Pilot Training on budget ? AUSTUDY ? CENTRELINK?

[3ddy]

Hey all, I came across this page and forgive my research on the forums but just simply I do not have a lot of money and as such have always wanted to become a pilot so was just wondering are there any companies out there in nsw/ or aus that have courses which can be funded through Centrelink ? What avenues are available ?


any help in this will be greatly appreciated.

[aeromatt]

If you're enrolled in a full-time recognised course you might be eligible for something from Centrelink, but this will just be in the form of Austudy or whatever they're calling it these days (was about $450 pfn when I was on it 8 years ago and I don't think much has changed).

If you don't have the means for flight training and are looking to fund it through the government, there are a number of places now that offer flight training through the government fee-help program (like hecs). Places that come to mind are Edith Cowen University here in WA, FTA in Adelaide, Swinburne? and a few more around the country. I think you still need to fund some of the flight training yourself (up to PPL I think) and do your sums as in the long run this can be a very expensive option.

Do plenty of research before signing anything or choosing a training provider and good luck if and when you start training :)

[solowflyer]

Have a look at RAA or get a job.

[desert goat]

Find a gliding club near you and get involved.You'll learn the nuts and bolts of flying, then move in to powered aircraft when you can afford it.

[peterc005]

If you do an approved integrated course you can get FEE-HELP, which is a federal government loan of upto $96,000 to cover flight training. The loan is paid back thru additional tax in later years.

If you have been living independently you may get the Youth Allowance thru Centrelink, which I think is $240 a week.

You would still have out of pocket expenses for the flying training of several thousand dollars, so a part-time job is a good idea.

[Howard Hughes]

Apply for a cadetship! Virgin, Rex, plenty out there! :ok:

[Shagpile]

Military is government sponsored.

[Arm out the window]

Not if Julia gets re-elected.

[Capt Claret]

Not if Julia gets re-elected.

As much as I hate the thought of Abbott as PM, I reckon Julia's got as much hope as I have of winning the Lotto! :sad:

[3ddy]

Thanks for all the replies !

What are some fully integrated training options in NSW ? anyone know ?



I do have a part time job however the bulk of my wage is to pay of a debt I had when I was younger ( 15K ) so its very difficult atm to afford both !


:(

[peterc005]

You really need to do some research to figure this out as there are many options.

One option would be university courses such as UNSW.

A lot of private flying schools now do integrated courses with access to FEE-HELP now too. Some schools can provide this for all the training, some schools for part of the training.

You need to first search for a list of aviation courses with FEE-HELP and then decide which one is best for you.

[LongLats]

I got my first job when I was 15 and worked and saved through high school. When I finished school I worked a full time job in retail during the day and 4 shifts a week at night in a cinema for 2 years and saved every dollar. I missed birthdays, farewells, welcome homes - all sorts of things. Now I have a degree, all my licensing, an airline job and couldn't be happier.

You'd be surprised how much money you can gather if you work hard enough, and if flying is what you really want to do, you won't regret the sacrifice!

[Bonniciwah]

If a flight school provides training as a certificate, diploma or degree course, you may be eligible for government funding.
Problem is you only get funding if you're studying for a higher qualification than you already have, even if it's an entirely different course.
So if you already have a degree you con't get government funding for any degree, diploma or certificate course - which sucks if you want to change careers.

[The_Pharoah]

"So if you already have a degree you con't get government funding for any degree, diploma or certificate course - which sucks if you want to change careers."

Errr I think you're wrong there mate...UniSA provide the (almost) fully funded postgrad diploma in aviation ie. CPL + MECIR, covered by FEE HELP.

My cousin is currently doing this - average age is around 35 I believe, most of whom have never been in a cessna before!

[ButFli]

Problem is you only get funding if you're studying for a higher qualification than you already have, even if it's an entirely different course.

Sorry, but that's wrong. I've completed a Bachelor's degree, followed by another Bachelor's degree, followed by a diploma all on the Government teet. 9 years worth all up.

[glekichi]

Until a year or two ago the NZ student loan was available to Aussies, but I believe you need to live there 2 years to qualify now.