Newbie & Flying Training Advice (Merged)

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 434
Likes: 197
From: Brisbane
there's some really good flower arranging courses at tafe too which are probably more useful

And that's not a crack at your thread, by the way. Good luck with what ever you choose to do.
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
I would recommend you do neither. Don't contain yourself to one industry - it will hurt your employment prospects. You need a degree that is versatile and usable across many industries. Of course - it depends on what type of work you want to do, but anything with business or finance are key skills and qualifications that can be transferrable to any industry.
Plus at the end of the day, in my opinion, your tertiary skills mean nothing. Recruiters tend to care about the experience and skills-fit for the role - not whether you have an MBA, BBA, BCOM etc. I have three degrees. Undergraduate and two post-graduate. It has done nothing to accelerate or improve my career prospects. Just a lot of expense. Networking (relationships) and 'chance' are what enabled me to secure the different roles I have held.
Plus at the end of the day, in my opinion, your tertiary skills mean nothing. Recruiters tend to care about the experience and skills-fit for the role - not whether you have an MBA, BBA, BCOM etc. I have three degrees. Undergraduate and two post-graduate. It has done nothing to accelerate or improve my career prospects. Just a lot of expense. Networking (relationships) and 'chance' are what enabled me to secure the different roles I have held.
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: melbourne
Do what you think works for your plan and situation. Don't bother with opinions on here. The degree won't get you a job in itself as has been mentioned as there is more to a position above Manager than just the Academic. It is the role fit (ie: Person, Experience, Education etc) . Good luck.
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: Australia
A degree is a degree, no matter where you get it from.
I gained a Bachelor of Aviation through Griffith University because of the convenience they provided for those studying via distance education.
I gained a Bachelor of Aviation through Griffith University because of the convenience they provided for those studying via distance education.

Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 319
Likes: 39
From: Sydney
The UNSW Master of Aviation Management
I have some experience of the UNSW program so you could consider I am biased.
However, there is evidence that Postgrad programs can enhance your knowledge in areas where you have not yet worked, but wish to move into. The right program can help you get shortlisted, and with the additional knowledge, you may be able to sway a selection committee, or talk your present boss into new responsibilities. The key is to build your knowledge in the area that you want to work in, to increase your opportunities, so you should look to see what courses (subjects) are available and if they match your needs. Simply having a masters degree does not of itself improve your options unless it is relevant.Those with negative experiences often have chosen the program focus badly, or chosen weak programs to get through with minimal effort.
I think if you look carefully you will be able to find the names of the course facilitators who deliver the courses at UNSW, and so confirm their high level of expertise. In addition these people have good networks so you can also build your network. All postgrad aviation courses at UNSW are available by distance. You can get details from:
Jamie Lim (Mrs)
Postgraduate Programs Coordinator
School of Aviation
Room 210, Level 2, Old Main Building
UNSW SYDNEY NSW 2052 AUSTRALIA
Tel: + 61 2 938 55 787 (direct)
Email: [email protected]
However, there is evidence that Postgrad programs can enhance your knowledge in areas where you have not yet worked, but wish to move into. The right program can help you get shortlisted, and with the additional knowledge, you may be able to sway a selection committee, or talk your present boss into new responsibilities. The key is to build your knowledge in the area that you want to work in, to increase your opportunities, so you should look to see what courses (subjects) are available and if they match your needs. Simply having a masters degree does not of itself improve your options unless it is relevant.Those with negative experiences often have chosen the program focus badly, or chosen weak programs to get through with minimal effort.
I think if you look carefully you will be able to find the names of the course facilitators who deliver the courses at UNSW, and so confirm their high level of expertise. In addition these people have good networks so you can also build your network. All postgrad aviation courses at UNSW are available by distance. You can get details from:
Jamie Lim (Mrs)
Postgraduate Programs Coordinator
School of Aviation
Room 210, Level 2, Old Main Building
UNSW SYDNEY NSW 2052 AUSTRALIA
Tel: + 61 2 938 55 787 (direct)
Email: [email protected]
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: sunshine coast qld
University or flight school?
Hey guys,
I’m currently a year 12 student graduating at the end of this year, I’ve always had my sights set on becoming a commercial pilot and am looking to make that a reality over the coming years. However I’m a bit stuck for choice at the moment when deciding what pathway is best to take. I’ve thoroughly looked into a number of well known universities and their aviation courses ( Griffith, UNSW, Swinburne etc) and I’m just not sure I can fathom the 3-4 extra years of study. Would I be better off just starting a CPL course as soon as school finishes and looking to get straight into the workforce after that ? Or would the airlines prefer to see a degree ?
any help is appreciated,
thanks,
tommy
I’m currently a year 12 student graduating at the end of this year, I’ve always had my sights set on becoming a commercial pilot and am looking to make that a reality over the coming years. However I’m a bit stuck for choice at the moment when deciding what pathway is best to take. I’ve thoroughly looked into a number of well known universities and their aviation courses ( Griffith, UNSW, Swinburne etc) and I’m just not sure I can fathom the 3-4 extra years of study. Would I be better off just starting a CPL course as soon as school finishes and looking to get straight into the workforce after that ? Or would the airlines prefer to see a degree ?
any help is appreciated,
thanks,
tommy
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Australia
Where did you fly? I might have just missed it but I couldn't figure out if you could do the Griffith course from Melbourne.
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: HONG KONG
Australia / other Country for Flying School
Hi Guys
I’m 17 and need some advice for my flying career. I’m planning to do Degree course (Bachelor of Flying @ UNISA) and get my Diploma in Flying (PPL / CPL / ITL) thru FTA. Since Childhood Its always been my dream to fly As a Captain on Cathay. I have a small Prepar3D simulator @ Home where I practice weekly. I have researched Australia but not anywhere in The US / Europe for Flying schools. The main reason for me to go with UNISA / FTA is that Cathay sends their pilots to train at FTA so I want to start thinking in the same way as them.
I have read some Negative reviews about working with them but its still not put me off my path as I love Planes and I would do a lot to get behind one of them. I am just worried that I have not checked out other choices. Need advice from some of your experienced people what’s the best course of action.
Martin
I’m 17 and need some advice for my flying career. I’m planning to do Degree course (Bachelor of Flying @ UNISA) and get my Diploma in Flying (PPL / CPL / ITL) thru FTA. Since Childhood Its always been my dream to fly As a Captain on Cathay. I have a small Prepar3D simulator @ Home where I practice weekly. I have researched Australia but not anywhere in The US / Europe for Flying schools. The main reason for me to go with UNISA / FTA is that Cathay sends their pilots to train at FTA so I want to start thinking in the same way as them.
I have read some Negative reviews about working with them but its still not put me off my path as I love Planes and I would do a lot to get behind one of them. I am just worried that I have not checked out other choices. Need advice from some of your experienced people what’s the best course of action.
Martin
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Sydney
Hi Everyone,
My First post. Looking to learn to fly for recreation, aiming for RPL/PPL. Anyone care to share your experience with Sydney Aviators or Bankstown Flying School, or any other provider based out of Bankstown? I was also looking at Soar too because of their $599 deal for the first 3 flights, but it didn't take too much digging to notice they are in a bit of a situation.
Cheers,
Andrew
My First post. Looking to learn to fly for recreation, aiming for RPL/PPL. Anyone care to share your experience with Sydney Aviators or Bankstown Flying School, or any other provider based out of Bankstown? I was also looking at Soar too because of their $599 deal for the first 3 flights, but it didn't take too much digging to notice they are in a bit of a situation.
Cheers,
Andrew

Joined: Jun 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 59
From: OZ
Hi Andrew,
Camden is well worth your investigating. Yeah it's a bit of a drive but your lesson is full value - after take off as you turn crosswind you are in the training area. No 10 minute transit each way. It is class D so you learn how to deal with controlled airspace. Perhaps you should have a chat to the various operators there or PM me and I can recommend a couple.
Good luck!
Camden is well worth your investigating. Yeah it's a bit of a drive but your lesson is full value - after take off as you turn crosswind you are in the training area. No 10 minute transit each way. It is class D so you learn how to deal with controlled airspace. Perhaps you should have a chat to the various operators there or PM me and I can recommend a couple.
Good luck!
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Sydney
Hi Andrew,
Camden is well worth your investigating. Yeah it's a bit of a drive but your lesson is full value - after take off as you turn crosswind you are in the training area. No 10 minute transit each way. It is class D so you learn how to deal with controlled airspace. Perhaps you should have a chat to the various operators there or PM me and I can recommend a couple.
Good luck!
Camden is well worth your investigating. Yeah it's a bit of a drive but your lesson is full value - after take off as you turn crosswind you are in the training area. No 10 minute transit each way. It is class D so you learn how to deal with controlled airspace. Perhaps you should have a chat to the various operators there or PM me and I can recommend a couple.
Good luck!
Cheers.
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Alice Springs
Peninsula Aero Club - Reviews?
I'm looking at returning to flying and doing some further training towards CPL.
Peninsula Aero Club was suggested to me.
Any feedback on them as a training school? There seem a bit cheaper and close to the training area and low traffic is a plus, however, I'm looking for some more info on their training staff.
Yes, I understand that their CFI died tragically in a mid air at Mangalore.
Their 'estimated' training hours seem to be a bit higher than other schools, so while their price is a bit lower, they might tend to require more training.
Any experiences you can give me? I don't mind doing the drive to Tyabb if it is the right place.
Any specific instructors that I should seek or avoid?
Thanks, A
Peninsula Aero Club was suggested to me.
Any feedback on them as a training school? There seem a bit cheaper and close to the training area and low traffic is a plus, however, I'm looking for some more info on their training staff.
Yes, I understand that their CFI died tragically in a mid air at Mangalore.
Their 'estimated' training hours seem to be a bit higher than other schools, so while their price is a bit lower, they might tend to require more training.
Any experiences you can give me? I don't mind doing the drive to Tyabb if it is the right place.
Any specific instructors that I should seek or avoid?
Thanks, A

Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 655
Likes: 4
From: On the water
I did some post-CPL training with them and can only recommend them, plus their rates are very competitive! Super friendly staff and members, great fleet selection that you'd be hard pressed finding around Melbourne at a single flying school (unless you go further afield), especially if you want to do some training on aircraft types that will make potential charter companies pay attention to your resume with just a freshly minted CPL on it.
There is also the subjective positive of being part of a club, rather than some organisations who's sole purpose it to produce a licenced pilot as quickly as possible.
Plus if you like warbirds then Tyabb is a GREAT place to hang around!
There is also the subjective positive of being part of a club, rather than some organisations who's sole purpose it to produce a licenced pilot as quickly as possible.
Plus if you like warbirds then Tyabb is a GREAT place to hang around!



