> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://magentadebrief.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # How to convert an RAAus RPC to a CASA RPL in Australia - URL: https://magentadebrief.com/how-to-convert-an-raaus-rpc-to-a-casa-rpl-in-australia/ - Published: 2026-06-02T02:14:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-27T13:27:03.000Z - Description: Converting your RAAus RPC to a CASA RPL opens up controlled airspace, heavier aircraft, and one-time endorsement transfers. Here's the paperwork, flight review requirements, and what you need to know. - Author: Alan Soon - Tags: Guides, Australia #### Mission Profile: RPC to RPL Conversion Best For **Controlled Airspace & Heavy Aircraft** Admin Time **2–3 Months (CASA Processing)** Key Benefit **Rent Cessnas & Pipers (VH-Reg)** Cost **Admin Fee + Flight Review** An [RAAus Recreational Pilot Certificate](https://www.raa.asn.au/fly-with-us/learntofly/?ref=magentadebrief.com) (RPC) is equivalent to a CASA Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL). The conversion gives you access to controlled airspace, heavier aircraft, and CASA's regulatory framework. ### Why convert? If you're happy buzzing around in RAAus aircraft, you may never need an RPL. But conversion opens up capabilities you can't access with an RPC. - **Controlled airspace and aerodromes:** You need an RPL to add controlled airspace and controlled aerodrome endorsements. Without these, you're locked out of major airports and busy airspace - **Wider aircraft selection:** An RPL lets you fly aircraft up to 1,500 kg and rent Cessnas at most flying schools. Useful for outback trips or when RAAus aircraft aren't available - **One-time endorsement transfer:** Anything on your RPC automatically transfers to your RPL when you first submit the paperwork. **You only get one shot at this.** Get nav and tailwheel endorsements on your RPC first — training is cheaper in the RAAus system > **Warning: Processing timeline** The conversion can take several months. Start early if you need the endorsements for a specific trip or goal. --- ### What transfers across Your category rating, aircraft class rating, and design feature endorsements transfer directly from your RPC to your RPL. You'll also receive a **recreational navigation endorsement** on issue if: 1\. Your RPC authorizes cross-country flights, and 2\. you’ve completed at least 25 hours flying time (including 20 hours dual and 5 hours as pilot-in-command). > Important: the RPNA standard requires 5 hours solo cross-country, including one flight of at least 100 NM with full-stop landings at two landing areas other than the point of departure. If your RPC cross-country training didn’t meet that solo nav profile, log the extra solo cross-country before you submit your conversion paperwork (you only get one endorsement-transfer shot). [See page 91 of CASA's Part 61 guide for details](https://www.casa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-02/part-61-guide-aeroplane-category-flight-crew-licensing-accessible-version.pdf?ref=magentadebrief.com). | Endorsement Code | What it allows | Requirement | | ---------------- | ----------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | | RPCT | Controlled Aerodrome Endorsement | Required to land at Towered airports (Class D/C) | | RPCA | Controlled Airspace Endorsement | Required to fly through controlled airspace | | RPFR | Flight Radio Endorsement | Automatic if you hold a flight radiotelephone operator licence | | RPNA | Recreational Navigation Endorsement | Requires 5 hours solo cross-country minimum | ### Conversion steps CASA requires paperwork and a flight review. Note that flying schools often add their own assessment flights before signing you off. 1. **Complete application form 61-1RTX:** [Fill out the Recreational Pilot Licence application form](https://www.casa.gov.au/recreational-pilot-licence-rpl-recognition-pilot-certificate?ref=magentadebrief.com). The form specifies what evidence to provide 2. **Complete a flight review:** [Do a flight review for your aircraft rating](https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certificates/pilots/ratings-reviews-and-endorsements/ratings-and-endorsements/getting-aircraft-type-rating?ref=magentadebrief.com). An instructor authorized to conduct flight training for your aircraft rating will assess your competence 3. **Submission:** Once you pass, the instructor informs CASA and CASA updates your licence record You'll also need a CASA medical certificate to hold an RPL — here's [which one you need](https://magentadebrief.com/casa-medical-certificates-which-one-do-you-need-for-an-rpl-in-australia/) and how to get it. --- ### RPL Limitations An RPL offers the same navigation capabilities as a private pilot licence (PPL) without an instrument rating. However, distinct restrictions apply. #### Single-engine aircraft only You can only fly single-engine aircraft up to 1,500 kg. To fly multi-engine aeroplanes or heavier aircraft, you need a Private Pilot Licence and a class rating. #### Not recognized internationally The RPL is **not** an ICAO licence. Other countries (like the USA or New Zealand) generally do not recognize it. To fly in another country, you need approval from that country's aviation authority. #### Passenger carrying rules With an RPC, you can carry one passenger. With an RPL, you can carry **more than one passenger** if you either: - Hold a Class 1 or Class 2 medical certificate - Fly with another pilot who holds a Class 1 or Class 2 medical certificate in a control seat --- ### Frequently Asked Questions **Does my Navigation endorsement transfer?** Only if your RPC authorizes cross-country flights and you have at least 25 hours total time (20 dual / 5 PIC). Also note the RPNA standard requires 5 hours solo cross-country, including one flight of at least 100 NM with full-stop landings at two landing areas other than your departure point — if your logbook doesn’t show that solo cross-country profile, do it before you submit the conversion paperwork. **Can I fly at night with an RPL?** Only solo and only during training under flight instructor supervision. You cannot carry passengers at night. **How do I keep my RPL active?** You must complete a flight review every 2 years. To carry passengers, you must also have completed 3 take-offs and landings in the previous 90 days.