Had a break from flying and thinking about getting back into it?
Whether it’s been a few months or several years, returning to aviation is more common than you might think — and in most cases, far simpler than people expect. Many pilots step away due to work, family, or life commitments, but the skills and knowledge you’ve built don’t disappear. With the right guidance and a structured approach, most pilots regain their confidence and proficiency surprisingly quickly.
Getting back into flying isn’t about starting again — it’s about picking up where you left off.
Whether you’re partway through your training, already hold a licence, or simply haven’t flown in a while, the steps required will depend on your experience and how long you’ve been away. This may involve a short refresher, a flight review, or in some cases updating your licence, medical, or security clearance.
The good news is that there’s always a clear pathway back.
This guide outlines the most common scenarios and what’s involved in each, so you know exactly what to expect and how to get back in the air safely and confidently.
This is a general guide only — always refer to CASA for the most up-to-date regulatory requirements.
Did you start flight training but never complete your flight test and achieve your licence? If so, getting back into flying is usually very straightforward.
We simply resume your training from where you left off and continue through the syllabus from that point. If you have your logbook or previous training records, that’s helpful as it allows us to review what you’ve already completed — however, if you don’t have these, that’s not a problem.
We’ll begin with an assessment flight to evaluate your current level of skill and knowledge. From there, we can determine where you sit within the syllabus and map out the most efficient path forward. We will then guide you through the remaining training and any required exams, just as we do with all of our students.
Every pilot is different. Some people return after years away and quickly regain their skills, while others need more time to rebuild confidence and proficiency. After your initial assessment, we’ll be able to give you a realistic idea of the training required to complete your licence.
Note: A valid medical is required before any solo flying.
If you already hold a licence and your flight review is still current, you are legally able to fly.
However, if you’ve had a break, most pilots benefit from a short refresher.
Typically, this includes:
If you haven’t flown at Warnervale before, a check flight is also required for insurance and familiarisation.
The goal here is simple: rebuild confidence and ensure you’re comfortable operating safely again.
If you already hold a licence but haven’t flown for some time, getting back into flying is usually quite straightforward. In most cases, all that’s required is a flight review to make your licence current again — however, there are a few additional steps to be aware of.
The process typically involves the following:
In September 2014, CASA introduced a new licencing structure, transitioning from the old CAR 5 rules to the current CASR Part 61 system.
If your licence was issued prior to September 2014 and has not been transferred, you will need to complete CASA Form 61-9TX (available on the CASA website). This requires your ARN and licence details, along with a $25 processing fee.
Once submitted, CASA will process your application and issue your updated licence.
Depending on your original licence, the following will apply:
All aviation medicals are now managed online via CASA. You will need your ARN to access the system:
Basic Class 2 limitations include:
A Basic Class 2 cannot be used for a PPL flight test. If your goal is to progress beyond RPL or complete a PPL, you will need a standard Class 2.
To exercise the full privileges of your licence, you will need a valid aviation security clearance. There are two options:
ASIC (Aviation Security Identification Card)
Examples of airports requiring ASIC:
Scone, Bathurst, Dubbo, Port Macquarie, and all controlled aerodromes.
We recommend Aviation ID Australia
AVID (Aviation Identification Card)
Applied through CASA using Form 499
The final step is to return to flying. We recommend starting with an assessment flight, allowing us to evaluate your current level and tailor a plan for your flight review. A flight review is competency-based, meaning the time required will vary depending on:
The focus is on bringing your skills back to a safe and confident standard – not just ticking a box.
You can begin training while your medical and security clearance are being processed. However, once your flight review is complete, you will not be able to exercise the privileges of your licence until both are finalised.
If it’s been a while since you last flew, you’re not alone – and getting back into the cockpit is usually much easier than expected. Whether you need a quick refresher, a flight review, or help navigating licence and medical requirements, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Start with a simple assessment flight and we’ll build a plan tailored to your experience so you can return to flying safely and confidently.
No – in most cases, it’s much simpler than people expect. You’re not starting again, just rebuilding confidence and proficiency with the right guidance.
It depends on your situation. You may only need a short refresher, a flight review, or to update your licence, medical, or security clearance before returning to the air.
You can simply resume where you left off. An assessment flight is used to determine your current level, then training continues from that point.
If your flight review is current, you can legally fly. However, most pilots benefit from a short refresher to rebuild confidence and sharpen key skills.
You’ll need to complete a flight review to regain currency. Depending on how long you’ve been away, you may also need to update your medical or licence details.
It varies for each pilot. Because flight reviews are competency-based, some pilots regain proficiency quickly, while others may need additional training depending on experience and time away.
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