To fly a VH-registered aircraft you must have a Part 61 flight crew licence. You can use flight time in sport aircraft towards a Part 61 licence, with some limitations.
You can use it towards:
- your private pilot licence (PPL) – aeroplane
- your commercial pilot licence (CPL) – aeroplane
- some helicopter licences (limited hours).
You cannot use it for:
- your air transport pilot licence (ATPL)
- multi-crew licences
- integrated (Part 142) training.
You must still complete training and flight tests in VH-registered aircraft.
Which sport aircraft hours count
To use your sport aircraft hours towards a Part 61 licence:
- flight time must be:
- in an aircraft from a list managed by an approved self-administering organisation (ASAO)
- in one of the recognised aircraft categories.
- you must complete training and testing in VH-registered aircraft.
Your flight time counts towards the minimum experience requirements for Part 61 non-integrated training if your aircraft is one of the following categories:
- aeroplanes with 3-axis flight controls
- helicopters
- airships
- gyroplanes
- powered-lift aircraft.
Non‑recognised ASAO aircraft
Flight time in the following aircraft types do not count towards your Part 61 licence:
- parachutes
- powered hang‑gliders
- sailplanes
- light sport aircraft (LSA).
These aircraft do not fall within the recognised categories for creditable flight time under Part 61.
Use sport aircraft hours for pilot licences
You can use eligible sport and recreational aircraft flight time to count towards some pilot licences, but the rules differ between aeroplanes and helicopters.
Aeroplane licences
If your flight time is in one of the recognised aircraft types, you can use it towards the following licences:
- Private pilot licence (PPL) – aeroplane
- Commercial pilot licence (CPL) – aeroplane.
You will still need to:
- complete required training in VH-registered aircraft (including dual training)
- train with an approved approved flight training operator
- ensure you meet all of the flight tests and flight review requirements.
If you already have an recreational pilot certificate from Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus):
- you may be eligible for a Part 61 recreational pilot licence (RPL)
- aeroplane category rating
- single engine aeroplane class rating
- you must apply for a CASA Part 61 licence.
Helicopter licences
The rules for helicopters are more limited. You can only credit a small amount of general flight time towards the non‑integrated training requirements for:
- PPL – helicopter (up to 5 hours)
- CPL – helicopter (up to 10 hours).
You must complete all remaining flight experience in helicopters to meet the licence requirements.
Consider your competency
Even if your hours count, sport and VH‑registered aircraft differ significantly in mass, systems and passenger safety. You may need extra training to safely operate larger, more complex or unfamiliar aircraft.
29 May 2026