Flying in Melbourne Australia

[FlyEJF]

Hi,

I am a new PPL(A) and am travelling to Australia over the Christmas period. I am considering doing some flying over there and will be based in Melbourne for a lot of the trip. I was wondering whether anyone could recommend any airfields/flying schools in the Melbourne area?

I've been doing some research and it seems that I can apply for a 'Special Licence' which would entitle me to fly in Aus as a private pilot for the time that I am there. However, I fear I may have left it too late to apply as it can take up to 2 months to process due to the latest required security checks.I leave on 7th Dec. Without that licence I guess I will only be able to fly with an instructor, even after an initial check ride. Probably not a bad thing though seeing as I am a new ppl and am unfamilar with flying in Australia and their airspace etc.

I would appreciate any comments or advice

Thanks
Ed

[triton140]

I'm training at Lilydale out in the east - good flying school, two grass strips, not a lot of traffic so you don't spend a lot of time waiting on the ground. Piper Warriors, Archers, and Jabirus. May be a good option if you're unfamiliar with Oz airspace.

Other main airport is Moorabbin - busy towered GA airport, several flying schools, closer to city than Lilydale.

Lilydale Airport (http://www.lilydaleairport.com.au/)

Moorabbin Airport - Melbourne Australia. (http://www.moorabbinairport.com.au/)

[djpil]

An alternative to the Special Licence is a Certificate of Validation (http://www.casa.gov.au/fcl/overbr.htm#validation) - scroll down and note the special reqt for UK because that's where the delays will be.
As for recommendations, that depends on what you want to fly and do?

[biggles7374]

I agree, a Certificate of Validation would be a better option for you, only takes about 3 weeks to issue because CASA do not need to carry out security checks to issue one.

As it has been pointed out CASA will need to confirm the status of your JAR / UK licence and because of the data protection act the UK CAA have a form (and a fee) that must be completed to authorise them to release details to CASA in Australia.

You would need to act quickly but you can have the CoV issued to the flying school you would intend to use.

Have a good holiday.