Already hold an Australian CASA Private Pilot Licence for aeroplanes and want to fly RAAus-registered aircraft? RAAus recognises previous flight experience towards its Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC). Start with an RAAus flight training school: your licence, logbook, recent flying and intended aircraft determine the pathway.
Scope: This is an introduction for Australian GA aeroplane PPL holders. Overseas licences, other aircraft categories and instructor conversions need individual advice. Sources checked on 19 September 2026; confirm current requirements with RAAus and your Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) before booking.
1. Decide which aircraft you want to fly
Tell the school your intended aircraft and ask whether you need Group A or Group G privileges. These have different conversion provisions. Do not book on the assumption that every RAAus aircraft follows one standard “PPL conversion”.
2. Bring evidence of your experience
Arrange a document review with the CFI. Have your licence, endorsements, logbooks and recent flight-review records available, and ask what medical or membership documentation they need. Give them an honest account of any break from flying. Request a written outline of the training, assessment and costs proposed for you.
3. Understand the Group A pathway
Section 2.13 of the Flight Operations Manual requires financial membership and a Student or Converting Pilot Certificate. It recognises relevant flight time, with training and competency requirements assessed against the intended group and type.
One pathway specifies at least five hours of flying training, including one hour as pilot in command, when the required experience was gained outside recreational aircraft. Verified time in eligible recreational aircraft of the same group and type may count. Five hours is therefore neither a universal extra-hours bill nor a promise of completion.
The manual addresses recognition of theory qualifications and a successful flight test; a CFI or higher approval holder may consider a successful flight check sufficient. Ask the school which theory or converting-pilot assessment applies to your records. See section 2.13, pages 74–75, rather than relying on a club anecdote.
4. If you want Group G, ask about its specific route
Flight Operations Bulletin 0124 sets out a route for existing CASA aeroplane licence holders without an RAAus Group A certificate. It includes a valid Student or Converting Pilot Certificate, the applicable medical declaration and organisational requirements, the RAAus converting-pilot exam and a Group G flight test.
It also requires evidence of a current CASA flight review or instructor review conducted in a single-engine aeroplane below 1,500 kg MTOW under day VFR. The recommendation uses form RPC002G completed by a Group G CFI. Pilots who already hold Group A have separate provisions. Ask the CFI to confirm which route fits your circumstances.
5. Confirm the privileges you will actually hold
Before finishing, ask the school to go through the certificate and endorsements being recommended, any remaining limitations, medical requirements, ongoing currency and the process for issue. Specifically discuss passenger carrying, cross-country flying and any controlled-airspace plans. Do not assume a privilege transfers simply because it appears on your CASA licence.
A useful opening message is: “I hold a CASA aeroplane PPL and would like to fly [aircraft type]. Could your CFI review my licence and logbook and outline the RAAus conversion pathway, required assessments and likely costs?”