ra-aus to ppl

[theflyingskotsman]

Hi everyone
Recently finished my ra-aus certificate with high performance, nose wheel, radio, human factors, pax and cross country endorsements. Just wondering if anyone's done the conversion to ga and what it involves. Any advice for places around mel that might count the hours would be much appreciated.
Cheers

[drpixie]

I've done a couple of RAA -> PPL conversions, as instructor. The time and effort will depend primarily on how your RAA instructors treated flying - some are very professional and thorough, others seem to consider flying a hobby or game! Anyone should recognize your hours - where I would expect you to take some time would be getting up to standard with:

• Handling bigger/heavier machines - it might seem silly but, depending on what you've flown, even going from Jabiru to a C172 can take a little getting used to!
• Navigation - some RAA nav endorsements (or whatever it's called) are pretty arbitrary. A PPL permits you to fly pretty-much anywhere in the world, and I expect you to be able to navigate accordingly.
• Radio work, especially in control zones. This will depend on where you have flown, but if you're not reasonably familiar with control zones, everyone has some trouble with their initial radio work. I'd suggest you fly out of a class-C or -D airfield (e.g. Essendon or Moorabbin), to force you to do lots of real radio stuff.
• Theory - while the syllabus are similar to RAA, your PPL/CPL theory is expected to be rather more detailed and the coverage more thorough. The exams are CASA standard - not hard but you will need to know a wide range of subjects to a reasonable standard.
• General approach - attitude, thinking ahead, professionalism. Another thing that will vary depending on your previous experience. Some RAA sites treat flying like a hobby - even a PPL has the right to play with the big boys, and to put your family is a serious aircraft, so it's a more serious business all around.

I think just about anyone can upgrade RAA -> PPL but you might find it more involved than just acquiring the hours. All the best.

[theflyingskotsman]

Thanks drpixi
Nice to have a bit more insight into the conversion. As regards to the theory component, would the ra-aus bak or other exams human factors etc carry across or have credit or will i have to sit them all again
Cheers

[Dexta]

I went through this two odd years ago, the things I found when going from RAA to GA were;
1. Getting used to a heavier aircraft, A C172 handles a lot different to a Jabiru or sportstar. Round outs and holding off took some time to get right.
2. Navigation & planning were a lot more in-depth. This probably should have been covered in RAA but wasn't.
3. Controlled airspace - the radio work, read-backs, clearances, ground control etc. took a while to get familiar with. But you don't have to do Controlled Airspace if you don't want to, it is something you can add later.

My advice is fly around in RAA for 40 odd hours, make sure you can stick to an altitude (try for +/- 100'), keep to a heading (try for +/- 2 degrees), enter and depart circuits properly, conduct square circuits, fly to the hemispherical's, navigate without a GPS, decipher a TAF, ARFOR etc. It's cheaper to get your flying up to PPL standard in an RAA aircraft, and when you are at a good standard then go for your PPL.

[roundsounds]

I'd suggest Dexta's advice is spot on. When CASR Part 61 becomes effective (Sept 2014) you can obtain a Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) by producing your RAAus Quals to CASA. An RPL allows you to operate GA aircraft below 1500kg MTOW and carry yourself plus 3 pax (with a class 2 medical). You'll need to complete a GA flight review before you can exercise the privileges of the RPL. If you get up to speed with the skills outlined by Dexta you might find a check out in a C172 plus some procedural training will see you flying GA without needing to sit any exams. You can gain experience in GA aircraft, the PPL theory, complete a pre test, further training if required and a flight test to gain a PPL at your leisure, if you choose to. The PPL will allow you to fly more complex / heavier aircraft and gain night / instrument ratings if that's what you'd like to do or you might choose to stick with the RPL.

[Old Akro]

When CASR Part 61 becomes effective (Sept 2014)

IF CASR Part 61 becomes effective (Sept 2014)

[superdimona]

I remember waiting several years for the RAA "Controlled Airspace" endorsement to go ahead. CASA promised it would be right around the corner, then made a project specifically to amend the CAOs to avoid the bottleneck

It still took so long that a change of leadership came in and decided those dirty recreational pilots couldn't handle CTA (but motorglider pilots & overseas sport licenses can).

[VH-XXX]

I read in my Australian Flying email update that when part 61 comes in you will no longer need a photo licence ! Any valid ID such as drivers licence or passport will suffice.

That being said, I suspect you will still need an ASIC for certain airports, so it sounds like they are merely dropping the AVID.


A PPL is not that difficult to obtain from the RAA path, I did it as did many others.

Good luck.

PS There is some good advice in the above posts.