Private Pilot Licence Theory
Overview
To provide students with the required aviation theoretical knowledge for the Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) as detailed in the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Part 61 Manual of Standards (MOS).
Requisites
01-June-2025
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Explain the legal, engineering, aerodynamic, environmental and human factors that affect flying operations at the Private Pilot Level
- Safely and accurately apply theoretical knowledge to flying operations at the Private Pilot Level
- Demonstrate an understanding of the unit content sufficient to pass the CASA Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) Theory Examination
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face to Face Contact (Phasing out) Lecture | 11.43 | 14 weeks | 160 |
| Unspecified Learning Activities (Phasing out) Independent Learning | 0.36 | 14 weeks | 5 |
| TOTAL | 165 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aeronautical Radio Operation Test | Individual | 7% | 1,2,3 |
| Basic Aeronautical Knowledge Test | Individual | 8% | 1,2,3 |
| CASA PPL(A) Examination | Individual | 50% | 1,2,3 |
| PPL(A) Test | Individual | 20% | 1,2,3 |
| Pre-Area-Solo Test | Individual | 8% | 1,2,3 |
| Pre-Solo Test | Individual | 7% | 1,2,3 |
Hurdle
To pass this unit and achieve all Unit Learning Outcomes to a minimum standard, a student must pass all assessments and must attend a minimum of 80% of the scheduled classes.
Content
This unit of study satisfies the theoretical knowledge requirements specified in the CASA Part 61 MOS for the award of a Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) by CASA. It consists of the following areas of aviation theoretical knowledge:
- Aviation Terminology & Units;
- Flight Rules & Air Law;
- Aircraft General Knowledge;
- Aerodynamics;
- Aeronautical Radio Operation;
- Meteorology;
- Operations, Performance & Planning;
- Human Factors (including Threat & Error Management);
- Navigation; and
- Global Navigation Satellite Systems.
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.