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What Do You Have to Do Before Becoming a Pilot?
Everything You Need to Know Before Taking Off Into Pilot Training
The Groundwork Before the Cockpit
Becoming a pilot doesn’t start with your first flight—it starts with paperwork, planning, and preparation.
While the image of soaring through the skies might be what draws you to aviation, the journey begins well before you ever touch the controls. Before you can officially start training, there are critical requirements to meet—both regulatory and practical.
This guide outlines the key steps every future pilot needs to take before beginning their training. From applying for security clearance to completing your medical and diving into ground school, this is your checklist for taking off on the right foot.
Apply for an Aviation Reference Number (ARN)
One of the first things you’ll need is an Aviation Reference Number (ARN)—a unique ID that links all your interactions with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Think of it as your aviation ID number. You’ll need it to book your aviation medical, sit theory exams, and progress through any pilot licence.
How to apply:
Applying is straightforward and free. Simply head to the CASA website, fill in the online ARN application form, and submit your identity documents as instructed. Most applicants receive their ARN within a few business days.
When to apply:
Do this as early as possible—ideally before your first trial flight or medical booking. Without an ARN, you’ll hit a standstill on key administrative tasks, so get it out of the way early and save yourself a delay down the line.
Obtain an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC)
If your training takes place at a security-controlled airport (like Moorabbin or Bankstown), you’ll need an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC). This card proves you’ve passed a background check and allows access to secure airside areas—essential if you’re walking onto ramps or taxiways.
Who needs one?
Almost all student pilots are at major airports. Your school will advise, but if your base of training is inside a secure airport zone, the ASIC is non-negotiable.
How to apply:
- Get a letter of enrolment or endorsement from your flight school.
- Prepare identity documents (passport, driver’s licence, etc.) and a recent passport-style photo.
- Submit your application through an approved ASIC provider like Aviation ID Australia.
- Await AusCheck clearance, which can take several weeks.
When to apply:
As soon as you’re enrolled or planning to start at a controlled airport. ASIC processing can take up to 6–8 weeks, so apply early to ensure it’s ready before your first solo or formal lessons begin.
Complete Your Aviation Medical Examination
Aviation is a profession where safety is paramount, and that includes ensuring pilots are medically fit to fly. Before starting your training in earnest, you’ll need to pass an aviation medical exam with a CASA-approved Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME).
Types of medical certificates:
- Class 1 – Required for Commercial (CPL), Airline Transport (ATPL), and multi-crew licences. It includes ECG, hearing tests, vision screening, bloodwork, and a full physical.
- Class 2 – Required for Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or some Recreational flying. Less intensive than Class 1 but still includes key health checks.
- Basic Class 2 / RAMPC – For recreational pilots only; based on a private driver’s licence medical standard and may be issued by a general practitioner.
- Class 3 – For air traffic controllers; not required for flight training.
- Class 5 – A newer medical category designed specifically for Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) holders. Less stringent than Class 2, it allows flying under specific conditions (e.g., with only one passenger, by day, in Australian airspace). It can be issued by a CASA-recognised health professional such as your GP.
What’s involved?
Expect a combination of tests: hearing, vision (including colour vision), heart health, and overall fitness. Additional screenings may be required depending on age or existing health conditions.
Why complete it early?
Failing the medical can prevent you from flying solo or progressing through training. It’s best to confirm your fitness before you invest heavily in tuition or theory. It also unlocks your student licence eligibility.
Prepare for Theory and Ground School
Flight training isn’t just about being in the cockpit—it’s equally about understanding what’s happening around you, above you, and behind you. That’s where ground school comes in.
Subjects you’ll study include:
- Navigation
- Meteorology
- Air law
- Human factors
- Aerodynamics
- Flight Planning and Aircraft Performance
- Aircraft General Knowledge
These aren’t just academic—they’re essential for passing your theory exams and applying real-world knowledge in flight. For every hour of flying, expect to spend 2–3 hours studying theory.
How to prepare:
Many students choose structured ground school programs (in-person or online) to stay on track. Others pair self-study with one-on-one tutoring. The key is consistency and using quality, CASA-aligned resources. Getting started on theory early in your journey gives you a head start, especially as theory requirements increase with each licence level.
Start with Clarity, Fly with Confidence
Your first solo flight might feel like the beginning of your aviation story, but the journey starts long before that moment.
By applying for your ARN and ASIC early, completing your medical examination, and diving into theory preparation, you’re laying a solid foundation for your training. These steps aren’t just regulatory boxes—they’re vital checkpoints that shape your readiness, eligibility, and momentum.
So, what’s next?
Book a trial flight. Apply for your ARN. Start studying the skies. With preparation and purpose, you’ll be ready to move from dreaming about flight to living it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to apply for an ARN before my first lesson?
While not required for an initial trial flight, your Aviation Reference Number (ARN) is essential for nearly everything else—booking your medical exam, sitting theory exams, and progressing through training. It’s free, easy to apply for, and should be one of the very first things you do.
2. What’s the difference between a Class 1, 2, and 5 medical?
Class 1 is required for commercial pilots (CPL/ATPL) and includes the most comprehensive checks.
Class 2 suits private pilots (PPL) and has fewer requirements.
Class 5 is for recreational pilots (RPL only) and can be completed with your GP under less stringent conditions.
Your intended licence determines which one you need.
3. How long does it take to get an ASIC card?
It can take 4 to 8 weeks, depending on processing times and background check clearance from AusCheck. Apply early, especially if you’ll be training at a secure airport where access is restricted without one.
4. Do I need to be good at math and science to pass ground school?
You don’t need to be a math whiz, but basic numeracy and logical thinking are helpful. Subjects like navigation, flight planning, and meteorology involve calculations. Fortunately, structured theory courses and good instructors make it accessible, even if you’ve been out of school for a while.
5. Can I start theory studies before beginning flight training?
Yes—and it’s often recommended. Starting early gives you a strong foundation, reduces pressure later on, and helps you make the most of your in-air lessons. Some schools even allow you to begin ground school while finalising your medical or ASIC paperwork.
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