TAFE SA (Parafield) - Adv Diploma Of Aviation

[TimmyB]

G'day all,

I'm interested in gaining some more information, feedback and opinions from anyone who has completed or has any experience with the two year Advanced Diploma of Aviation at the TAFE SA Parafield campus.

The Adv Diploma is based around the successful completion of the ATPL theory subjects and flying training is undertaken through one of the following schools of student's choice: Forsyth Aviation, Flight Training Adelaide (AFTC), Adeliade Biplanes and Bruce Heartwig Flying School.

At this stage, I am favouring the flying training through Forsyth as I have heard nothing but positive feedback about the flying school and I know someone training through them currently.

The other week I made an appointment with the TAFE, and from talking to the lectures I had a positive feeling about the course. From what I understand, the intake is only about 10 students and the course is structured around the CASA syllubus i.e. if you don't pass the CASA ATPL exams you don't complete Adv Diploma

I have been still looking at the Uni SA Bachelor of Civil Aviation, however after talking to quite a few people there seems to be a general feeling that the Uni course isn't all that it's made up to be and the flying side isn't too crash hot.

One thing to note- you can get 1.5-2 yrs credit towards the Uni course should you complete the TAFE course and decide to do the Uni Course.

From comparing the Uni and TAFE courses from the info I have read -
1) the Uni course is a year longer (as against two yrs TAFE)
2) Uni course doesn't necessarily mean that you have completed ATPL exams or theory on graduation;
3) the degree is not entirely based around the CASA syllabus, with several components going off in a tangeants such as Mathematics and Physics taught by non-aviation lectures and seem to be general maths/science subjects so that it meets the criteria for a applied science degree - which questions the relevance and use later on?
4) TAFE course has a fantastic library shared with FTA, meaning theory books don't need to be purchased.
5) Uni Course is $17000 HECS as against slightly less than $4000 TAFE
6) TAFE intake is smaller (10 students) as against up to 40 students for Uni


I am interested in gaining as much information from anyone that knows anything about the TAFE course before making any decisions,
1) How relevant and worthwhile was the TAFE course
2) Your thoughts on the course syllabus, presentation and 'learning environment' especially for the ATPL subject examinations
3) Employment opportunities and benefits from the course that you have experienced
4) Any other thoughts and recommendations regarding the course.


Please feel free to post a reply message, send me a PM or contact me via email: [email protected]


Cheers

Tim

[Peter Fanelli]

I did all my theory training with TAFE at Parafield way back when I started flying and found them to be excellent and thorough. We were taught the subject matter in great depth, not just taught to pass the exam.

However I'm sure Bob isn't teaching anymore so I have no idea what it's like today, but as long as their standards haven't slipped I'm sure it would be good training.

[TimmyB]

Thanks for the reply Peter.

Yeah, from speaking to them the other day, Dave and Bev are the two lecturers down at Parafield.


I have to say, that with what I know now about both at the moment, I am leaning even more towards the TAFE course than the Uni course

Cheers

Tim

[Pinky the pilot]

Peter; I heard recently that Bob is currently living in Victor Harbour, enjoying a well earned retirement!

I also did all my CPL theory at Parafield TAFE back in the early 80s and agree with your comments. Bob really knew how to make the subjects fun to learn!!

[TimmyB]

Appreciate the replies everyone. Definitely helped in deciding (at this point) that the TAFE course is definitely a strong option for next year and seems much more applicable than the Uni SA civil aviation degree. I am going to keep as many options open as possible and will still apply for the Uni SA when all of the end of Yr 12 course forms need to be put in, as I then can pull out before the Uni course starts - that way im not cutting that option out all together, as I believe the TAFE applications are a bit later.

The TAFE lectures has offered for me to sit in on their classes down at Parafield to get a look in on how the course is run, which will be fantastic and chance to speak to students doing the course and what they think about the schools they are doing the flying training through. Next step is to make an appointment with CFI at Forsyth to discuss the flying side for next year.

If anyone else has any other comments or advice regarding this, again please feel free to contact me either via my email (shown on first post) or PM. Be great to hear what and where your are currently flying after doing the TAFE course.

Thanks once again guys,

Cheers



Tim

[kalavo]

Really old thread, was Googling for something else, saw it and thought I'd add my own two cents.

Uncle Dave and Bev at the TAFE both had huge shoes to fill with Bob and Bruce moving on (albeit 10 years apart , but you can't ask for better lecturers than Dave and Bev. Both have a long history in GA and really understand the industry. You'll have absolutely no regrets doing the TAFE course.

The Uni course is ok, had a number of mates go through it. The course suffered greatly when Albie Fyfe decided to move on - they lost a lot of real world aviation experience.

In terms of Forsyth, the guy is a bloody legend and has very well maintained aircraft. Only downside is you wont be able to do your CIR/ME when you get that far, but at that stage its time to go for a drive to Port Macquarie and see CoastJet (was JAS) anyway and make whatever contacts you can in the Pilot house.