Is it really that bad?

[Expat87]

I keep hearing and reading that the Australian GA scene is going through a bit of a rough time. There was a leaflet kicking about my flying school last week trying to encourage its members to ‘keep flying through these trouble times’, ‘keep the aircraft in the air’ etc. Today I saw an article in Australian Flying asking ‘where are all the Australian pilots?’ It went on to describe how schools over in the East Coast were closing due to lack of students. I often see posts on PPRuNe where pilots seem to be struggling to get any work, even as an instructor.

It all seems to paint quite a bleak picture which makes it difficult for me to understand why I’m struggling to finish my PPL because I can never seem to book in for any lessons. My instructor, and most of the other instructors seem to be fully booked a lot of the time, I struggle to get a lesson booked most weeks. I’ve had a look at some other schools in the area and they also seem to be operating at quite a high capacity (especially for ‘winter’). I know that flight instructing is just a small part of the GA industry but it makes me wonder if things really are that bad???

[spirax]

The simple answer is "yes"... GA is not very healthy at the moment...some say it is almost dead! In over 40 yrs in the business, it is the worst I have ever seen it.

What you outline seems to be poor customer service, which, sadly, is quite common in Australia these days, tho' flying training does have it's busy spots and some schools are busy, but that does not mean they should not look after their students with proper planning for lessons etc.

Unless you can obtain proper lesson planning to your satisfaction, you have to consider changing flying schools.

[poteroo]

Country WA airports certainly not near even half capacity - ask about. Less traffic chatter in your ear, less lost time at holding points, closer training areas, and better instructor access can all enhance your learning.

happy days,

[Ex FSO GRIFFO]

Agree with Poteroo.....

If you live in Perth, its only an hour's easy drive to say, Northam, for example, where you will find uncluttered skies, you take-off and you are IN the training area, and an hours worth of flying is just that - an hours worth of flying - as it is at any 'country' flying school.

Or Bunbury, or Albany if you know someone you can stay with down that way....

Not to mention the 'country' social atmosphere.......;)

All the best with your choice....:ok:

[Expat87]

Thanks Griffo and Poteroo, I'll keep your advice in mind :ok:

I actually started my training up in Karratha before moving down to Perth. I had a great time learning to fly in Karratha and I'm glad that I got all my circuit training done up there so I avoided paying Jandakot's touch and go fees. The only thing is that I feel I've learned heaps more from flying in a controlled, busy aerodrome like Jandakot. My situational awareness in the circuit has become a lot better and I've now realised how important it is to clear the turn and maintain a good lookout!

I'll see how the next few weeks pan out, if the booking situation doesn't get any better I'll check out Northam and some of the other country airports. Thanks again for the advice!!

[lethalw]

Expat,

What stage are you up to re: your PPL.....? What aircraft....?

Flick me a PM if you want to discuss some options south of Perth (but not as far as Albany!)

Cheers.

[Polonski]

If you're struggling to get a booking slot at Jandakot (which I know can get quite busy indeed) why not go down to Murrayfield? We're always in need of more students and its much more relaxed and better value in any case (No landing fees, in the training area already so no transit, no waiting for other aircraft).

Come down and meet us and have a cuppa... ;)