A Recreational Pilot License allows you to have fun and fly in local areas. It generally demands less training as compared to the private pilot license requirements.
A Recreational Pilot License allows you to have fun and fly in local areas. It generally demands less training as compared to the private pilot license requirements.
What is a Recreational Pilot License?
A Recreational Pilot License allows you to have fun and fly in local areas. It generally demands less training as compared to the private pilot license requirements.
Training hours required for a recreational pilot license are less than the PPL; it can be earned in 30 hours whereas a private pilot license requires 40 hours.
For a recreational pilot license, you require fewer cross-country flight training hours because you can only fly within 50 nautical miles from your home. In order to reduce the restrictions you may require further ratings.
It would cost $7,078 to obtain the RPL. This course includes the application fees, ground school charges, pilot kit, flight training test, and licensing fees.
You can visit the Recreational Pilot license for detailed information regarding the cost of the Recreational Pilot License.
Charges for international and local students for RPL are the same.
The duration of the training is up to the student’s pace and convenience. It generally takes less time than a PPL, and the course will take 4 to 8 weeks.
To obtain the Recreational Pilot License you must have proof that you are at least 16 years old. This is the basic age requirement for this license.
You must pass the written exam with minimum 60% in overall and individual subject areas on RPPAE.
You have to pass the required practical and oral test administered by a designated examiner.
25 hours of flight time are required including 15 hours of flight training, 2 hours of cross-country, and 5 hours of solo time. And a successful flight test.
Having the Recreational Pilot License without additional ratings has more restrictions as compared to a Private Pilot License.
You require fewer flight hours for a Recreational Pilot License. You can carry one passenger with RPL, whereas for a PPL there is no passenger limit.
Airplanes with four or fewer seats are allowed for Recreational pilots but for private pilots, there is no limit to airplane seats.
Recreational Pilots are restricted to flying in Canada only whereas private pilots can fly worldwide.
Both are limited to flight in good weather conditions only until further ratings and endorsements.
You have to meet all the requirements for the Recreational Pilot License outlined by the Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA). Here are the few requirements for a Recreational Pilot permit in Canada.
You have to clear the Recreational Pilot Permit Flight written exam designed by the Transport Canada instructors. Once you have cleared the written exam, you are ready to take instructions to fly. Before getting the license, you will also need to take a Recreational Pilot Flight Test, as administered by an inspector or examiner authorized by Transport Canada.
After passing the test ride, you have completed the first step towards your dream and are ready to have fun.
A Recreational Pilot permit will allow you to fly any single engine aircraft with no more than 4 passengers. A maximum of one passenger can ride along at one time. If you want to fly in Canada, you must do so during daylight hours and when the weather is good – known as visual flight rules.
As we have already mentioned, the Recreational Pilot License has less privileges than the Private Pilot License. However, with the Recreational Pilot License, you are limited to flying within the boundaries of Canada. In addition to this, you can carry one passenger with a four or less seater airplane.
You are restricted to flying to an airport that is no further than 50 nmi from the departure point. You are not allowed to fly Class B, C, D airspace until further endorsement. Moreover, you cannot fly aircrafts with a tailwheel. Lastly, you are limited to flying with one engine only.
Aircrafts that fall under the definition of a complex airplane with adjustable flaps, retractable gear, and variable-pitch propeller, are not allowed with a Recreational Pilot License. You are allowed to fly during the day only under good weather conditions i.e you cannot fly after sunset and before sunrise.
Not only the area but the heights are also restricted, you cannot fly above 10,000 feet MSL or 2000 feet AGL whichever is higher.
Some of the restrictions can be relaxed and can be lifted with the instructor’s endorsement except the restrictions of four-seater airplanes, one passenger, and single engine craft.
Being a pilot you need to have a combination of creative and technical skills. You have to think out of the box with calculations to take corrective measures in less than ideal situations. You must be self-disciplined and confident in your abilities.