The Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) is the first CASA-issued pilot licence and provides aspiring pilots with the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a light single-engine aircraft. Through a combination of practical flight training and theory instruction, students learn fundamental aircraft handling, circuit operations, navigation basics, radio procedures and emergency management. Each lesson consists of a pre-flight briefing followed by approximately one hour of flight training, allowing students to progressively build confidence and competency in the cockpit. While the minimum requirement is 25 hours of flight training, including at least 5 hours of solo flight, most students require additional hours to achieve the standard required for licence issue.

The RPL syllabus combines structured flight training, theory briefings and a final flight test to ensure students can safely operate an aircraft as Pilot in Command. Throughout the course, students develop their understanding of aviation regulations, aircraft operations, flight planning, weather interpretation and non-normal and emergency procedures. Upon successful completion of the training and flight test, pilots are permitted to carry passengers and fly within 25 nautical miles of their departure aerodrome. Additional endorsements can then be added to expand flying privileges, including Controlled Aerodrome, Controlled Airspace, Flight Radio and Recreational Navigation endorsements. For many students, the RPL serves as the first step towards obtaining a Private Pilot Licence and pursuing more advanced aviation training.