Instrument Rating School in Sydney

[LOA169]

G'day All,

I've had a friend who's looking to do his CIR in Sydney ask me what school I would recommend. Since it has been some time since I did my rating (and even then it was in Melbourne), I thought I would seek the opinions of some of the guys who are a little more up to date...

Would anyone like to offer some suggestions based on their own experiences...

Cheers

[Capt. Crocodile]

A few pilots including myself got messed around a lot at Bankstown airport not long ago doing a CIR. The experienced instructors have either gone to the airlines, given up or simply aren't interested any more.
I know of a few other pilots that went to Johnston Aviation (at Port Macquarie) to do their CIR & were very satisfied. From what I heard I wish I had gone there myself. The trip out of Sydney would have saved me a few headaches as well as $$.

www.johnstonaviation.com.au (http://www.johnstonaviation.com.au)

[Life boat]

G´day guys

I did mine in 1991 (yes, I know it was a long time ago) at Whitworth Aviation. And I was more than pleased with the way things were done and the standards at the school including the training with Bill himself. :D
I assume they are still around ......?

Regards,

[Aussie]

On that note, anyone know the cost of the CIR up at Port Mac?

[puff]

Rough details are available on the website, otherwise give them a call. Price will always vary depending on if you want ILS, and how well you fly or stuff up as well! Make sure he has his Theory done beforehand, puts too much pressure on you otherwise.

[Aussie]

Is there sim still free for unlimited use?

[Aussie]

Thanks Champ.
On the Website it says 11K for the CIR, anyone care to enlighten us the actual cost at the end?
Aussie

[LOA169]

Thanks for your replies guys. Most appreciated.

I had heard mixed reports about Johnstons, but it seems like they might have been individual issues about what appears like a generally good operation. I will pass on the info.

Cheers

[nomorecatering]

You cant go wrong by doing it with Bill Whitworth.

[st777]

Hi Guys

I'm in the same boat - trying to find a place to do my instrument rating. Bankstown is the only realistic place I can do my training. Camden and Port Macquarie are just too far away from home.

What are your experiences with the following places? I'll be doing this in my own plane - so more concerned about quality of instruction rather than quality of aircraft.

Basair
Schofields
Clambacks

Thanks for your help.
ST777

[Like This - Do That]

I did my initial multi with Ray Clamback & Aminta Hennessy, but not CIR. Always challenging, learnt a lot, aircraft were good. Aminta pushes hard and I could imagine some people not enjoying that, but I enjoyed it.

Haven't flown there for a few years, so I'm probably not up to date. Why do you say Camden is too far away? If you're going as far as BK you're pretty much on the freeway and Camden is only another 20 min away.

[ControlLock]

Have to agree that Clamback does a thorough job!
Ray, Aminta and Lyn were all helpful for my renewal although I did my initial many years prior.
Clamback has experienced staff that help you with more than just what is required.

[aircabbie]

Don't go to Basair.. Advice given to me recently was Johnsons or ad- astral in Perth . Heard clambacks was ok though .

[cap71n]

Can't go past Avondale Aviation at Cessnock. Very professional and will got the extra mile for you. Additionally, the instructors are experienced, and aren't there to build hours.
Speak to Garry, Tony or Reg (02)49771475.
I have always plugged them and always will - don't listen to any rubbish you may hear about religion. PM if you'd like more details

[JTChief]

Hi All,

While on the CIR subject has anyone got any suggestions on IREX Theory courses, preferably intensive over a week or so.


Cheers :confused:

[Capt. Crocodile]

JT Chief, go do your IREX theory with Bob Tait in Brisbane. It will be money well spent and your best chance at getting a good result.

www.bobtait.com.au/ (http://www.bobtait.com.au/)

[Capt. Crocodile]

JT Chief, go do your IREX theory with Bob Tait in Brisbane. It will be money well spent and your best chance at getting a good result.

www.bobtait.com.au/ (http://www.bobtait.com.au/)

[yogiphil]

JT,
Depends if you have the time but the 2 week IREX course at Ultimo TAFE is brilliant. Not sure if Peter still runs it but can not recommend highly enough. Very affordable too!!!:ok:

[Kickatinalong]

Try Schofields Flying Club for theory training 02 97733611.
Kickatinalong.

[Kickatinalong]

You will find Peter at Schofields
Kickatinalong:ok:

[DUXNUTZ]

Would definitly ask school if anyone there actually has any real world IFR experience. Might be highly unlikely they do but jump on them if they do as it will be invaluable. Would think port maquarie mob would have buckets full. Larger Sydney places (pilot factories) might be a little bare in that area.