Archerfield flying schools
 

hi all

there is a current thread on Bankstown flying schools which, although interesting, doesn't affect me up here in lovely Brissie. There hasn't been a brisbane-flying-school-specific thread for a while (and times are changing fast).

For those in the know, what is the status of our local flying schools and, if I had to start, which would be the best? I'm looking at RQAC but they're a bit more expensive than the others however I'm sure this is a 'you get what you pay for' thing right?

Anyway, I'm looking forward to responses.

Thanks

Another one of these threads..

Ive done some checking around. RQAC is way too expensive ($19k ++ for PPL) and FTA/AV8 have gone to the ****ter (apparently)

Ive narrowed my selection down to Gil Laytes Flying School, and Sunland Aviation. Both are reasonabley affordable in comparison to RQAC (not cheaper than AV8 though.) Depends what aircraft you want to fly I guess.

This is just from my research though. Im looking to start training soon and really interested in everybody's recent opinions of this.

I am due to move to brisbane soon, have been looking at these guys Redcliffe Aero Club

from my time up there in brissy redcliffe wins hands down and by a long way,

but for the best I found in SE Qld, if you your up for a drive to maroochydore can highly recomend these guys Aero Dynamic Flight Academy

Hey Merlinn,

whats happening at AV8 in darwhine??

yes would love to hear how the ol' flying school in darwhine is going

All good as far as I know, not sure what the schools plans are as far as growth etc, but you have to book in advance a lot of the time to get a slot with the instructor.

is there a problem with AV8 in Archerfield?

yes the owner is a ******

my thoughts on the person only (but im sure its been documented)

without getting personal, could you pls elaborate? ie. training standards, a/c, instructors, etc? I'd like to find out as much as possible.

Westin is your man.
 

At Archerfield there is only one person you need to see and thats Brian Westin at Sunland. A career instructor with REAL remote GA experience as well. An absolute gentleman and wealth of experience and knowledge.

Ditto on Brian Westin. Learn't a lot from him in a short time!. Also Steve Taddeucci from Gil Layts is excellent.

The real value in training comes from an instructor who knows how to fly and teach, not so much the name on the flying school door.

The redcliffe aero club appears to be quite good.They have a well organised and orderly operation.The aircraft appear clean and well maintained.I don't know about the standard of instructing.There appears to be a shortage of instructors and consequently a problem getting bookings,unless you book well in advance.As for Archerfield, Brian Westin has the best reputation.He is a good instructor but demands a high standard and calls a spade a spade.He jokes when it's time for jokes but is serious when it is time to be serious.So if YOUR serious about your training and study,Sunland it the place to go.If your looking for the easy way through your training give Sunland a miss.

thanks for the responses guys :ok:

Go North Young Man!
 

Air Pioneer in Mackay or Bob Harris in Innisfail might be worth considering, they have some fantastic contacts in the places you are most likely to get your first job and NQ in winter is just perfect. Just my 2c worth.

Definately Redcliff or Maroochedore would be good for both theory and flying..ask for Richard Beer in Redcliff, great experience chief pilot for charter company in Darwin.

I am not sure about Archerfield, I was in Brisbane on Sunday before I fly off to Darwin, I quickly needed to buy an ERSA (since there's no pilot shop in DWN) so I dropped in Archerfiled and it was like a ghost town. Pilot supply shop is closed on Sunday so I thought any flying schools would sell ERSA so I went around every single school but surprised to see they all shut. I was trained in Bankstown many years ago and even on Sundays, YSBK would be busy like anything. I am not sure if it's good or bad not being busy training airport but perhaps you'll get alot of flying done without worrying about availibility of the aircraft or instructor.

check this guys website pharoah, Welcome to Shane Wise's Flying Circuits Website you might have already seen it, but I thought it was a good read about his experiences at Redcliffe

Go to the Mountain!
 

Try Darling Downs Aero Club in Toowoomba. One of the best schools in SEQ.

Good luck with your endeavour!

this stuff is gold (esp Shane Wise's blog). :ok:

Hi Guys,

Shane Wise here! WOW!!! Thanks for the kudos :ok: on the website Pharoah and Merlinn, it'll be back up to date asap, been doing ME-CIR and finishing off CPL so time has been short! :) Cheers for that.

Also Pharoah if you are still looking for a school give Redcliffe a call :cool:
Quick fleet run down for you, 3 x 172SP (2000, 2002 and 2004 models) 2 x 152, 2 x 182 1 x 172N and PN68 Partenavia (ME ME-CIR), and x-hired C310R and Navajo AND a few more planes in the pipeline for this year!!!;)
AND possibly the best instructors (knowledge and attitude) in Brissy!!!
www.redcliffeaeroclub.com.au

Cheers
Shane