The Pilots Desk reference data (OurAirports, FAA, OpenAIP).