Training in the Hunter Region.

[JUS]

Hello all,

I'm in the process of looking around for a good establishment in the Hunter Region to undertake training up to PPL standard.

Back in 2000 I made the switch from soaring to the noisy variety of aircraft, but due to circumstances out my control I ceased flying after a mere few weeks in a 152.

I'm not in any rush, but i'm looking to get started again in the not too distant future and at this stage i'm just seeking any opinions and/or recommendations regarding locations in the Hunter Valley for the type of training I require.

I've had a peek at RNAC at Rutherford and HVA at Cessnock on the web, but is there any other information on those or others that someone could offer through your own experiences or what you've heard around the traps?

Anything at all would be much appreciated.

Cheers.

[The Hill]

Go see Anthony Moor at RNAC, he should be able to help you.

[Horatio Leafblower]

If you are in the lower Valley and/or you want to do it all quickly, I would say go to RNAC not only because Anthony is a nice bloke and a dedicated instructor, but because some of my mates find it hard to get a booking with HVA if you're not one of the commercial students. Good guys at HVA all the same.

If you are in the Upper Hunter there are two options at Scone;

There is the Aero Club :ugh: :hmm: and there is the other operation, currently an offshoot of ACA services at Camden but changing hands "soon".

You can call the base instructor there on 0408 966 979. :ok:

[marty1468]

Yeah definately go see Anthony Moor at RNAC. He was my PPL sinstructor (sic) and a bloody good bloke. RNAC is an awesome place to learn to fly. Very friendly and relaxed. Say G'day to Anthony for me. I can't believe he's still there after all this time though. I thought he would have applied for one of the airlines ages ago. If i was still in the Hunter, that's where i would be.

[JUS]

I appreciate the suggestions guys, i'll be sure to look into them. Thanks alot.

[sprocket check]

You should definitely check out Atlass at Scone.

Great strip, efficient and focussed learning, strong emphasis not only on safety, but airmanship-that intangible thing that helps us all stay in the air and alive. Scone is actually great for ab initio-little traffic, good weather. Ben is a fantastic instructor:ok::ok::ok:.

No love at HVA, no experience of RNAC.

sc

[Zhaadum]

Drop in and have a look at Action Aerobatics at Rutherford and see Phil Unicombe. He will show you how to really fly an aeroplane! :) Plus it is a lot more fun S&L inverted!:eek:

[Captain Nomad]

I hear Avondale College School of Aviation at Cessnock is still open for business contrary to some of the 'closing' press it received. New backing but same dedicated good guys running the show. They produce a good pilot and should also be on your 'visit' list if you haven't fully settled on an option yet. :ok: CFI has testing approvals for any license test you require also - all testing can be done in-house.

[ules]

check out williamtown they have a flying school there !!

[aldee]

Good experiences both at RNAC and Action Aero.

diverse activity on the field ,GA & heli maintenance,raa & ga training,aerobatics and adventure flights,skydiving

and with 5 runways there's always options to beat or play with the wind:E

If you haven't made a decision its worth a look :ok:



( disclaimer : written by current RNAC member )

[Fhead]

it will be a call for what ever is most convenient for you, if your in upper hunter, Scone aero or Atlass are both good schools, if your in the lower RNAC and Avondale also really good, Avondale often hold PPL theory classes of a night, If your looking more into the raa, drop in at the fellas on the western side of Cessnock, on Sunday they have a free BBQ

[kristy7781]

I trained at RNAC - good flying school, not the most organised but friendly.

My instructor is no longer there now, but Anthony (as mentioned numerous times by others) is pretty cool, I never flew with him though so cant comment on that.

I'm now training in Melbourne at a school that's extremely busy and it's very difficult to get bookings, plus I get a different instructor everytime (can be good, but I'd prefer the same one).

I never had an issue getting a booking at RNAC and was able to choose my instructor. Think price wise they were also pretty competitive... Just do a flight and see what you think.

[JUS]

Thanks once again guys, this is all very helpful.