Newbie & Flying Training Advice (Merged)
Join Date: Feb 2019
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Exact same can be said about the Swinburne Program! I happened to go through the Swinny program and knew some people in the RMIT program. The swinny Batchelor side was comprehensively better than RMIT's with the broad range of subjects offered and the study tour that's conducted every 2 years is absolutely a must do if able!
Swinburne v's RMIT.
I guess we're looking at it from different angles.
I'm coming from the point of view of flight and theory standards, and employability.
Some Students want the two year Associate Degree program (as opposed to 3 or more in a Bachelor Degree) in order to obtain employment that bit sooner.
I'm coming from the point of view of flight and theory standards, and employability.
Some Students want the two year Associate Degree program (as opposed to 3 or more in a Bachelor Degree) in order to obtain employment that bit sooner.
I had the same dilemma in Yr12. In the end went through a flying school. Got a CPL and MECIR 15 months later, went hour building and got enough time to go to Qantas link before the Uni course that I would have joined had even graduated. Up to you, but I wouldn't recommend a degree for flying.
PPRuNe Handmaiden
It's a difficult decision. Most parents would like their kids to have a degree aka fall back option. Trouble is, as you know, degrees aren't cheap. Aviation degrees are very narrow in focus. I would only consider one if there were management/safety modules so if the worst happens within the first 5 or so years into your career, there's a ground based option. (It does happen, diabetes has nuked a few guys I know). To that end, consider an instructor rating etc (sim instructing etc). However, as you move through the career, the degree may or not be of use.
If you're set on being a pilot, then an aviation degree may be not cost effective. I would be researching what employers are requiring for employment. A degree might be there, but an aviation degree mightn't be as attractive (ironically) as a degree in another subject.
The biggest hassle with a degree is that is becomes "out of date" in a few years. So, as others have mentioned, gaining a degree later on in life is achievable. (I just completed a BSc(hons) in Psych -> and I'm going to train up as a CRM teacher).
If you're set on being a pilot, then an aviation degree may be not cost effective. I would be researching what employers are requiring for employment. A degree might be there, but an aviation degree mightn't be as attractive (ironically) as a degree in another subject.
The biggest hassle with a degree is that is becomes "out of date" in a few years. So, as others have mentioned, gaining a degree later on in life is achievable. (I just completed a BSc(hons) in Psych -> and I'm going to train up as a CRM teacher).
If you’re going to do a degree, don’t waste your time on an “Aviation” specific one. Do a proper science degree or an engineering degree and do the flying training extra curricular. ATPL subjects are not rocket science ... barely Year 10 level.
If the USA is anything to go by, having a degree will be essential for airline jobs in the future. That’s “progress” I guess.
If the USA is anything to go by, having a degree will be essential for airline jobs in the future. That’s “progress” I guess.
The biggest mistake you can make is by assuming "if i go to a university I will get a job, and they will do everything for me".
I wont mention any names, but it is on your list. I was an instructor working for a flight training organisation that provided flight instruction to a university. I have never seen a higher drop out rate than this particular university course compared to every other type of course (private and airline cadets). Primarily this came down to student input - as a lot could not wrap their head around the whole "50% is not even close to a pass" philosophy of aviation.
Having said that, i am aware of several very good quality students that came from this particular university because they worked their asses off during the 2 year theory and flying phase of the course. Because of their hard work and efforts many of them are now in airline positions or with reputable general aviation or flight training organisations building hours.
The best advice i can give you is: Do you want a pilots license or a degree? if you are after the license you will be far better off going through a Flight training organisation with Fee help (But do your research on them too), it will cost you far less and if you are ready to put the work in you will get through it quicker. If you want a degree be ready to pay a premium for it. The university that i was involved in as an instructor used to charge nearly 100 dollars per hour on top of the aircraft training cost that was being charged to private students, and students usually wound up needing additional training hours (paid out of pocket) because of the part time nature of the course (they would fly 2-3 times per week on average during a flying phase, where private and airline students would fly 5-10 times per week).
I wont mention any names, but it is on your list. I was an instructor working for a flight training organisation that provided flight instruction to a university. I have never seen a higher drop out rate than this particular university course compared to every other type of course (private and airline cadets). Primarily this came down to student input - as a lot could not wrap their head around the whole "50% is not even close to a pass" philosophy of aviation.
Having said that, i am aware of several very good quality students that came from this particular university because they worked their asses off during the 2 year theory and flying phase of the course. Because of their hard work and efforts many of them are now in airline positions or with reputable general aviation or flight training organisations building hours.
The best advice i can give you is: Do you want a pilots license or a degree? if you are after the license you will be far better off going through a Flight training organisation with Fee help (But do your research on them too), it will cost you far less and if you are ready to put the work in you will get through it quicker. If you want a degree be ready to pay a premium for it. The university that i was involved in as an instructor used to charge nearly 100 dollars per hour on top of the aircraft training cost that was being charged to private students, and students usually wound up needing additional training hours (paid out of pocket) because of the part time nature of the course (they would fly 2-3 times per week on average during a flying phase, where private and airline students would fly 5-10 times per week).
Join Date: May 2019
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RAA Flight Schools - how to choose when there are multiple at a location?
Any advice on how to choose an RAA Flight School when there are more than one available, assuming similar re pricing so taking this out of the equation. E.g. for RAA Pilot Certificate training/course. How about:
I'm thinking currently probably putting into consideration (a) meet each school to get a feel + (b) putting some weighting on the fleet of planes they have available to fly solo after training...
- The range/size of their RAA fleet? One with more aircraft of the type you may want to fly after getting the certificate perhaps? (e.g. slightly easier than trying to rent aircraft from a different company/school at the same location when you didn't get training from them - or perhaps this isn't an issue?)
- Type of aircraft to learn in: e.g. Sling vs Tecnam vs Fly Synthesis Texan etc - one better than another to learn in? (I'm guessing not necessarily)
- Instructors - guessing this is difficult as hopefully all would be good at each school & any feedback would be based on hearsay - could go meeting/discuss with each school to get a feel yourself perhaps?
I'm thinking currently probably putting into consideration (a) meet each school to get a feel + (b) putting some weighting on the fleet of planes they have available to fly solo after training...
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ideally ability to swap between RAA 2-seater plane (RA cert - outside controlled airspace) and 4-seater (e.g. Cessna 172 - controlled airspace - RPL) for 1-2 hour recreational flying typically...
Join Date: May 2019
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Recommended flight schools in NZ?
Hello i'm a year 11 college student in NZ, i was just seeking the web for advice and so i thought this would be the best place to search for, anyways for those of you who are a student pilot or who have been through training or are commercial pilots now (in NZ) which flight schools would you recommend and why?
Cheers!
P.S. i'm a new user to this forum type format thing so excuse me for any mistakes!
Cheers!
P.S. i'm a new user to this forum type format thing so excuse me for any mistakes!
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: NZ
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Hello i'm a year 11 college student in NZ, i was just seeking the web for advice and so i thought this would be the best place to search for, anyways for those of you who are a student pilot or who have been through training or are commercial pilots now (in NZ) which flight schools would you recommend and why?
Cheers!
P.S. i'm a new user to this forum type format thing so excuse me for any mistakes!
Cheers!
P.S. i'm a new user to this forum type format thing so excuse me for any mistakes!
Like most things, if ask 10 people and you'll get 15 different answers 
A big factor in which flight training organisation is going to be the "best fit" for you will be your individual situation and what your end goal is. So, are you wanting to be a full time or part time student? Are you self funding or do you require student loan support? Are you going to stay in Auckland or are you willing to move?
A big factor in which flight training organisation is going to be the "best fit" for you will be your individual situation and what your end goal is. So, are you wanting to be a full time or part time student? Are you self funding or do you require student loan support? Are you going to stay in Auckland or are you willing to move?
Join Date: May 2019
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Hey there, if I was to ha e my time again I would seriously consider Nelson Aviation College. I completed my flight training through 3 different school and NAC was by far the best place as far as quality of training and professionalism went. They are one of Air NZs preferred flight trainers as well which can potentially help in several areas. If you are able to complete a ppl at your local aeroclub than that is an awesome start. If you require the student loan system then a flying school is your best option as most aeroclubs cant support this. Hope this helps
Chief Bottle Washer
Let me think: maybe the forum title could be an indication?
The Pacific: General Aviation & Questions The place for students, instructors and charter guys in Oz, NZ and the rest of Oceania.
Join Date: May 2019
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Hello i'm a year 11 college student in NZ, i was just seeking the web for advice and so i thought this would be the best place to search for, anyways for those of you who are a student pilot or who have been through training or are commercial pilots now (in NZ) which flight schools would you recommend and why?
Cheers!
P.S. i'm a new user to this forum type format thing so excuse me for any mistakes!
Cheers!
P.S. i'm a new user to this forum type format thing so excuse me for any mistakes!
Join Date: May 2019
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I am a student pilot and have gone through quite a few interviews for flight schools recently. In my limited experience I would also recommend Nelson Aviation College. From what I have gathered through interviews they are have a great balance in schedule, professionalism and friendliness. Much like what Thewnz said I also recommend completing a PPL through your local aero club if you can afford it as it looks good on the application because it shows you have the commitment to the industry in a way. Also depending on your local aero club it is actually cheaper to get your PPL at an aero club compared to a flight school. If you have any questions PM me or reply and I'll be happy to answer.