Airports around the hunter.
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Australia
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Airports around the hunter.
Hello there,
Before starting this thread I had conducted a forum search to ensure this topic had not been started many times before but the threads I did find were a little outdated. Simple question, I've visited three schools in the hunter recently (HVA, RNAC and Avondale) in order to gain some perspective in making a choice of where to start my road in the world of aviation. I'm a little torn in decision making, but from observing the wealth of knowledge and experience the folks on this board seem to have, I thought some of you could help me out. What would be the place of choice out of these three? I'm leaning towards Avondale, heard some respectable things about it and then again, the Royal Aero Club seems to have a nice, friendly feel that I really liked about it. Just thought I'd ask incase there is anything I need to know about one of these places before proceeding to any sort of enrollment.
Cheers.
Before starting this thread I had conducted a forum search to ensure this topic had not been started many times before but the threads I did find were a little outdated. Simple question, I've visited three schools in the hunter recently (HVA, RNAC and Avondale) in order to gain some perspective in making a choice of where to start my road in the world of aviation. I'm a little torn in decision making, but from observing the wealth of knowledge and experience the folks on this board seem to have, I thought some of you could help me out. What would be the place of choice out of these three? I'm leaning towards Avondale, heard some respectable things about it and then again, the Royal Aero Club seems to have a nice, friendly feel that I really liked about it. Just thought I'd ask incase there is anything I need to know about one of these places before proceeding to any sort of enrollment.
Cheers.
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Learning in the Hunter region
The RNAC is a little short on instructors; it's not easy to get an appointment and if your lesson is cancelled (which often happens at all flight schools because of weather or mechanical problems) you will have to wait awhile before they can fit you in again
. I don't know if this is an issue at the other schools; it easily could be.
HVA is more expensive than the RNAC to do a Commercial Pilot's License. They use the Arrow for this rather than the C182 at the RNAC. The C182 is more representative of the planes you'll be flying as a bush pilot if that's your plan after you leave the flight school.
The RNAC has an Archer with an integrated GNSS and a Chief Fying Instructor who can endorse you on it. This is most definately the future of air navigation and you might as well get on board with it now. I don't know if this is available at HVA or Avondale.
AS WITH ALL FLIGHT SCHOOLS, HOWEVER, THE REAL ISSUE YOU NEED TO CONSIDER IS THE QUALITY OF THE INSTRUCTORS.
This changes often because instructors leave flight schools to pursue other opportunities. You should insist on the right to interview the instructor you will be placed with and don't hand over a dollar until you are satisfied with this person. The quality of their teaching skills varies massively across Australia and it is VERY expensive to un-learn the bad habits drilled in by poor instructors.
Holding an instructor rating means that the instructor can conduct the lesson safely. It doesn't mean he/she is a good teacher.
Select the school that offers you the best instructor, rather than anything else!!
. I don't know if this is an issue at the other schools; it easily could be.HVA is more expensive than the RNAC to do a Commercial Pilot's License. They use the Arrow for this rather than the C182 at the RNAC. The C182 is more representative of the planes you'll be flying as a bush pilot if that's your plan after you leave the flight school.
The RNAC has an Archer with an integrated GNSS and a Chief Fying Instructor who can endorse you on it. This is most definately the future of air navigation and you might as well get on board with it now. I don't know if this is available at HVA or Avondale.
AS WITH ALL FLIGHT SCHOOLS, HOWEVER, THE REAL ISSUE YOU NEED TO CONSIDER IS THE QUALITY OF THE INSTRUCTORS.
This changes often because instructors leave flight schools to pursue other opportunities. You should insist on the right to interview the instructor you will be placed with and don't hand over a dollar until you are satisfied with this person. The quality of their teaching skills varies massively across Australia and it is VERY expensive to un-learn the bad habits drilled in by poor instructors.
Holding an instructor rating means that the instructor can conduct the lesson safely. It doesn't mean he/she is a good teacher.Select the school that offers you the best instructor, rather than anything else!!
Sew
I take it your user name is indicative of your postcode, and that you aren't looking any further afield?
There is a school in Scone:
It is a longer way to go I suppose but it isn't an Aero club and it isn't a factory for curried sausages!
The CP/CFI is a great bloke too
Cheers
I take it your user name is indicative of your postcode, and that you aren't looking any further afield?
There is a school in Scone:
- employing only Grade 1 instructors,
- all instructors are working charter pilots (ie: have worked in the real world as well as in a flight school);
- completing your CPL on a C182 and U206G.
It is a longer way to go I suppose but it isn't an Aero club and it isn't a factory for curried sausages!
The CP/CFI is a great bloke too
Cheers
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Give Airspeed Aviation a try if you looking for good instructors in the hunter valley. Good aircraft and a quiet circuit with Tamworth, Sydney and Willy town a short flight away for Instrument and cta work, flying school mixes in with charter which is a good thing for a commercial student to be exposed to.
:: Airspeed Aviation | Home ::
Not advertising for them no vested interest, but should note that the CFI is an old mate of mine, ugly son of gun but a good instructor and teacher.
:: Airspeed Aviation | Home ::
Not advertising for them no vested interest, but should note that the CFI is an old mate of mine, ugly son of gun but a good instructor and teacher.
Last edited by Aerodynamisist; 14th Dec 2009 at 00:17. Reason: fear off spelling nazi's
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Another vote for Airspeed. Good location, not too busy and not a sausage factory.
Completing your CPL on a C206 is a good idea as it will give you a leg up on other potential candidates for the same job. If the company requires the time and you have that time then you're at the advantage.
Also with the charter ops happening will give you an insight into the real world of commercial flying.
P.S. CP/CFI not a bad bloke either, just don't ask him to buy spiritis when its his shout!
Completing your CPL on a C206 is a good idea as it will give you a leg up on other potential candidates for the same job. If the company requires the time and you have that time then you're at the advantage.
Also with the charter ops happening will give you an insight into the real world of commercial flying.
P.S. CP/CFI not a bad bloke either, just don't ask him to buy spiritis when its his shout!
