Australia · Theory examsWhat can you fly with a commercial pilot licence?
You can be co-pilot in any operation. In an aeroplane, you can be pilot in command of any operation except these:
- A multi-crew aircraft in an air transport operation
- A single-pilot aeroplane over 5,700 kg maximum take-off weight in an air transport operation, unless you have 750 hours as pilot of an aeroplane
Flights with two pilots also need approved multi-crew cooperation training, unless you flew multi-crew before 1 September 2015.
What do you need for a commercial pilot licence in Australia?
CASA lists these steps:
- Train with a Part 141 or Part 142 flight training operator, and be recommended for the flight test.
- Pass the seven CPL theory exams for the aeroplane category.
- Meet Aviation English Language Proficiency (AELP) once, if you use a radio.
- Complete the minimum flying experience.
- Pass the CPL flight test, set out in schedule 2 of the Part 61 Manual of Standards (MOS).
- Apply for an aviation security status check, then apply to CASA through myCASA.
You also need to be at least 18. Keep the licence active with flight reviews and proficiency checks.
The seven CPL theory exams
Three subjects are common to every aircraft category and four are for aeroplanes. You can sit them in any order, and CASA advises booking each one only when you understand its subject:
| Exam | Minutes | Pass | 2025 rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human factors (CHUF) | 75 | 70% | 76.78% |
| Navigation (CNAV) | 105 | 70% | 69.91% |
| Meteorology (CMET) | 90 | 70% | 68.14% |
| Aerodynamics (CADA) | 90 | 70% | 65.89% |
| Flight rules and air law (CLWA) | 120 | 80% | 69.31% |
| Flight planning (CFPA) | 150 | 70% | 59.29% |
| Aircraft general knowledge (CSYA) | 90 | 70% | 76.27% |
The last column is CASA’s pass rate for 2025. The flight planning exam’s full name is operation, performance and flight planning, and air law is the one exam that needs 80%.
The 2-year window
You have 2 years from the date of your first CPL subject pass to pass all seven. If you haven’t passed them all by then, your subject passes expire on the second anniversary of that first pass, so plan when you book each one.
Minimum flying hours for an aeroplane CPL
CASA sets these minimums for an integrated and a non-integrated course:
| Experience | Integrated | Non‑integrated |
|---|---|---|
| Aeronautical experience | 150 | 200 |
| Flight time as pilot | 140 | 190 |
| Pilot in command | 70 | 100 |
| Pilot in command, cross-country | 20 | 20 |
| Dual instrument time | 10 | 10 |
| Dual instrument flight time | 5 | 5 |
Up to 10 hours of the total can be in a flight simulation training device. The cross-country time, in an aeroplane, includes a flight of at least 300 nautical miles with full-stop landings at two aerodromes outside the training area.
Flying on a Class 2 medical
Once you hold the licence, you can fly on a Class 1 or Class 2 medical certificate. A Class 2 limits you to commercial aircraft under 8,618 kg maximum take-off weight with no passengers, or to private operations. Carry your medical certificate whenever you fly.
Sources: Civil Aviation Safety Authority and 4 more. Checked November 2026.
- Civil Aviation Safety Authority: Getting a commercial pilot licence (CPL) ↗
- Civil Aviation Safety Authority: Commercial pilot licence (aeroplane) exams, CADA, CLWA, CFPA and CSYA ↗
- Civil Aviation Safety Authority: Commercial pilot licence exams, CHUF, CNAV and CMET ↗
- Civil Aviation Safety Authority: How the exam system works ↗
- Civil Aviation Safety Authority: Pre-qualifications for pilot exams ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.