Newbie & Flying Training Advice (Merged)
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Sydney
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I've ised Pinstripe and she is great!
Join Date: Mar 2016
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CPL Aircraft & First Job Question
I know I'm starting to think about the first job a bit early (having only done 10hrs towards RPL) but having been around the aviation industry all my life I know the CPL is something I'm definitely going to pursue and am passionately committed to.
I'm well aware that the first job is going to be a tricky one and I want to get as much info and advice as early as possible so I can make good decisions throughout my training. The training school I'm currently at has a good reputation and I'll definitely be sticking with them through to PPL at the very least. The biggest aircraft they train on is a C182RG. I notice that a lot of charter companies up north (and just in general) are conducting operations with C210's and Twins. Is it worth trying to find a flight school that can conduct training in C210's instead? Would employers even look at young, green, fresh CPL's who did all of their CPL training in smaller Cessnas?
Any advice would be great. I've spent a good deal of time looking through the forum. A lot of the threads seem to be from around 2009 so would be good for some up to date info on the job market too. Is up north still the place to go early in the year? Thanks in advance.
Noodle.
I'm well aware that the first job is going to be a tricky one and I want to get as much info and advice as early as possible so I can make good decisions throughout my training. The training school I'm currently at has a good reputation and I'll definitely be sticking with them through to PPL at the very least. The biggest aircraft they train on is a C182RG. I notice that a lot of charter companies up north (and just in general) are conducting operations with C210's and Twins. Is it worth trying to find a flight school that can conduct training in C210's instead? Would employers even look at young, green, fresh CPL's who did all of their CPL training in smaller Cessnas?
Any advice would be great. I've spent a good deal of time looking through the forum. A lot of the threads seem to be from around 2009 so would be good for some up to date info on the job market too. Is up north still the place to go early in the year? Thanks in advance.
Noodle.
It is always interesting watching the Chief Pilots blood pressure rise, and just pray that you are not the cause.
The current reason for the rise is watching the CP sift through resumes which have been submitted in the past 6 months. The CP telephones, and emails the people of interest that may have a chance at a job. What sends the blood pressure skyrocketing is when there is no reply to the voice message, and no reply to the email.
Here is a word of advice to a newby. If you submit your resume, then obviously you are interested in working for the company. If a CP takes the time to contact you, if your circumstances have changed (you now have a job or you have lost interest entirely or it's a bad time) it takes 2 minutes to phone back and say Thanks, but no thanks. That will be remembered....ignore the email / phone message, and that too will be remembered.
You thought elephants had a long memory? Trust me, a CPs memory is longer....
The current reason for the rise is watching the CP sift through resumes which have been submitted in the past 6 months. The CP telephones, and emails the people of interest that may have a chance at a job. What sends the blood pressure skyrocketing is when there is no reply to the voice message, and no reply to the email.
Here is a word of advice to a newby. If you submit your resume, then obviously you are interested in working for the company. If a CP takes the time to contact you, if your circumstances have changed (you now have a job or you have lost interest entirely or it's a bad time) it takes 2 minutes to phone back and say Thanks, but no thanks. That will be remembered....ignore the email / phone message, and that too will be remembered.
You thought elephants had a long memory? Trust me, a CPs memory is longer....
Join Date: Mar 2014
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It seems to me that this bloke is taking each of these non replies as a personal slight against the honor of his family name. Is he taking applications for entry level stuff or A380 Captains? I understand his frustration having worked in a company with no HR Dept. Each manager was required to fill vacancies in their team and it was quite frustrating at times. 
I am no CP. But I have been in leadership positions in various organisations for most of my working life and one thing I learnt about leadership very early on was to stress about the stuff that will get people hurt and just let the sh!t go through to the keeper. Because at the end of the day the person that does not return a call or email has failed the very first step in getting ANY job and thus has done you a favor by reducing the amount of time you have to spend interviewing.
I am no CP. But I have been in leadership positions in various organisations for most of my working life and one thing I learnt about leadership very early on was to stress about the stuff that will get people hurt and just let the sh!t go through to the keeper. Because at the end of the day the person that does not return a call or email has failed the very first step in getting ANY job and thus has done you a favor by reducing the amount of time you have to spend interviewing.
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Christchurch
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NZ flight schools
Hey everyone
Sorry if I have posted this in the wrong area.
I am in my late twenties, working in corporate sales, however due to a lack of interest in this career I am pursuing my lifelong dream to fly and possibly turn it into a career. My current approach is to keep working within my current position (due to the reasonable income) whilst studying and training towards my ppl with night vfr rating. If I still have the bug after completing this then I will move forward and complete the other necessary qualifications (cpl, Meir etc). I am a bit of an adventurist, and would like to pursue bush flying in various environments due to the challenge and opportunity to live in developing nations (I have lived in Asia before so aware of the risks) before possibly chasing an airline position.
Firstly I am writing this to see if any of you have recommendations for flight schools in New Zealand. I am based in Christchurch but don't mind travelling a little if required.
Secondly can anyone give me a good approximate of the total cost I should be expecting? All the pricing I have been finding on forums is from the late 2000's so I am unsure how relevant that would be now.
Also, how many hours are required to obtain a type rating for aircraft (eg c172, pa28 etc), and would it be more cost effective or advantageous to complete flight training in a cheaper aircraft then obtain a type rating for the others?
Thanks
Pete
Sorry if I have posted this in the wrong area.
I am in my late twenties, working in corporate sales, however due to a lack of interest in this career I am pursuing my lifelong dream to fly and possibly turn it into a career. My current approach is to keep working within my current position (due to the reasonable income) whilst studying and training towards my ppl with night vfr rating. If I still have the bug after completing this then I will move forward and complete the other necessary qualifications (cpl, Meir etc). I am a bit of an adventurist, and would like to pursue bush flying in various environments due to the challenge and opportunity to live in developing nations (I have lived in Asia before so aware of the risks) before possibly chasing an airline position.
Firstly I am writing this to see if any of you have recommendations for flight schools in New Zealand. I am based in Christchurch but don't mind travelling a little if required.
Secondly can anyone give me a good approximate of the total cost I should be expecting? All the pricing I have been finding on forums is from the late 2000's so I am unsure how relevant that would be now.
Also, how many hours are required to obtain a type rating for aircraft (eg c172, pa28 etc), and would it be more cost effective or advantageous to complete flight training in a cheaper aircraft then obtain a type rating for the others?
Thanks
Pete
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: New Zealand
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Flight Training at Air Hawke's Bay, what happened?
Hi,
I am hoping to start training at a flight school in New Zealand next year, and I was looking at Air Hawke's bay as they are/were a Air New Zealand preferred FTO. However when I went onto their website the other day I noticed that all mention of them being an Air New Zealand partner has been stripped. And all mention of Air Hawke's Bay has been taken off Air New Zealand's Aviation Institute site, but all the other school's names remain.
The main reason I was looking at training with them was because of their association with Air New Zealand, are they still an Air NZ partner, and if not are they still a good school?
Thanks.
I am hoping to start training at a flight school in New Zealand next year, and I was looking at Air Hawke's bay as they are/were a Air New Zealand preferred FTO. However when I went onto their website the other day I noticed that all mention of them being an Air New Zealand partner has been stripped. And all mention of Air Hawke's Bay has been taken off Air New Zealand's Aviation Institute site, but all the other school's names remain.
The main reason I was looking at training with them was because of their association with Air New Zealand, are they still an Air NZ partner, and if not are they still a good school?
Thanks.
Join Date: Jun 2004
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Go talk to Canterbury Aeroclub. You will be able to do part time training there, or enroll in the academy full time if you decide. They are an approved trainer for a pathway to Air NZ if that's your ultimate goal.
Join Date: Mar 2016
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Soar aviation in Melbourne and Sydeny
hello, I am now planning to obtain RPL and PPL from Soar aviation in Australia but I am confused about that is soar aviation good or bad for the students to study there. is there anyone can give me some recommendation or share some experience of studying there.
Also, what location is better to study flying (Melbourne or Sydeny)?
thank you
Also, what location is better to study flying (Melbourne or Sydeny)?
thank you
Join Date: May 2016
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Good flight schools in Australia?
Hey guys, i am currently studying in Hong Kong but i'm soon going to graduate so if you guys may suggest some good flight schools for pilot training. Thanks 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: New Zealand
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Help choosing a flying school-NZ
Hi Everyone,
I am looking at starting flight training next year in New Zealand, and want some recommendations on flight schools, and which one will offer the best bang for my buck.
The two main flying schools I am looking at is the Nelson Aviation College and the Canterbury Aero Club/IAANZ, has anyone been through either of these flight schools or heard anything about them one way or another?
I also looked at Southern Wings in Invercargill, but I don't think I'm that keen to move that far south.
Thanks for your time, any help greatly received.
I am looking at starting flight training next year in New Zealand, and want some recommendations on flight schools, and which one will offer the best bang for my buck.
The two main flying schools I am looking at is the Nelson Aviation College and the Canterbury Aero Club/IAANZ, has anyone been through either of these flight schools or heard anything about them one way or another?
I also looked at Southern Wings in Invercargill, but I don't think I'm that keen to move that far south.
Thanks for your time, any help greatly received.
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Oz
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Probably biased but my vote is NAC. I was treated like a student, not just a number. Staff are friendly and helpful, even sociable outside of the college. Probably the best flying location to train, everything is very close, controlled airspace, mountains, ocean etc, scenery around that part of NZ is amazing.
Motueka is a small town, everyone knows each other, got everything you need to survive and a few good pubs too! Some lived onsite (pretty small rooms) others rented or flatted nearby.
Couple of negatives: Night flying, while it can be commenced from Motueka (Take off before ECT) you have to finish in Nelson, which means you need to arrange a ride back to Mot (if you live their) afterwards. Next morning you need get to Nelson early and fly the plane back to Motueka. It's a short flight 10-15mins, but it's a 40min car ride between the two places. IFR done out of Nelson, so after CPL, you'll find yourself needing to relocate unless you don't mind driving.
Anything else or you want to discuss further, send me a PM.
Motueka is a small town, everyone knows each other, got everything you need to survive and a few good pubs too! Some lived onsite (pretty small rooms) others rented or flatted nearby.
Couple of negatives: Night flying, while it can be commenced from Motueka (Take off before ECT) you have to finish in Nelson, which means you need to arrange a ride back to Mot (if you live their) afterwards. Next morning you need get to Nelson early and fly the plane back to Motueka. It's a short flight 10-15mins, but it's a 40min car ride between the two places. IFR done out of Nelson, so after CPL, you'll find yourself needing to relocate unless you don't mind driving.
Anything else or you want to discuss further, send me a PM.
Join Date: Jul 2016
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Does anyone have any info on HeliGroundSchool? I am thinking about going there for flight training, but would like some background before I up and move to Florida! Any info would be helpful. Thank you.
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Sydney, Aus
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Best flight school at Bankstown Airport?
Like the title suggests, I'm looking to learn how to fly at Bankstown airport in Sydney (PPL eventually, starting with RPL) but there are heaps of flight schools there, I was considering Red Baron but only because they were the first trainers I found and the aerobatics seemed cool, had a few other suggestions recently too such as Clamback & Hennessy, Sydney Flight School aka Schofields Flying Club and Pacific Aviation. I've considered a CPL but I think it will cost too much.
Any help appreciated!
Thanks.
Any help appreciated!
Thanks.
Join Date: Jul 2016
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I'm also looking.. I have seen good prices in Hungary. The best one in my opinion is one called pannon air, but still can't decide yet. They have all diamond aircraft, which seems to be the standard now because of the G1000. Anyhow.. the cost is €38k all inclusive. If I make up my mind, I'll update ya.
Join Date: Aug 2016
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Reality check for Australian newbie
Good evening ladies & gents,
I'm a 35 year old Australian enrolled to start CPL (Diploma Aviation) and MECIR in 2017 in QLD.
The course includes 190 hours flight time. When researching the job market it seems a common starting point for airlines is the 1500 hour mark. What I am struggling to find is clear pathways to reaching those hours, which I suspect is because there are various ways to achieve this. I therefore hold the current assumption that the first 2-5 years will be pretty tough and that being open to living anywhere in Australia during that period may be an advantage but not a guarantee.
I'm interested to hear comments and suggestions from those further down the track in this regard please. Thankyou in advance.
Also, I see that ATPL is the next phase after CPL. Is this an exam or another course or both? Am I correct to think that this is a requirement for all major airlines and I should therefore be incorporating this in my initial 5 year stage?
I'm a 35 year old Australian enrolled to start CPL (Diploma Aviation) and MECIR in 2017 in QLD.
The course includes 190 hours flight time. When researching the job market it seems a common starting point for airlines is the 1500 hour mark. What I am struggling to find is clear pathways to reaching those hours, which I suspect is because there are various ways to achieve this. I therefore hold the current assumption that the first 2-5 years will be pretty tough and that being open to living anywhere in Australia during that period may be an advantage but not a guarantee.
I'm interested to hear comments and suggestions from those further down the track in this regard please. Thankyou in advance.
Also, I see that ATPL is the next phase after CPL. Is this an exam or another course or both? Am I correct to think that this is a requirement for all major airlines and I should therefore be incorporating this in my initial 5 year stage?
ATPL is a seperate license and needed if you want to fly commercial or even some charter. Yes another added cost.
Forget the airlines for the moment, worry about that in 10 years if your thinking Qantas or Virgin. It's not easy out there, need to be very strategic where you fly, relationships you build and what your priorities are. Starting at a similar age (many moons ago), I'd like to think age was on my side. I think some CFIs appreciated some maturity and people with a bit of life experience behind them compared to my opposition which was a half dozen big egoed 20 year olds. Needless to say I got the job.
If I was to do it all again I'd probably learn at the local aero club, build up a reputable profile over time then hopefully get offered a job once the previous instructors move on.
Forget the airlines for the moment, worry about that in 10 years if your thinking Qantas or Virgin. It's not easy out there, need to be very strategic where you fly, relationships you build and what your priorities are. Starting at a similar age (many moons ago), I'd like to think age was on my side. I think some CFIs appreciated some maturity and people with a bit of life experience behind them compared to my opposition which was a half dozen big egoed 20 year olds. Needless to say I got the job.
If I was to do it all again I'd probably learn at the local aero club, build up a reputable profile over time then hopefully get offered a job once the previous instructors move on.