Almost ready....

[alex79]

Hi All!

Well it seems that I made up my mind and I'm ready to start the PPL.

I haven't made my final decision in regards to school as I might have to move soon, but I have a (very) short list. Just hoping for the weather in SEQ to get better ;)

So, to use the time I was wondering what can I do to get started. For example I thought doing my medical. Can I just call the next "CASA doctor" and make an apointment?

In regards to books. The "Student Pilot Kit" from Aviation Theory Cenre is the right way to start?! Comments?

Thanks for your help!!

[Capt Claret]

Civil Aviation Safety Authority - Medical Examiner or Eye Examiner (http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_91522)

Can't help with theory - too long ago. :}

[mattyj]

And never used it since? :cool:

[smiling monkey]

In regards to books. The "Student Pilot Kit" from Aviation Theory Cenre is the right way to start?! Comments?

Yeah, that's how I started 25 years ago and not much has changed since then. They've been around that long (maybe more) so I guess that's saying something.

[Biggles266]

Just on your medical, if your end goal is to make a living out of this even though you only need a Class 2 Med to do your training, it's a good idea to make sure you can hold a Class 1 Medical as you need a Class 1 to exercise the rights of a CPL and ATPL.

[MakeItHappenCaptain]

ATC- slightly more "technical", PPL texts in the blue second pack are also the CPL texts (7 of). One purchase for CPL end goal.

Bob Tait - highly recommended in industry. Simpler explanations of exactly same material. Conducts courses at Redcliffe (very good) and on line. Separate PPL (one text) and CPL (7) texts.

Be aware that buying the Student (Red) ATC Pack also has a logbook, student (lesson) guide and radio text. It wouldn't be much more to also get the Tait GFPT text and decide which way to go for the next level from there.:ok:

Also consider that if it's going to be two years until you start your CPL, air law may have some changes. Tait also regularly amends his texts in line with changes. (Not that ATC doesn't, but I get the impression not as regularly.)

If you get your medical now, you will know there are no underlying issues before you part with your training money and the Class 2 will last for 4 years. Don't wait until you're about to go solo before you realise they've lost your paperwork. (Same goes for SPL. Apply now and always send it registered post. They still lose it, but you have proof it's been sent and don't have go to the end of the 3 month queue again.):E

[alex79]

Thanks for all the comments.

I bought the books, the red pack, and I did the medical.

Two steps closer :)

cheers

[alex79]

Hi

I was just wondering how difficult it is to switch flight schools. Do I have to inform CASA about it? Can I pick up right were I left at the old school? How is this assessed? Are there other things to consider?

The reason for asking is that work sends me around the country and I probably won't have the time to complete with one school (in a reasonable time).

Thanks!

[Jack Ranga]

That wont work Alex. If you are going to change schools you will need to do it after a phase has been completed i.e. after GFPT, PPL etc even changing then can be a pain in the arse.

[mcgrath50]

Not exactly, you can switch at any point, it is much easier straight after a 'checkpoint'. It involves a bit of admin, they have to request your training records off the old school, and will probably mean you have to do a number of revision flights to get you up to speed especially if you are changing aircraft type, airport or whatever.

It's definitely worth putting in a bit of work now to get a school that you are fairly sure will see you right. If you don't like your current instructor try changing that before changing schools!

[Jack Ranga]

It involves a bit of admin, they have to request your training records
off the old school, and will probably mean you have to do a number of revision flights to get you up to speed


OK Alex, I should have qualified my reply. If you swap before 'checkpoints' are achieved it will cost you a lot more money, and by a lot more money, I mean...... a lot more money. The next school you go to will want to check your progress i.e. that what's in your log book has actually been learnt proficiently. You will then continue on the syllabus. If you then start at another school before you have reached a 'checkpoint,' as above.

The admin involved is not seamless, paperwork gets lost, delayed etc, some schools get a bit shirty when you leave, which means you wait...........then pick up your flying again, you may have to revise stuff that you have previously learnt.

If you get transferred a lot an alternative is to use your holidays to reach a milestone (GFPT) then transfer to another school for your PPL. Once you reach PPL and start your CPL there is much more flexibility.