Age & Medical

Age Requirements

There is no minimum age at which you may begin your training. However, you must be at least 16 years of age before you may fly solo, provided the necessary medical and statutory requirements for the issue of a Student Pilot Licence have been met. You must be 17 years old before you may hold the Private Pilot Licence, and, 18 years old for the Commercial Pilot Licence. There is no maximum age restriction for the Private Licence.

Medical Requirements

The aviation medical examination for the Private Licence comprises a general physical examination. Additionally, the Commercial Licence requires an ECG, an ophthalmology examination and a hearing test.

The medical may only be conducted by a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner. On completion of the examination, the results are sent to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Medical Branch in Canberra for the issue of a Medical Certificate. This certificate is required as part of the application for a Student Pilot Licence.

For the Private Licence, the medical certificate is issued for a period of four years for persons under the age of 40 years, and two years for persons over 40. The Commercial Pilot Licence medical is issued for one year.

The cost of the medical examination varies, depending upon the doctor. We will provide you with a list of doctors approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. You make your own choice of doctor.

A Pilot Licence is valid as long as the appropriate medical is current. Once the medical certificate has expired, a pilot may only fly with a Flight Instructor.