Go Back  PPRuNe Forums > PPRuNe Worldwide > The Pacific: General Aviation & Questions
Reload this Page >

Newbie & Flying Training Advice (Merged)

The Pacific: General Aviation & Questions The place for students, instructors and charter guys in Oz, NZ and the rest of Oceania.

Newbie & Flying Training Advice (Merged)

Old 23rd Aug 2018, 07:21
  #481 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Aus
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi raymodli,
I'm in a similar situation to you, with completing my HSC, but I'm planning on going helicopters rather than aeroplanes

In regards to the interview, I'd assume it is to see how motivated and interested in aviation you are. It wouldn't hurt to research as much as you can about UNSW and the aviation industry. If in doubt try and get in touch with some current aviation students.
Monty JF is offline  
Old 23rd Aug 2018, 07:24
  #482 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: The World
Posts: 2,270
Received 322 Likes on 175 Posts
C’mon guys cut them some slack. When they said “stressed” they probably mean “nervous”. Everyone one of us was nervous before going into an interview for an aviation position. They’re still young and in school and haven’t had much exposure to the world of Aviation.

Mate, they just want to see that you have an aptitude and drive for an aviation career. You’ll probably need to show some examples of good teamwork and critical thinking skills and situations where you’ve put them to use. Along with good communication skills and are well presented and prepared. They probably won’t be quizzing you on Aviation theory so no real need to study up on that. Look at some of the personality based questions on the cadetship threads, the questions you’ll get asked at your interview are probably similar.
dr dre is offline  
Old 23rd Aug 2018, 08:45
  #483 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Sydney
Posts: 429
Received 20 Likes on 6 Posts
Originally Posted by dr dre
C’mon guys cut them some slack. When they said “stressed” they probably mean “nervous”. Everyone one of us was nervous before going into an interview for an aviation position. They’re still young and in school and haven’t had much exposure to the world of Aviation.

+1 yes
jonkster is offline  
Old 23rd Aug 2018, 10:56
  #484 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: gapuwiyak
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
The obtusity of this forum reminds me of my 70 year old mildly aspergic father. As for the OP's question - maybe someone who's actually gone through the UNSW program can answer it. My advice would be to steer clear of any university aviation programs - a lot of individuals, particularly ones straight out of high school do not mould well to integrated training programs. Save your HECS-HELP for a useful degree.
bloodandiron is offline  
Old 24th Aug 2018, 02:12
  #485 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Currently: A landlocked country with high terrain, otherwise Melbourne, Australia + Washington D.C.
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
@raymondli: Don't pay any attention to all these old school blokes who selectively forgot that they too were once the rookies of yesteryear. Aviation has an overarching tendency to inflate one's ego. When you make it to the top, try not to be the next bastard who needs fresh meat to impress.

Back to your question: as with any interview, do your research, come prepared and ask questions. You'll be no suspect under interrogation (do not act like one!) so see it as much as an opportunity to learn about who's on the opposite side of the table.

Doing your research and coming prepared means: general understanding of the aviation industry today and in years to come, having a rough idea of what to expect during your training and why that motivates you, why you chose to apply to this university (and program) over others, why you chose this path over going straight to a flight school. If you can spare them the cliché of having always dreamed of flying since day 1 for something more original, that'll do you justice.

Expect questions about how you imagine your career and possibly about the challenges looming in the aviation industry (to name a few: automation, over-regulation, ...). Also, if the program has a broader aviation focus than flying alone, tell them of any interest you may have in adjacent areas such as airline or airport management, aerospace engineering, etc.

What you can also do is get in touch with current students and tell them openly that you'll be interviewed and that you're looking for hints and tips.

Remember that it'll be a chance for your interviewers to assess you and see how much of a good fit you'll be.

Relax, breathe in and show them that you're a cool kid. At the end of the day it is expected that you'll be making mistakes in life. The path forward will be what you decide, not quite what you follow.

HTH
Okihara is offline  
Old 24th Aug 2018, 02:24
  #486 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Currently: A landlocked country with high terrain, otherwise Melbourne, Australia + Washington D.C.
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by raymondli
Essentially, being a pilot was a dream job for me, im just confused if I dont past the interview what would be another option to get back in or join flight school elsewhere.
One last thing: From that sentence alone I infer that you haven't studied the whole spectrum of options that you may consider. Doing so will improve your understanding of the field and will boost your self confidence that this UNSW program is not the only way forward for you. Have a thorough browse on the net, explore other programs in Aus (eg. Swinburne) and abroad (eg. Embry-Riddle) and pathways to a cockpit.
Okihara is offline  
Old 24th Aug 2018, 21:17
  #487 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Inside the bus, right next to the left stick.
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Here is a thread with some questions from the interview process;
Interview for UNSW flying stream

They're just going to be piquing your interest in aviation to check to see how much you know and how passionate you are.

Good luck!
Glorified Dus Briver is offline  
Old 27th Aug 2018, 00:27
  #488 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sydney
Posts: 289
Received 13 Likes on 8 Posts
If you go for a job interview you will be asked why you want the job, and "What will you bring?" (see current defence ads). An employer wants to know if you are motivated, and doing some reading to find out more about what that job entails indicates that you are genuinely interested. Ultimately you may be interested in flying for an airline, so in preparing for such a job interview you would be wise to find out what aircraft types they fly in their fleet and where.

Motivation that drives applicants to be well informed usually also drives performance, so your motivation to be informed is a mirror into your motivation to succeed. General knowledge about Australian airline fleets and the UNSW training fleet is easily found on their websites, so get informed prior to any interview!

The UNSW program is delivered by UNSW itself not by a commercial contractor, and is of high standard. A notable graduate is Squadron Leader David Bell, F35A pilot and future Instructor of Instructors for the RAAF.

Seabreeze
Seabreeze is offline  
Old 3rd Sep 2018, 11:23
  #489 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Sydney
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Hey all, I know it's been asked several times before... and I'm sure opinion hasn't changed a great deal since it was asked a few years ago... but thought I would ask all the same since it seems the program has changed a bit (sorry! Feel free to delete if you think it is redundant).

I am contemplating doing a bachelor of aviation at Griffith Uni, which is now an accelerated two year course (three trimesters/year) with the Grad Dip to follow for a year and a half. Like any degree, there are inherent risks of not being successful in securing employment after graduating. Obviously both have their pro's and con's, such as networking at Griffith being a pro... but is the general consensus still that the degree is beneficial in learning theory that you may not get by simply doing your CPL through a flying school? What would be realistic career opportunities be if I were to do the bachelor's degree compared to a flying school.

Does anyone have any insight into the course? I would like to pick some brains if anyone is willing to let me!
zanzare is offline  
Old 3rd Sep 2018, 22:36
  #490 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: In God's Country
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
Received 44 Likes on 5 Posts
There is no substitute for hours in the logbook or industry experience, unless you’re tied up in some cadet scheme.

Find a good school, with experienced and dedicated instructors, and you’ll learn all the theory and gain all the knowledge you need to make a start. Unless you think you will go straight from flying school into an airline - an employer in GA will not care much if you have a degree or not. Better those three or so years be spent chasing on the job experience, perhaps.

Last I looked, the airlines run their own testing and your competitiveness for getting in is a function of how you acquit yourself at those tests. The opportunity to do those tests comes once the minimum experience requirements are met (but these are less distinct now, it would seem).
Flying Bear is offline  
Old 4th Sep 2018, 08:27
  #491 (permalink)  
Seagull201
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by cxausflyer
Hello everyone,

I'm currently a Year 11 student studying in the Sydney region, and taking high level mathematics and physics at school. I was wondering if there is any up to date information on the best flight schools around Sydney, as I do not currently have any flying experience whatsoever. A majority of the recommendations were provided many years ago, and I'm not sure if the instructors are still working or have maintained the same quality of service. I do not mind travelling to rural areas of NSW, as long as the drive isn't unreasonably long (5 Hours +).

I plan to complete a University degree after graduating from high school, whilst beginning to take up self-funded flying to obtain my PPL and CPL. My end goal is to become a Commercial Airline Pilot. However, unlike many people here I do not plan on remaining in Australia and pursuing a career with Virgin Australia / Qantas / Jetstar, unless I successfully gain entry into the airline through Virgin Australia's Cadetship (Highly Competitive) or the new Qantas Flight School that's opening their doors the year I graduate High School.

I'm not sure if the Qantas Flight School guarantees employment after high level performance as they plan to train 500+ pilots a year once operating at full capacity, and I'm not particularly keen on having an unnecessary $150,000 debt if it does not guarantee me employment in the end and can be done for much cheaper. I plan to head over to Asia, preferably Hong Kong (I'm from Hong Kong) and fly for an airline based there instead such as Cathay Pacific.

The living costs associated with being based in Hong Kong do not matter to me too much, as I saw that it was a major deciding factor in some pilots rejections for SO Direct Entry, as I have family I can live with in Hong Kong. I'm also aware of the horror stories regarding CX employment, but I'm hoping that will change in the few years it will take for me to even be considered being their pilot.

I am aware that pilots will have to fly up in Northern Australia for a few years to build up hours flying Cessna 404's and other aircraft, but I was wondering if I would need to take alternate action if I plan to work overseas, or would I still need to work through the stepping stone of rural australia -> Virgin ATR? Thank you so much for reading this far if you have.

Thanks!


Kind Regards,

Alex

TLDR: What are the best flying schools in Sydney in 2018/2019 that are still operational? If I plan on pursuing my aviation career overseas, what different steps do I have to take after obtaining my CPL?
Alex,

It's better just to concentrate on your HSC studies and forget about aviation for now.

It doesn't matter where you do your pilot training, you will still accumulate a $150K debt (CPL/ME IR/Flight Instructor Rating), after all your pilot training and nearly 200K, if you do a university degree.

You have to pay your debt off, if you're planning to leave the country.
 
Old 17th Sep 2018, 00:50
  #492 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Looking for a good flying school in/around Melbourne.

Started lessons ten years ago but career got in the way...keen to give it another go. Would like to find a school that will let me learn at my own pace rather than push me through 'sausage factory' style.

Any guidance/suggestions based on your knowledge and experience will be received with much gratitude.
Shadow Love is offline  
Old 10th Oct 2018, 02:32
  #493 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Cessna 172 hire Perth with instructor

Hi All

Getting back into the flying game and need to get current in a 172 and do a BFR. Does anyone know who has the cheapest rates going for hire out of Jandakot please? Curtin Flying Club is $250 an hour once current. An instructor would be additional.

Thanks in advance!
fivepit is offline  
Old 14th Oct 2018, 13:33
  #494 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Perth
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi,

I'm Kevin from Perth and looking at starting my CPL training at Jandakot. Which flight school would you all recommend?

I've spoken to both Air Australia and Royal Aero Club. Both have been very helpful with my enquiries. Are there any others that are better than the two I have already mentioned?
Kevinlee999 is offline  
Old 16th Oct 2018, 22:02
  #495 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Perth, WA
Age: 40
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Kevinlee999
Hi,

I'm Kevin from Perth and looking at starting my CPL training at Jandakot. Which flight school would you all recommend?

I've spoken to both Air Australia and Royal Aero Club. Both have been very helpful with my enquiries. Are there any others that are better than the two I have already mentioned?
Hey Kevin,

I did all my training at JT so I thought I'll give you my take based on my experience.

RACWA are a big school but overpriced. I did a TIF with them but that was all - it just didn't make sense in my mind to pay $1000's more for the same license. I have been back to do a theory course but it was overpriced and poor IMO.

Air Australia look good on the surface but you are just a number there (bit like RACWA) and will be treated as such. They are the cheapest on the strip but equipment wise their planes are pretty tired. Personally I started my abinitio training there and was pretty disappointed, ended up moving onto another school to complete my CPL, went back to AA to do my instructor rating and again it was a mistake. The big plus for these guys is their part 142 approval - GST free training and a 150 hour course. In fairness though I personally don't know anyone who has got through a CPL in exactly 150 hours and unless you can train full time you have no chance.

Havent had much to do with Minnovation - they look like a bit of a boutique outfit.

JFC is where I felt I got the best value. They are primarily a charter company with operations in JT and Darwin so don't rely on their flight school for income. This is good in that they don't try and upsell you courses and also there is a definite progression pathway into charter - most people I know of who trained there did. Planes are newer and tidy as they have in house maintenance and their 172 fleet is comparably cheap to AA. Only downside right now is that they don't have Part 142 - meaning you need to pay GST and do a 200 hour course. I would recommend talking to these guys, especially if you want/need to train part time.

Hope that helps!

Cheers
Diesel Pilot is offline  
Old 20th Oct 2018, 10:30
  #496 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
ATPL HUF TEM

Hey guys, recently attempted AHUF and although I thought I was ready I got 68% with the majority of my questions being TEM about 40%.
All my KDR's were TEM and the questions were like nothing that I had studied (the Bob Tait and AFT book, along with AFT Cyber exams).
Feeling a little stuck as I actually really enjoyed this subject. Not too sure where to start now but I would like to resit it ASAP.
Any help as to where to look etc will be appreciated
Alisakg11 is offline  
Old 22nd Oct 2018, 10:51
  #497 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Australia
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Transitioning to a Career in Aviation - Things to consider?

Hi all,

Apologies if this is in the wrong forum, I'm new to PPRuNe and am hoping to reach Australian pilots, established and/or currently training towards their careers for advice, as a person who has no ties or real exposure to the commercial sides of aviation.

I've long wanted to become a commercial pilot or a doctor since I was young. I didn't go down the aviation path, as I didn't really have any funds to get me started in flight training, maintain ongoing training and build up my hours.

I went the medical pathway, and now I am seriously considering turning tables and going back towards aviation, given that I now earn a salary and can realistically support ongoing training and hour building. I am in my early - mid twenties and could potentially work as a locum to fit around training.

My only flight experience is with an RA-Aus license at current, though I am looking to swap to GA and progress towards PPL +/- CPL. I'd likely have to progress with private training to maintain flexibility.

I absolutely love flying, and at my current age and early stage in my medical career, I feel this is prime time to lock in a direction to head towards, as both fields place emphasis on seniority and ongoing training.

My main questions are:
- Are there any sacrifices that I should seriously consider before changing careers?
- Is there anything you wish you knew before you started about the career? (ie x gets stale after y years, or jetlag/family time/other lifestyle sacrifices that should be considered?)
- How long and arduous is the path before you can relax and comfortably work with relative stability in terms of hours and job prospects?
- Does it ever get boring after flying commercial for many years?
- Did you ever regret going into an aviation career?
- Am I better off working on a medical career and flying for recreation? Or incorporating aviation into a medical career, such as working for the RFDS?

Any other tips, advice or things I should think about would be extremely appreciated.

Thank you all for your help and guidance.
PLTDR is offline  
Old 26th Oct 2018, 08:26
  #498 (permalink)  
Seagull201
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by Alisakg11
Hey guys, recently attempted AHUF and although I thought I was ready I got 68% with the majority of my questions being TEM about 40%.
All my KDR's were TEM and the questions were like nothing that I had studied (the Bob Tait and AFT book, along with AFT Cyber exams).
Feeling a little stuck as I actually really enjoyed this subject. Not too sure where to start now but I would like to resit it ASAP.
Any help as to where to look etc will be appreciated
AHUF or Human Factors.

Most people think this exam is easy, but there's not much room for error.
It's not a difficult exam, just need to take a step back and review the questions and answers, a person isn't sure of, prior to completing exam.

I haven't done this exam for a long while,I don't think much has changed with this exam.
The book i was given to study and which was part of the course, was, "Air Craft Human Performance and Limitations", by Tony Wilson.
Back cover of book, shows a photo of the author, as an Australian B727 airline pilot, also runs the Human Factors consultancy, Crew Dynamics.
I googled the book, and it's available for purchase online and at various places.

The book is about half an A4 page size and consists of 145 pages, it's easy reading.

All the best
 
Old 1st Nov 2018, 14:25
  #499 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Perth
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Smile Rex, Virgin, Jetstar and Qantas cadetship assessment.

Currently in year 12, decent scores in high level mathematics and physics. Soon time to apply for the airline cadetships. Psychometric tests are part of the application process for all of these programs. Any suggestions on how to prepare for these tests / what type of tests they use would be very much appreciated (I can't do abstract/spatial reasoning for the life of me).
Thanks a lot.
AviationReviewWA is offline  
Old 2nd Nov 2018, 13:44
  #500 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Darwin
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Flight Training School or go to University

Hi All,

I am fairly new to this forum so if there is a post that is under a similar case that I have or someone have asked the same thing that I am about to, please feel free to post the link.

Just wondering if you could give some advice/opinion for a female pilot-wannabe who is on her early 20s and still undecided if it is worth it to get a degree on Bachelor of Aviation or just try and get in a reputable flight school.

I do have some experience in Aviation where I have worked as a Cabin Crew for more than 2 rewarding years and from there, I fell more in love and dreamt to become a pilot.
I understand that there would be hardships and a long process but I am ready, mentally and physically, for any challenges in the road to get my wings.

If you guys think that going through a university or straight in a flight school is much more rewarding and efficient than the other, what schools would you recommend? Financially, I am not that flexible and I also understand that university and flight school costs an arm and a leg but I do have a bit of savings from my cabin crew years and I would so much rely on HECS help as well. I guess that is another thing that I have to consider when choosing schools.

Thank you for your wise advice/s!

Regards,
kbtrina
kbtrina is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.