Newbie & Flying Training Advice (Merged)
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 37
Likes: 12
From: G.S.L.
Par Avion in Hobart is the main and only (maybe apart from the Aero Club?) GA flight training in Tassie.
I'd recommend self funding so you know exactly where your money is going. Tassie is a lovely place to live if you like nature and especially so if you are into mountain biking.
I'd recommend self funding so you know exactly where your money is going. Tassie is a lovely place to live if you like nature and especially so if you are into mountain biking.
Last edited by Kundry; 20th September 2023 at 09:49.
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne
GA Roadtrip Job hunt
Hi everyone,
The time has come to begin the infamous job hunt for that first flying job. I have chosen to begin a circuit road trip next month beginning in Victoria heading all the way up to the NT and back to talk to numerous GA operators and ask some questions to see if they have any work. I am not expecting a job especially at this time, more would just love to soak up all the info that anyone is willing to give me.
Apart from the obvious advice such as 'look professional' and 'Be knowledgable' is there any advice anyone would give me?
As well as advice, any operators that are a must to visit on my journey that would give a look into a low hour pilot?
For reference, I am a 210 hour CPL, with MECIR.
Cheers guys,
The time has come to begin the infamous job hunt for that first flying job. I have chosen to begin a circuit road trip next month beginning in Victoria heading all the way up to the NT and back to talk to numerous GA operators and ask some questions to see if they have any work. I am not expecting a job especially at this time, more would just love to soak up all the info that anyone is willing to give me.
Apart from the obvious advice such as 'look professional' and 'Be knowledgable' is there any advice anyone would give me?
As well as advice, any operators that are a must to visit on my journey that would give a look into a low hour pilot?
For reference, I am a 210 hour CPL, with MECIR.
Cheers guys,
Joined: Jun 2006
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 2,698
Likes: 792
From: 3rd rock from the sun
Why go back? I’ll give you your first piece of advice, you won’t get a job sitting in Victoria, no matter how enjoyable your trip up north was. You need to move up north, find somewhere to setup camp, and just get any old job so that you’re Johnny On The Spot when a job does come up.
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne
Interesting thought. I have been told that especially in these Covid times GA is quite slow and moving up may not be the best course of action as I may be up there for a prolonged period without any bites. Rather a short road trip to make connections and learn. And if nothing comes of it then I can go back to Victoria and possibly retrain/reskill so that I am not wasting my time flogging a dead horse.
Thanks though.
Thanks though.
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Australia the Awesome
Hearsay from people that aren't there isn't worth anything.
Go north, find any job in an area you think may have some flying work, settle in.
NO ONE WILL EMPLOY YOU OVER THE PHONE FROM VICTORIA.
Last edited by Roj approved; 23rd February 2021 at 22:43. Reason: spelling
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: New Zealand
Planning ahead
Hi everyone
So I'm about 90% through my PPL in NZ and I'm looking to get my CPL, Multi and Instrument rating. My partner is locked in with her employer for about the next 5 years so I've got plenty of time to get licensed up etc.
I've been pointed in the direction of some places in Darwin that will take low hour pilots but I was hoping to get some help from anyone that's done it before. I guess some advice on what to expect starting with how busy the work might be and what would be a realistic pay to expect at first?
Any other help would be awesome.
So I'm about 90% through my PPL in NZ and I'm looking to get my CPL, Multi and Instrument rating. My partner is locked in with her employer for about the next 5 years so I've got plenty of time to get licensed up etc.
I've been pointed in the direction of some places in Darwin that will take low hour pilots but I was hoping to get some help from anyone that's done it before. I guess some advice on what to expect starting with how busy the work might be and what would be a realistic pay to expect at first?
Any other help would be awesome.
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne
CPL Australia - Best training facilities
Hi,
I am interested in becoming a commercial pilot in Australia and potentially working overseas in the future.
I would like any advice on achieving this and what do you recommend is the best path (private or cadetship)?
Thanks.
I am interested in becoming a commercial pilot in Australia and potentially working overseas in the future.
I would like any advice on achieving this and what do you recommend is the best path (private or cadetship)?
Thanks.

Joined: Jun 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,574
Likes: 410
From: FNQ ... It's Permanent!
Maybe have a read of this thread: Fresh Grade 3 Instructor with $120,000 debt. Driving street sweepers...
There are several other similar threads here within the last 3 months or so if you go back and take a look.
There are several other similar threads here within the last 3 months or so if you go back and take a look.

Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 987
Likes: 197
From: Mexico City
Maybe have a read of this thread: Fresh Grade 3 Instructor with $120,000 debt. Driving street sweepers...
There are several other similar threads here within the last 3 months or so if you go back and take a look.
There are several other similar threads here within the last 3 months or so if you go back and take a look.
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Newcastle
Hunter Valley Aviation (BASAIR)
I am looking into CPL courses and I'm looking for some thoughts on Hunter Valley Aviation and their Diploma courses. I would also like to ask for peoples' thoughts on VET student loans also and is it a good option to go?
I see that basair also offer a combined course for CPL and MECIR that can all be covered under VET loans but from what I calculate is that this when end up having a greater debt than if I done the courses separately so probably better doing them separate unless there is a greater benefit for me doing the combined course?
I see that basair also offer a combined course for CPL and MECIR that can all be covered under VET loans but from what I calculate is that this when end up having a greater debt than if I done the courses separately so probably better doing them separate unless there is a greater benefit for me doing the combined course?
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 108
Likes: 3
From: Under Class C
Just my thoughts... probably not the best time in aviation history to be taking on a huge debt to fund a dream of flying. But then glass half full view, eventually there will be a bounce back and demand. Tought call if anyone is in your shoes. Personally if it was me, I would start slow and self fund to give me time to get to PPL and see where the industry has moved in that time.
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane
Getting my CPL Late in Life, is it worth the Effort?
Hello All
I posted this Thread to ask a Simple Question
I am 31 Yrs Old, a Truck Driver, and have a massive Dream of being a Commercial Pilot.
Now due to Personal Constraints, if I tried my Hardest, I won't be ready to start my CPL Course until I am around 34, 33 if I really Push it.
My Simple Question is this
Is it going to be worth it (Career Wise) to get my CPL so Late? I have been told that 35 is the ultimate cut-off.... so I thought I'd ask People who are in the Field, stick my feelers out and see what you Guys/Girls Think.
Thank you for any and all your Responces.
I posted this Thread to ask a Simple Question
I am 31 Yrs Old, a Truck Driver, and have a massive Dream of being a Commercial Pilot.
Now due to Personal Constraints, if I tried my Hardest, I won't be ready to start my CPL Course until I am around 34, 33 if I really Push it.
My Simple Question is this
Is it going to be worth it (Career Wise) to get my CPL so Late? I have been told that 35 is the ultimate cut-off.... so I thought I'd ask People who are in the Field, stick my feelers out and see what you Guys/Girls Think.
Thank you for any and all your Responces.

Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 290
Likes: 45
From: Lower North Shore
Hello All
I posted this Thread to ask a Simple Question
I am 31 Yrs Old, a Truck Driver, and have a massive Dream of being a Commercial Pilot.
Now due to Personal Constraints, if I tried my Hardest, I won't be ready to start my CPL Course until I am around 34, 33 if I really Push it.
My Simple Question is this
Is it going to be worth it (Career Wise) to get my CPL so Late? I have been told that 35 is the ultimate cut-off.... so I thought I'd ask People who are in the Field, stick my feelers out and see what you Guys/Girls Think.
Thank you for any and all your Responces.
I posted this Thread to ask a Simple Question
I am 31 Yrs Old, a Truck Driver, and have a massive Dream of being a Commercial Pilot.
Now due to Personal Constraints, if I tried my Hardest, I won't be ready to start my CPL Course until I am around 34, 33 if I really Push it.
My Simple Question is this
Is it going to be worth it (Career Wise) to get my CPL so Late? I have been told that 35 is the ultimate cut-off.... so I thought I'd ask People who are in the Field, stick my feelers out and see what you Guys/Girls Think.
Thank you for any and all your Responces.
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Western Australia
Hello All
I posted this Thread to ask a Simple Question
I am 31 Yrs Old, a Truck Driver, and have a massive Dream of being a Commercial Pilot.
Now due to Personal Constraints, if I tried my Hardest, I won't be ready to start my CPL Course until I am around 34, 33 if I really Push it.
My Simple Question is this
Is it going to be worth it (Career Wise) to get my CPL so Late? I have been told that 35 is the ultimate cut-off.... so I thought I'd ask People who are in the Field, stick my feelers out and see what you Guys/Girls Think.
Thank you for any and all your Responces.
I posted this Thread to ask a Simple Question
I am 31 Yrs Old, a Truck Driver, and have a massive Dream of being a Commercial Pilot.
Now due to Personal Constraints, if I tried my Hardest, I won't be ready to start my CPL Course until I am around 34, 33 if I really Push it.
My Simple Question is this
Is it going to be worth it (Career Wise) to get my CPL so Late? I have been told that 35 is the ultimate cut-off.... so I thought I'd ask People who are in the Field, stick my feelers out and see what you Guys/Girls Think.
Thank you for any and all your Responces.
Im 49 and have almost finished my PPL and have just made a booking for my first CPL exam, ive spoken to various people in the industry and all have given nothing but encouragement and said go for it. Obviously wont have any chance of getting into the airlines but that's not what i want, my plan is to fly GA commercially for as long as i can retain a class 1 med and enjoy being in the air.

Joined: Dec 2005
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 326
From: Hong Kong
Hello All
I posted this Thread to ask a Simple Question
I am 31 Yrs Old, a Truck Driver, and have a massive Dream of being a Commercial Pilot.
Now due to Personal Constraints, if I tried my Hardest, I won't be ready to start my CPL Course until I am around 34, 33 if I really Push it.
My Simple Question is this
Is it going to be worth it (Career Wise) to get my CPL so Late? I have been told that 35 is the ultimate cut-off.... so I thought I'd ask People who are in the Field, stick my feelers out and see what you Guys/Girls Think.
Thank you for any and all your Responces.
I posted this Thread to ask a Simple Question
I am 31 Yrs Old, a Truck Driver, and have a massive Dream of being a Commercial Pilot.
Now due to Personal Constraints, if I tried my Hardest, I won't be ready to start my CPL Course until I am around 34, 33 if I really Push it.
My Simple Question is this
Is it going to be worth it (Career Wise) to get my CPL so Late? I have been told that 35 is the ultimate cut-off.... so I thought I'd ask People who are in the Field, stick my feelers out and see what you Guys/Girls Think.
Thank you for any and all your Responces.
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Western Australia
Just gotta take the first step mate, i actually started my PPL with the aim of going commercial back in 2002, logged just over 30hrs and had completed my PPL theory exam. I got made redundant and then the only flying school where i was living closed down. Never got back into it and before you know it near on 20yrs have passed.
If its what you want do it mate, times goes past way to fast..ill have regrets that i didn't do it earlier..but i wont have the larger regrets of not doing it at all..!
If its what you want do it mate, times goes past way to fast..ill have regrets that i didn't do it earlier..but i wont have the larger regrets of not doing it at all..!

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 65
Likes: 3
From: Melbourne
Anybody have any advice on how to make the most of your CPL hour building? Based in Melbourne.
My situation: 107 hours TT, RPC with Cross Country endorsement, and RPL conversion. Skipping PPL. All 7 CPL subjects complete. Most of my hours are in RA aircraft, no controlled airspace experience yet.
Obviously I just need to get hour there and start grinding those 100 PIC hours, but when should I start working on CPL manoeuvres in a complex type? When do I tackle controlled airspace? Roughly how many hours of dual should I be planning on in the leadup to the flight test?
Cheers.
My situation: 107 hours TT, RPC with Cross Country endorsement, and RPL conversion. Skipping PPL. All 7 CPL subjects complete. Most of my hours are in RA aircraft, no controlled airspace experience yet.
Obviously I just need to get hour there and start grinding those 100 PIC hours, but when should I start working on CPL manoeuvres in a complex type? When do I tackle controlled airspace? Roughly how many hours of dual should I be planning on in the leadup to the flight test?
Cheers.



