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 28th Jan 2015, 19:57
  #161 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Aimlessly wandering
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have been to every flight school in Bankstown and Camden. No work anywhere. In fact when I went to the college you seem to be considering, the chief pilot refused to even come out of his office and meet me.
50 50 is offline  
Old 28th Jan 2015, 21:07
  #162 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Sydney, NSW
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Was that Basair or Sydney Flight College?
radiodude is offline  
Old 28th Jan 2015, 23:07
  #163 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Aimlessly wandering
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
One is owned by the other. Same chief pilot.
50 50 is offline  
Old 15th Feb 2015, 12:28
  #164 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: YMMB
Age: 58
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
MFT and MFS are General Aviation schools and have very sound reputations.

RMIT is at Point Cook, not Moorabbin, and is a university-based integrated course. RMIT is the largest of the three schools you've mentioned and has the advantage of also granting a tertiary qualification on completion. The large integrated courses can be good or bad experiences, but generally require higher levels of organisation and motivation to complete in a timely manner.
peterc005 is offline  
Old 15th Feb 2015, 13:08
  #165 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Vietnam
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Peter is on the money with his advice. I would advise myself against going to one of the schools offering HELP loans to pay for training. The licence will end up costing considerably more than doing it somewhere else. But if it's a tertiary qualification you want or you can't pay for it yourself than maybe Uni affiliated courses will be the best option.

Better again would be going to a school in the country where they may have industry contacts to help you out with a first job. The country schools will be cheaper and generally be much friendlier.

When you talk to the schools, ask to speak to current students and get the CFI to give you an estimate on price. If they are reluctant to do either you may want to try a different school. Keep in mind that people learn at different speeds and hence the price will change. Ask them a min price and also a price for going 20 hours over.
pilotchute is offline  
Old 15th Feb 2015, 14:19
  #166 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: YMMB
Age: 58
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The cost of the uni integrated training is dearer, but this is somewhat offset by not paying GST.

The uni integrated courses have the advantage of being more accessible by having funding available (FEE-HELP) and a tertiary qualification. At these uni courses most staff are former students, which is one avenue for employment.

One important factor with these integrated courses that I don't see discussed is the importance of being properly prepared and committed so they can complete the course in the minimum time and cost. Having to pay for extra training and subjects is a common cause of these students running out of funding before they complete training.

If you do an integrated course make sure you do an much preparation as possible before you start. Read the text books, get your medical, ASIC etc. before you start.

The uni integrated courses sometimes have massive numbers of students, making it hard to get bookings. Don't book one flight at a time, which may get cancelled due to weather and then wait another two weeks for a booking.

Try and book a dozen flights at a time and push hard if you get messed around. Don't let the training drag on, make every day count.
peterc005 is offline  
Old 18th Feb 2015, 06:15
  #167 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Australia
Age: 39
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Do Diplomas Matter?

I'm a reasonably fresh CPL, having completed the 200hr course a few months ago, and have started exploring my options.

I've started researching my options regarding further qualifications and have discovered that there is a but of a price difference between my short-listed schools when it comes to Instrument Ratings and/or Instructor Ratings, with some schools quoting x thousand and some others (RTO types) x + 6-or-so thousand, but with a Dip.Aviation thrown in.

So here is a little scenario for you more senior guys out there in PPRuNe land:

Assume that after advertising a position for a new driver for your school/operation, and working through the various selection criteria you employ, you have narrowed down your selection to Candidate A and Candidate B. Both A and B are a good fit for your business; they have similar experience and have shown a great attitude for the job, both have similar experience. Candidate A has a Dip.Aviation (relevant to your operation) and Candidate B does not.

Question: Which candidate are you likely to pick?

I know that recruitment is a complex activity, and I have dumbed it down a little in the scenario, but I really would like to know if the diploma is worth the extra money considering that the important part (as insofar as actually flying is concerned) is the rating.
Diffracted is offline  
Old 18th Feb 2015, 06:51
  #168 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: UAE
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
BASAIR AND AUSTRALIAN WINGS ACADEMY

Hey does anyone know if BASAIR or Australian Wings Academy is any good? cant find many reviews online. Any input is greatly appreciated. THANKS!
AshMammens27 is offline  
Old 18th Feb 2015, 11:54
  #169 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: australia
Posts: 13
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
50 50

Basair and Sydney Flight College are two totally separate schools. Sydney Flight College is part of Schoifeilds Flying Club with there own CFI
xma007 is offline  
Old 18th Feb 2015, 21:42
  #170 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: australia
Posts: 587
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Diffracted,

In your scenario the only difference is the degree.
I would still look for something that put one above the other. In my opinion the uni course does not add to the standard already in place.
I am talking just about GA from initial entry to turbo prop and biz jet.

Flying standard, professionalism, airmanship and maturity in the industry is not improved by the degree input.
The person presenting may already have stronger skills in this area and the degree may have brought that out further but it seems not to be a uni generating thing.

Hope that helps
maxgrad is offline  
Old 19th Feb 2015, 00:36
  #171 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Aimlessly wandering
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Xma007 I will stand corrected. The other outfit I was thinking of was Sydney Aviators. I went in to speak to their Chief Pilot and was sent over to Basair.
50 50 is offline  
Old 19th Feb 2015, 02:31
  #172 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 962
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 1 Post
Diffractd,

Diplomas make 0 difference, there is very little difference between diploma courses and just doing a CPL other than paperwork.
mcgrath50 is offline  
Old 19th Feb 2015, 02:54
  #173 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Australia
Age: 39
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
maxgrad and mcgrath50,

Both your replies are the exact type of advice I was after . I think I will save myself some dosh and put it towards something more worthwhile like an endo or spoil the missus (she deserves it with all my flying talk at home).

Cheers
Diffracted is offline  
Old 26th Feb 2015, 12:23
  #174 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Sultanate Of Oman
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Flying schools

Hi there,
Im wondering if any of you are aware of any EASA approved flying schools for a zero to ATPL course that have decent costs?
Help would be appreciated!!!!
alialbarwani is offline  
Old 7th Apr 2015, 15:22
  #175 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Need some advise for PPL in australia

I'm from Hong Kong and I've been interested to acquire the PPL in Australia for quite a while. I still haven't made it into action primarily because of my job which doesn't really allow me to take a few months off.

I would highly appreciate it if anyone could kindly advise on the following matters.

- My understanding to obtain a PPL is that I will first need to complete the BAK exam to start the flight trainings, followed with the GFPT flight test and eventually the PPL exam and flight test. Is it correct?

- Is it possible to self-study the theory parts (only BAK and PPL exams?) in Hong Kong so that I could take the exams immediately when I come to Australia? If yes, what are the textbooks you would recommend?

- Is it reasonable to assume the total flight time, on average, would be less than 50 hours before the PPL flight test? Is it possible to spread these hours into 2 years as I could probably only fly to Australia during long holiday due to work commitment

Any advise to my situation will also be appreciated. Many thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Wilson
Wilsonctc is offline  
Old 8th Apr 2015, 11:24
  #176 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Australia
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi wilsonstc,
In answer to your question;

1.theory exams including bak before doing rpl flight test (no more gfpt). Then ppl theory then ppl flight test

2.study at home! Personally I like bob tait text books but any are fine really . Take exams when you get here

3. 50hours to ppl is possible BUT not common. Many take 70 something. Hope for the best plan for the worst.

All definitely possible part time/during your holidays.

Best of luck with it all!
rgmgbg01 is offline  
Old 9th Apr 2015, 03:59
  #177 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Under Class C
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Just to add to the above, I am going for my RPL test in the next week, and have 35+ hours at this stage, with 7.5 of that solo.. The comment from my instructor is that is a little under most, with most being around 40-45 hours.

From here there are the 8 Nav exercises to get your PPL, each being several hours long. Plus the obligatory family jaunts and practice.

So 70+ hours would be a reasonable estimate to get to your PPL.

And yes, study at home. I did all self study for the BAK exam, and will do the same for PPL.

The Bob Tait books are very concise, well written, and give you just what you need to get through the exams. The Aviation Theory books go far more in-depth about most systems, and whilst not necessary for the exams, provide great background. I ended up getting both.
gchriste is offline  
Old 14th Apr 2015, 09:24
  #178 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Oz
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Another advocate for Bob Tait here. If you can afford it, and have the time I highly recommend heading to YRED and doing the courses. The PPL runs for 3 weeks, and is well presented. The online practice exams are more or less what you get in the actual CASA exam. I reckon 85% of the questions on the exam where just about the same as Bob Taits practice exams.

I have not done the CPL course, but I know a few people who have and when I did the PPL course there was was a CPL course running. The CPL course runs for longer, but you do each module and then school books you in to do the exam. By the time you finish, all the exams are done.

The best thing about the Bob Tait course, is you are surrounded by like minded people, so your coffee breaks and lunch breaks are usually dominated by talk about flying and the course. Plus you get to sit in the hangar and judge the ****ty landings done by people like me!!!
Andy_P is offline  
Old 12th Jun 2015, 09:17
  #179 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Here and there
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
Received 33 Likes on 13 Posts
Talking of getting extra experience I saw an item in facebook about someone going from Moorabbin to the west ina Cessna 206 lookoing for someone to share the costs.
PM me for details.
runway16 is offline  
Old 23rd Jun 2015, 00:57
  #180 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Australia
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Recommendations for Flying Schools (Sydney)

I'm looking to move from my snails pace of learning, to a full-time sort of thing to complete my CPL.
I've looked at Basair - Which doesn't seem to have the best reputation. I would love for someone to prove this wrong though, as it is the most convenient.
I've looked at Sydney Flight College - I haven't been able to grasp too much about their reputability.
I've looked at Sydney Aviators - I don't think they do full-time. Not sure.
Any recommendations?
absilo 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.