Archerfield flying schools
Join Date: Aug 2009
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Pharoah, I have never been to Archerfield or even stepped foot in any of the flying schools there. But, from what I have heard, and from what I have read here give Sunland a try.
Every newby needs an instructor or CFI that has been there done that and won't pander to your feelings but will tell you how it is, even if they say "that was complete ****". Hurts at the time, but they know that your career and future well being is in their hands and thats why they say it. If the instructor has bush experience then that is 10x better than instructors that have never left the training area save for a few trips out west to get command hours up.
If you want somewhere that can give you an insight into airline experience, go to Johnstons at Port Mac. Jamie has all the knowledge a newby could ask for, plus a few contacts around the traps for jobs if your there at the right time.
Wateroff, a good question, just make sure people that they don't misinterpret the question as "Who wants to fly for an airline??"
Every newby needs an instructor or CFI that has been there done that and won't pander to your feelings but will tell you how it is, even if they say "that was complete ****". Hurts at the time, but they know that your career and future well being is in their hands and thats why they say it. If the instructor has bush experience then that is 10x better than instructors that have never left the training area save for a few trips out west to get command hours up.
If you want somewhere that can give you an insight into airline experience, go to Johnstons at Port Mac. Jamie has all the knowledge a newby could ask for, plus a few contacts around the traps for jobs if your there at the right time.
Wateroff, a good question, just make sure people that they don't misinterpret the question as "Who wants to fly for an airline??"
Join Date: Apr 2008
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Training at YBAF
I am training at RQAC - people OK, aircraft old (try 30 years) but well looked after. Sunland is all Cirrus after GFPT... Shorter cross country flights and 20+ years younger must be good! FTA just merged with AV8 and a lot of staff left including the CFI - a lot of people disliked new owner/manager apparently. Time will tell, but has not been smooth - aircraft were grounded temporarily while a new CoA was sought, apparently. Flying again now though. Gil Layte is supposed to be OK - a long time out on the airfield. Don't forget AAA - part of RQAC but a different focus heaps bigger and they have some newer Cessnas and Diamonds. I am happy with RQAC. Archerfield Airport Corp need to have their lease voided though - maybe they are decent people but the whole arrangement stinks and YBAF has grass/gravel cross wind runways! Apparently they want to sell off that part of the field but are not currently allowed.
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Gil only goes up to CPL, no instrument training at all. Agree on the 'seedy' comment, the feel when you go in there is just wrong, IMHO he's a remnant from a bygone era at the field and should probably call it a day and enjoy his retirement..
Brian has left Sunland, and they're looking for a new CFI/CP according to the AFAP site, which is a shame as Peter is a top bloke & pilot. They're enough other quality instructors left (e.g. Roy, ex CFI & airline captain) to make them worthwhile a closer look. Through the Cirrus affiliation they also have access to wealthy owners/operators, which job-wise is probably not a bad thing. They've recently taken on young instructors I hear, so there's activity there. Probably the most flexible outfit on the field (re. pace, training in own aircraft, aircraft you use, etc.), and one 'freelance' instructor in particular who's top notch for CPL/MECIR stuff. PM me for details.
Not true, did CIR there in own aircraft, they have PA28's and other aircraft and it's up to the student's preferences and budget.
IMHO it's Sunland & Flight One sharing the top spot, the others at YBAF I'd avoid, if you're into aeros/taildragger I'd have a good look at the new school at Redcliffe - don't know the name off the top of my head, not the RAA outfit, Gerry ex RAC, not sure if he does instrument training though..
Brian has left Sunland, and they're looking for a new CFI/CP according to the AFAP site, which is a shame as Peter is a top bloke & pilot. They're enough other quality instructors left (e.g. Roy, ex CFI & airline captain) to make them worthwhile a closer look. Through the Cirrus affiliation they also have access to wealthy owners/operators, which job-wise is probably not a bad thing. They've recently taken on young instructors I hear, so there's activity there. Probably the most flexible outfit on the field (re. pace, training in own aircraft, aircraft you use, etc.), and one 'freelance' instructor in particular who's top notch for CPL/MECIR stuff. PM me for details.
Sunland is all Cirrus after GFPT...
IMHO it's Sunland & Flight One sharing the top spot, the others at YBAF I'd avoid, if you're into aeros/taildragger I'd have a good look at the new school at Redcliffe - don't know the name off the top of my head, not the RAA outfit, Gerry ex RAC, not sure if he does instrument training though..
Last edited by PlankBlender; 26th Sep 2009 at 01:07.
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Guys, when looking at flying schools, please keep in mind, Compare apples with apples. What prices are they quoting you? Are they CASA minimums, or more. If they are more, than more than likely, they are a bit more realistic. This is across the board, GFPT,PPL,CPL,MECIR. Anyone can quote on minimums, to make themselves look cheap, but how much is this going to blow out?
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I'd like to offer another plug to Redcliffe Aero Club.
I'm nearing the end of my PPL, and I've been completely happy with:
- Quality Instructors
- Casual Friendly Approach
- Quality Aircraft
- Great training-program structure
- Great Aerodrome, with no landing fees, and good crosswinds for practice on some days
One thing I've become aware of, is when 'shopping' for a school all the quoted prices are really just rough estimates. If one school is 5% cheaper than another, ignore the difference because no one ever finishes in minimum hours and prices WILL increase at some stage during your training. So the cheapest school now, may no longer be in 3 months when you're neck-deep in training and study.
At the end of the day, they are all going to empty your account, so choose a school based on the Instructors who work there. They are the one's who'll make or break the experience.
(I hear that Redcliffe has ordered a 172 with G1000 Glass Cockpit too, woot!)
Jazz
I'm nearing the end of my PPL, and I've been completely happy with:
- Quality Instructors
- Casual Friendly Approach
- Quality Aircraft
- Great training-program structure
- Great Aerodrome, with no landing fees, and good crosswinds for practice on some days
One thing I've become aware of, is when 'shopping' for a school all the quoted prices are really just rough estimates. If one school is 5% cheaper than another, ignore the difference because no one ever finishes in minimum hours and prices WILL increase at some stage during your training. So the cheapest school now, may no longer be in 3 months when you're neck-deep in training and study.
At the end of the day, they are all going to empty your account, so choose a school based on the Instructors who work there. They are the one's who'll make or break the experience.
(I hear that Redcliffe has ordered a 172 with G1000 Glass Cockpit too, woot!)
Jazz
Last edited by Jazzy78910; 27th Sep 2009 at 07:35. Reason: addition
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DNAV yes there must be two arriving as Sunland is according to the aca website the australian distributor for aca aircraft and they will be getting a glass cockpit version within the next one to two months probably the same time as when the other one is arriving. 
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Thought I might add although its been said before re: Gil Layts.
I went in the other day to do a theory test and it was very seedy. A wafting stench of cigarette smoke engrained into the walls (they'll quite happily smoke in the offices), furniture, computers and wall pinups from decades ago. If your looking for a professional outfit then look elsewhere (first impressions count!).
I went in the other day to do a theory test and it was very seedy. A wafting stench of cigarette smoke engrained into the walls (they'll quite happily smoke in the offices), furniture, computers and wall pinups from decades ago. If your looking for a professional outfit then look elsewhere (first impressions count!).
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Hi Alpha,
I would give you some info on the Aero Dynamic MECIR but as I run the course it might be best if someone else makes comment as I might be a bit Biased
If you want to chat you can call 07 5448 9555
Mitchell
I would give you some info on the Aero Dynamic MECIR but as I run the course it might be best if someone else makes comment as I might be a bit Biased
If you want to chat you can call 07 5448 9555
Mitchell
Join Date: May 2009
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Sorry to bump an old thread, but there was a blue Citabria parked outside RQAC when I was there on Saturday.
Not sure who's it is, but DM seemed to be the one instructing in it.
Not sure who's it is, but DM seemed to be the one instructing in it.