Flying schools in Queensland

[Marian]

I'm off to Australia at the end of August, and while there would really like to fly over the Great Barrier Reef. I'm still a PPL student and won't have my licence before I go, so I would like to book a lesson rather than just do a pleasure trip. Does anyone know of a flying school I could contact?

[redsnail]

Cairns is your best bet.
Have a squizz at The Yellow Pages (http://www.yellowpages.com.au/search/performSearch.do?headingCode=34770&location=10022&businessType=flying+schools&emailOnly=false&previousCopyPoint=false&resetCopyPoint=false&saveSearch=true&serviceArea=true&suburbList=&websiteOnly=false)
Look up the ones that are in Cairns or even Innisfail.

If the link doesn't work, google/search "Yellow Pages Australia"
Then "Flying Schools" and select "QLD Cairns".

I believe Reefwatch operate scenic tours mimicking a Coastwatch operation. Fly right over the reefs if you can't get any thing else.

[prop-wash]

Marian,
Best bet is the North Queensland Aero Club. They have a C150, C152, 2xC172 and a C172RG for hire. They regularly do dual scenics (you do all the flying and they are there to help with procedures). Their website is http://www.nqaeroclub.com.au . I regularly fly over the reef here, and you can't beat it. If there is anything you want to know about Cairns, drop me a line.
Regards, P-W