Aviation Career Advice
 

Hi all,

I am a year 10 student and wish to become a pilot. Currently, I have taken 2 flying lessons and have absolutely loved it. Would you guys recommend I get a CPL straight after I finish school and become a pilot the traditional way or go through a cadetship?

Any help appreciated.

I’d advise talking to some Flight Instructors or CFIs at your local Aero Club for some advice. First see if you can get the medical done before committing.

Cadetships are super competitive and financially draining and not highly regarded on this forum going off discussion in the other forum. Traditional way is Flight Instructing then into Charter, Bush, Props, Regional, Airline.

Definitely agreed with PoppaJo - get that class 1 medical ticked off.

Knowing there's a negative stigma attached to cadets is something to be aware of, but not something that should sway your decision.

Some Check & Trainers prefer teaching and upgrading cadets.

With a cadetship you slot into a system and it's all laid out for you. In G.A you are your own system, so you create your own opportunity.

With a cadetship contract you'll (generally) have all your costs and income laid out in front of you, all the way to an FO's and perhaps Captain's seat, so you can add and subtract numbers to come up with some rough final figures. In G.A. you can only do that retrospectively, aside from initial training costs.

Hope that helps.

If you love flying, maybe GA? Lots of flying with your hands and feet compared to a Cadetship.
However GA is rough as guts at times.

You're right about being super competitive, they only take the top fraction of applicants, but you'll have zero chance of you never apply for one.

As far as financially draining? They do cost a percentage more than a standard CPL but that might be covered by HECS. Overall you'll make more within over the course of a career (in fact within a few years I'd say) due to higher seniority and the ability to move onto larger aircraft and higher pay quicker.

Luckily the combined weight of most of Australia's airlines that employ cadets overrule some anonymous posters on an internet forum. The fact is most airlines have current or past cadet programs, employ cadets and will continue to do so in the future. Moaning that they exist to take jobs that GA pilots are supposedly entitled to isn't going to make them go away.

Australia, NZ or the US for CPL training to airline career
 

Hi all, Im new here - thanks for having me. I'm hoping for some educated advice should you all be so kind as to read my novel here....:8

Here the scope... My wife and I are unsure where to start out with my career changing to aviation.... It is my goal to work for an airline and fly a jet. Please don't take my assumptions or semi educated guesses below as arrogance, we all need something to work towards and I believe in having a clear goal of where you want to be. I understand it is a huge commitment and a culling procedure, only the most committed and lucky too make it:ok:.

I'm a New Zealand citizen, 30 years old, married to a US citizen, living in NZ. I have a Oil and Gas career already, it pays well and is stable, but it doesn't fill the soul. I hold a New Zealand CAA (civil aviation authority of NZ) PPL and I have 100 hours TT. I have 3/6 CPL exams completed all with +90% results. I woke up at 5am every day to study before work and sell studied the lot so far. My wife is open to living in NZ, Australia or moving back to the US.

Here are the options - that we know of:

1.Move to the US (my wife's home) mid 2018 (green card required - about 9 months process time. Undertake training to complete all certification including MEIR instructor at ATP flight school in the 6 month fast track Airline Preparation Course. Current zero to working for a regional is 2 years (18 months of instructing). I have a lot more info and have poured over forums for days to make sure there wasn't a typo, yes 6 months and this is the largest training fleet in the US. Cost $65k USD.
:ok:Upside: training is very fast, straight to Jet fleets, jobs a plenty (apparently), very nice family in the US, the wife would get to be with family (we want to start one soon too). It would be one heck of an adventure
:ouch:Downside, Its a long long way home and a major cost. To get to a US major airline you need a bachelors degree, so would need to complete one part time (licences cross credit around 25% of the course). Add $50k USD and a lot of study in hotels, so takes total cost to $115k USD.

2. Remain in NZ (my home), finish up work, find a full-time course to finish my CPL studies (3 exams to go) then instrument, MEIR, instructors ratings etc. Cost, likely around $100k NZD through Christchurch Av institute or similar or maybe go to a Mom and Dad school and pay less? Total time, 18 months to 2 years...
:ok:Upside: I'm halfway there with the CPL studies already. I know the CAA system. I'd love to end up working for the countries airline, or even just flying for an airline here in NZ. I have NZ Electrical licences and could work part time if I had to to support if things were slower than expected.
:ouch:Downside: The weather.... Shocking winter in the lower North... The aviation job market here is barren from what i read and am constantly told. I'm afraid of making such a big commitment and nothing coming of it in NZ.

3. Sell up and move to QLD Australia. We were there last week and visited Airways Aviation in the gold coast, took a trial flight (although I have a PPL already) out of the GC airport. Plan would be to get the PPL converted and train with Airways Aviation for Diploma CPL and Diploma IR. They have a program with SC University which allows you to credit your flying licenses completed with them as 1/3rd of a Bachelor of Business in Aviation. I would need to find an instructors course and finish that (perhaps 1 hour north in Brisbane). Total time 18 months to 2 years training. Cost is roughly $125k AUD including the degree.
:ok:Upside: I read that the Australian airlines are much nicer to work for than the US airlines and feel if i were lucky enough to get on with a company such as VA then there would actually be a chance of using the benefits of getting my wife up to the US to see her family (the US benefits are harder to use since the planes are jammed packed full nowadays). We love the climate in QLD, we love the beach and surfing.
:ouch: Downside: I'm really unsure as to how hard the job market is, people say its bad to get started in Australia - is that still the case with the booming Asian aviation market? We would both be orphans (no family in Aus). We do have friends in the sunshine coast.

I think long term it would be better to aim for the NZ or Australian airline. However it takes a long time to get a start down here compared to the US at the moment.

Can anyone give me some help please?

Thanks a lot if you made it this far! :D

Do it in AUS

Thanks! Any reasons?

Thanks for reading my novel.. Yeah I wondered if they would be interested.... that is definitely the best way to build experience - and fast... Thanks for the advice.

Flying School
 

Hello
I am looking for a flying school in Melbourne. I am seeing an instructor from InterAir at Essendon. Just wondering does anyone know about Melton Flying School? Are they any good and does anyone know the Grade of instructor there?

Melton Flying School
 

Hi all


Does anyone know about Melton Flying School? Is it any good? How qualified is the instructor? Any more info anyone has would be appreciated

Drive down and make your own assessment. CFI is very experienced and has been instructing for years. Don't expect the CFI or anyone else there to be wearing a white pilot's shirt with bars, wings and all the rest of the glitter.

Great environment to learn in and I'm pretty sure they are still the cheapest GA flying school within the Melbourne basin.

Not sure if they can do IFR ratings, however they will be able to get you through to a CPL and a NVFR.

If it’s the same instructor as the one who was there in the early 2000’s then he’s very well qualified. He was the LAME, charter pilot, instructor, CFI, refueller, aerodrome operator all at the same time.

PPL to CPL Hours, options, A/C type and Study
 

PPL to CPL Hours, options, A/C type and Study
Hello, ive looked and found varying questions that answer some but not all of my current queries:

1. PPL to CPL integrated hours:you require 150 hours, what aircraft types must you use for CPL hours. So I believe you must have a design feature required for CPL, is that just for the test or for all hours beyond PPL attainment? (cannot locate the regulations for this)
Multi engine and IFR. Anyone have a current cost for this post obtaining CPL in a single eng aircraft?

2. Any experiences of people doing an integrated FEE help program or HECS PPL to CPL in relation to program cost, and theory study through say TAFE. I have heard that much of the TAFE content is given by older tutors who are out of touch with the current industry and the CPL/ATPL exams. Is this the case, any opinions appreciated.

IFR or NVFR that is the question?
 

Hi all


Is it really worth getting a NVFR rating. There are more limitations on this rating than a full IF rating. It is true that you have to pass the dreaded IREX exam and get more formal training than NVFR but it would be better over the long run, don't you think?:cool:

Thank you for the information, so what I believe is you could hire a plane maybe at best mates rate (VH registered I would use) then get a Grade 3 or 2 instructor and complete the required training, hour build and then pay for an approved testing instructor for the CPL flight test, once all exams and prac flying are complete?. I have already passed one of the CPL subjects studying myself at home using bob taits, so I am thinking I could keep my job, not run up a huge HECS bill and like you said do it as you go. Schools want 65-75k for PPL-CPL that only includes at the end a 182 or 206 endorsement, still VFR single. why would I pay that crazy amount.

You will have to do 200 hours instead of the 150 with an integrated course but you will find very few (if any) places who will hire someone with 150 hours.

What you've said is basically correct, though I'd recommend you try and mix in dual and command time through the whole process instead of getting to the required 100 hours in command and finding an instructor to prepare you for the test, you'll learn and retain more. It's also worth considering doing some spinning/aerobatics or a tailwheel endorsement with an experienced instructor as an alternative to doing long dual navs or bashing around the circuit in a typical 172/PA28 and learning very little.

Careful what you write on Pprune as CASA read these pages too and might even drive out to have a look at the clapped out Warriors. As long as the maintenance release has no reported defects on the aeroplane (ops normal at most flying schools) then they must be 100% serviceable (in theory, anyway) and safe to fly..:E

Judd, that's a post from 2009 you're quoting. :p

Australia vs US
 

Someone here have experience flying/Training in the US?

PPL Flight Review SA
 

Morning All,

I am in need of advice on a flight review. Seems the schools in South Australia are thinning out.Who does one use for a PPL flight review. I live in country SA so means a drive down to the big smoke. Any outstanding Flight schools that people can recommend. Cheers all.

PM'd you mate

I have had good results from Aerostar, at Parafield.

Another option is the mob at Aldinga.

Teenage Pilot Help
 

Hi all,

In a few days, I will be 16 and start year 11 next year. I have currently taken 7 hours of flying and love it. I have no doubt I want to be a commercial pilot.

Please advise me how I can achieve this whether it be through a cadetship or private training or the airforce.

Also is there a way I can get a CPL whilst still studying? Preferably through a HECS Loan.

Any advice is much appreciated!!!

The first step is easy
Concentrate on achieving your best scholastic result in year 11/12
If you achieve the preferred result including Maths / Science you can pick your pathway

The first step is easy...
It's using the Search function on PPRuNe!

There are many pathways to becoming a professional pilot, and many thousands have gone before you.

Are you flying GA or RAAus?

The latter has some scholarships to encourage young ab initio pilots and you can convert to PPL once you get your pilot certificate.

The AWPA also provides scholarships (mostly for women) but they like you to have your basic qualification first and will help with endorsements such as CS, TW, R, and aerobatics.

I have a young friend who is Captain on a SAAB. He did his PPL privately but then got a Cadetship with REX. Got an Instructor rating teaching other young pilots to fly with them and is left hand seat at 30. Make an appointment to speak to the team at Wagga and see what they have to say.

But do those studies - maths and sciences - and get stuck into studying for your PPL exams, too if you haven't got enough to to do.

Kaz

Basair Quality
 

Hey,

I have recently graduated high school, and now am looking towards obtaining my CPL and other appropriate ratings.

Living in Western Australia my access to government loans in limited to 1 school in my city, which I know is a poorly run operation, and would like to avoid.

I have begun to search east, and found a few schools, the largest being Basair. Providing what I need, with the option of cheap accommodation on campus in Archerfield.

Looking online, I have seen negative reviews around Basair, focusing on the poor quality of aircraft and training. But these date back to 2008 and nobody seems to of commented on it in recent years.

Does anybody have any comment on Basair in recent years? Any body gone through their program or know somebody who has?

On top of that, does anybody have any recomendations for flight schools that have a VET-FEE approved program available?

Thanks,
K


Your thread does not belong in our news forum.

We don't encourage questions such as: "Does anybody have any comment on Basair in recent years?" which usually lead to defamatory and inappropriate comments.

To each their own. A flying school perfect for one student may not suit another. It is also a matter of personal assessment which only you can do.

Are you sure there are no "good" flying schools in WA? I know of at least one that has an excellent reputation for no nonsense learning.

Tail Wheel
Moderator

Continuing Training in US after acquiring an Australian PPL
 

Hey everyone, I currently hold an Australian PPL with a total of 100+ hours (excluding sim). I am now planning to continue my training in the US with Aerosim Academy (which is now known as L3 Commercial Training Solutions Airline Academy). I spoke to them earlier and they recommended the Professional Pilot Program for International Students and also that I should come there on a F1 Visa, which apparently give the opportunity to opt for OPT after training and most likely become an Instructor with the Academy after I finish training. I would really appreciate some help here guys. Anything at all would be appreciated.

Also, I would like to know the job opportunities in the US for International Students (I know there are no chances with the airlines until I don't have a greencard, and besides I need 1500 hours anyways to join them which I won't have) I'm willing to relocate anywhere.


PS, I know I am posting in the Pacific Region's Forums, but there are many viewers here who will definitely have some or a lot of experience. I thank you for your help:ok::D

VET-FEE funding stopped on 31 Dec 2016.

If you are wanting taxpayers to fund your flying training then you will be very limited indeed on where you can train.

And was replaced with a near identical system. Found this on a government brochure...

FEE-HELP limit: The maximum amount of VET Student Loans, VET FEE-HELP and FEE-HELP, you can
use over your lifetime. The FEE-HELP limit is indexed annually on 1 January. The current FEE-HELP
limit for 2017 is $100,879 for most students.

Taxpayers are still a valid option.

Yes but still limits your choices considerably.

HELP! Choosing a Flight School in US!
 

I need some help, any help!! I currently hold an Australian PPL with 120+ hours of Total Aeronautical Experience and wanted to continue my training in the US on a F1 Visa as I had a terrible experience there. I am an Indian National and there are literally no jobs in India, the market apparently has always been unstable (Source: Pilots from different Indian Airlines). Frankly I'm quite tempted with the schools in the US offering F1 Visa with the chances of being hired as a flight instructor and if not I can always opt for OPT/CPT (I would really appreciate some more info on how it works) and fly for a charter company etc (from what I can tell after scouring the internet)

I did some research and found out some schools that offer F1 Visa and also may hire me as a Flight Instructor after completing my training:
1) L3 Commercial Training Solutions Airline Academy (Their Professional Pilot Program)
2) Hillsboro Academy (I cannot find any reviews on the net)
3) Aerocadet (But I have heard a lot of negative reviews and also about the famous fraudster Robert Weaver atleast that's what I see on the internet)
4) Phoenix Flight Academy (Again I have heard nothing but negative reviews)
5) Miami Flight Centre (Again don't know anything about it)
6) SAA International (I'll opt the Instructor Internship Program)

If there are any other schools out there that you recommend please let me know. Also since I have been robbed at my previous academy I'm running a bit tight on the money side of things as well, but have enough to get the best training because I'm tired of being a victim of FRAUD ACADEMIES. PM ME TO FIND OUT THE NAME OF MY PREVIOUS FLIGHT ACADEMY!:mad:

Flying schools recommendations - Melbourne
 

Hi everyone,

I have a PPL with nearly 200 hours but have not flown for 10+ years so looking for a flying school in Melbourne to do some refresher training and then be get ready for a bi-annual.

As I live in Brunswick, I don't want to drive to Moorabbin (which I have always found to crowded) anyway.

Previously I flew from Essendon and did circuits at Point Cook and Baachus Marsh.

Looking for a school that has low wing aircraft either in Essendon, Point Cook or Baachus Marsh and somewhere where they won't want to teach me absolutely everything all over again to re-gain my currency.

I know there is TVSA in Baachus Marsh but the instructors there look quite young and I am worried they will only want to reteach me based on their way.

Point Cook seems to cater more for RMIT students, and in Essendon I could only find Flight Academy Australia as having low wing aircraft.

At worst case scenario I may drive out to Lilydale but it's a fair way from Brunswick.

Can someone make some recommendations?

Clear skies,

John K.

I did a revue at TVSA and they were fine. Didnt try to "teach" me anything I already knew. The instructor was young but he was also polite and helpful.

No complaints here.

Maybe after 10 years away from flying, I wouldn’t be dictating to instructors and Flying Schools as to what I needed to get up to speed?
I would be taking onboard everything offered!

Tips & Advices for future Flying Career
 

Hi everyone,

I really need to hear some opinion regarding pathways to take in undertaking my career in aviation. I am currently studying my PPL course in Manila, Philippines but I have a long term goal of migrating soon to Australia and convert my license after getting relevant work experiences/flight hours in my hometown.

Some people have told me to just get straight flight training in Australia as an international student but some also have told me to continue my training in the Philippines (so I could get experience and in terms of costs, its lesser). Upon checking the needed steps to have license conversion with CASA, it'll be a lot of work and thus, led me to seek advise from everyone here whether to do it in my hometown or do it in Australia. What are the pros and cons of each option?

A lot may wonder why go through the trouble, but it has ALWAYS been a dream of mine to migrate to Australia and I really want to make it happen with the career I am passionate about - flying/pilot.

I know I still have a long way to go but I would just like to seek help and I know I will be given proper guidance/advice on here.

Looking forward to insightful comments, please.

Thank you! :ok: :)

A Phils pilot license will not assist you migrating to Australia. It is not a skill in demand, we have enough unemployed pilots. You will find self sponsored migration to Australia to be extremely difficult.

Perhaps you should set your sights on completing your pilot qualifications and obtaining employment with a local carrier, for example Cebu Pacific, or an Asian carrier? There is more demand for pilots in Asia, than in Australia.

Any more recommendations on this would be welcomed including recommendations on instructors. Thanks for those who have PM'ed me.

Clear skies.

John K.

just sent you a PM with my recommendations