SELF PACED COURSE

Recreational Pilot Licence

Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL)

NEXT INTAKE?
Start anytime

Flexible learning to suit your lifestyle

HOW LONG?
3
Months*

*Based on 2 lessons per week. This self paced course can be fast-tracked by increasing your weekly lessons

COURSE LOAD?
Self Paced

Face-to-face

2

Hours of self study per week

LOCATION
Sydney
FLYING HOURS?
36
Hours
In Air Shot of SFC Piper TX Archer flying over lush field.
ABOUT

Enjoy the freedom of flight.

The Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) is the first licence you can obtain as a pilot enabling you to take flight solo or with friends and family within the local area. The RPL syllabus lays the foundation for all future training regardless of your end goal. All pilots learn the fundamentals of flight and aircraft handling in the RPL.

During the course, students 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 this course you will:

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Be able to fly within 25 nautical miles of your departure airport

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Be able to fly in clear weather

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Be able to fly during the day

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Be able to pilot single engine aircraft

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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.

I want to fly as a hobby.

I have always had an interest in flying and want to fly for fun.

I want to fly around my local area.

I only want to fly within 25 nautical miles of my departure airport.

I want to fly a limited amount of family and friends.
"Easily the best flight school in Sydney! Great instructors with vast knowledge and passion to actually teach you stuff, not just tick boxes."

SFC Graduate
Recreational Pilot

Aerial view of the coast from a light aircraft with the propeller in view
In air, side shot of Cessna 18T flying over a river.
SUMMARY

Course overview.

FLYING HRS
36

Hours

SIMULATOR HRS
1

Hour

THEORY HRS
13.5

Hours

DURATION
3

Months

COURSE LOAD
Self Paced
DELIVERY MODE
Face-to-face
LOCATION
Sydney
TOTAL COURSE HRS
50

Hours

WEEKLY STUDY HRS
2

Hours per week

SELECT AN AIRCRAFT
INCLUSIONS
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Flying

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Fuel

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Landing fees

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Briefings

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Primary Instructor

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SFC facilities

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Member benefits

INTAKE DATES
  • Start anytime
COURSE FEES
$20,000*

*Estimated pay as you go price in the Piper Warrior is the syllabus is completed without any repeats.

INCLUSIONS
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Flying

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Fuel

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Landing fees

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Briefings

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Primary Instructor

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SFC facilities

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Member benefits

INTAKE DATES
  • Start anytime
COURSE FEES
$24,000*

*Estimated pay as you go price in the Archer TX is the syllabus is completed without any repeats.

Course Brochures
Self Paced Course Guide

Our guide offers an overview of our self paced courses, tailored to fit your lifestyle and allowing you to obtain your license at a pace that suits you best.

Program Summary

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:

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16+ years old to sit your Recreational Pilot Licence Flight Test;

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Able to speak and understand English Level 4;

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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).

Lesson Structure

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

CASA Theory Exam

Before undertaking your 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.

SFC Policies and Procedures

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.

Withdrawal and Deferral Form

This form is for eligible VET Student Loan students who are withdrawing or deferring from their course of Units of Study (UoS).

Grievance Policy

This document describes the SFC procedures for making and resolving complaints or grievances.

Privacy Policy

Before you provide us with any personal information, it's important you read and understand our Privacy Policy.

Out of Pocket Expenses
Out of expenses guide

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

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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:

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Loan amounts from $2,001 - $75,000

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Loan terms between 1-7 years

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Repayment frequency of Weekly, Fortnightly or Monthly

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No early repayment penalties

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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

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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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Next intake?

Start anytime

Our unique start anytime course structure allows flexible study options to suit your lifestyle.

SUPPORT

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:

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Loan amounts from $2,001 - $75,000

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Loan terms between 1-7 years

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Repayment frequency of Weekly, Fortnightly or Monthly

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No early repayment penalties

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Funding approved within 24 hours

ENQUIRE NOW

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.

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APPLICATION PROCESS

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 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.

Stage 2. Membership Application

Club Membership

SFC is a non-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 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. Your primary is your mentor throughout your training to help you achieve your goals.

Book in your first 2 lessons

We will book in your induction and first lesson (Effects of Control) to kick-start your training.

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.

EXPLORE NOW