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.

Was that Basair or Sydney Flight College?

One is owned by the other. Same chief pilot.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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.

Diffractd,

Diplomas make 0 difference, there is very little difference between diploma courses and just doing a CPL other than paperwork.

maxgrad and mcgrath50,

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

Cheers

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!!!!

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

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!

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.

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!!!

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.

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?

Basair and Sydney Aviators are the same business but in different buildings, with different branding.

I am not close to them but from afar they seem solid enough, no worse than any other school. The bad reputation they had at one time was mostly due to incidents during the Indian training boom.

I suggest they have worked very hard since then to repair the damage and earn their good reputation back. I would no longer try to talk you out of using Basair/SydAviators. :ok:

For what it's worth my preferred school in the Sydney Basin is Curtis Aviation; far more "bush pilot" oriented than "airline pilot" oriented and probably better for the GA phase of your career.

Best of luck.

Flight Schools
 

Hi guys.
As you might noticed, I'm new here.
I decided to register myself in this forum in order to get some more info about flight schools in the Sydney area.
I'm Portuguese and I intend to take this to the ultimate level. From zero to the ATPL. :O
I've done some research already and the schools that seemed to be reasonably good are the Basair, PFS, Sydney Aviators.
I'm preparing myself to go "in loco" and have a clearer idea of this schools and what they can offer to me but I'd like to have some feedback from you guys. I'm asking for your wise advices. :ok:
Cheers

Newbie Total time
 

Hi everyone,

I read on one of the threads that operators will consider a potential applicant's total training time to determine how easily the individual learnt the basic skills.
As a recently qualified CPL holder with significantly more hours than the required minimum,will this ruin my chances of getting a charter job?
I had lengthily breaks during my training( over four years)between PPL and CPL and needed a lot of remedial training after resuming.
Any advice is highly appreciated

Hi, everyone!
I'm a newcomer in this forum.I would like to get the license from 0 to frozen ATPL in Aus.I've researched many of flying schools but nearly all of them only provide PPL and CPL.The only one that I found is AFTC which is under Flight Training Adelaide.And here's my questions:
1.How's the reputation of AFTC?Is it good?
2.If not,any recommendation of flying schools in Aus that can obtain ATPL with good reputation?(New Zealand is also an option for me).
Thankyou guys,really appreciated ;)

Airline Pilot
 

Hi,
I'm nineteen years old, and my dream is to become an airline pilot (I've just finished secondary school).
Surfing the Internet I understand that there is need for money to become an airline pilot, then in Italy is difficult to achieve this goal.
I hope someone writes me all about the licenses, price and convenient locations (I know what is PPL, CPL, Atpl... But I want to know much more about all, like what is Type Rating and Line Training, the possibility to find work and the problem of the language for me).
Thank so much

Resume Advice to Newbys
 

Good morning guys n gals:


To drag this thread back onto Advice for Newby's, it's pretty interesting watching the CP's blood pressure rise at the moment.


A lot of resumes are now coming across the desk which state MEA, SEA, and total time, and that's about it.


While this complies with Part 61, it is utterly useless to a CP trying to sift through the 50 resumes (and that's just from this week). To help your resume climb to the top of the pile, please specify your hours on each aircraft type (ie C182, C206, C210 - etc).


While CASA may accept 400 TT SEA, the insurance company will not. Insurance companies always require total time, on type (and type is make & model specific. One of the guys who has just joined us has 1500 hours (500 multi), and yet still needs to do 10 hours ICUS on a C206 to meet the insurance requirements).


So do yourself a favour, take a minute to specify it in your resume, and help yours stand out from the pack.

Search for Flight School
 

Dear OZ Pilots,

I'm holding an FAA CPL/IR ME/SE license and like to convert it in a FULL stand allone AUS CPL/IR ME/SE license.

I already have the CASA forms and know what to do next, but I have no clue which flight school I should take... there are so many of it around Australia and hope you could give me some recommendations.

I guess the flight school has to be "certified" for license convertion.
After that I look forward to get training in more or less modern glass cockpits.
I don't care about location of the flight school, I am pretty flexible!

Thank you in advance for your support! :ok:
Regards,
Martial

Gold Coast Flying Schools
 

Hey guys,

I am looking to get my CPL, but very confused about available flying schools, don't know where to go and what to avoid.

1 - I am Gold Coast based at the moment, I have visited all 3 flying schools on the Gold Coast;

- Airways Aviation (Most Impressive to me for some reason)
- Air Gold Coast
- Australian Wings Academy (Most Expensive one)

If anyone can help me choosing the best one please.

2 - I will be around 35 when I am gonna finish my school, wondering is it too late?

3 - I know after CPL I have to move to NT eventually, so is there anyway instead of moving after getting CPL I move now and get my CPL in NT? Will it be a wiser decision?

4 - Why few schools are way expensive than others? Does it make any difference at the end when you hunting for job?


Thanks.

1. If you read the forum conditions you'll see that an admin will probably remove this portion...

2. Not too late at all, though will probably require more sacrifice on your and who ever will follow you on your journey (partner, kids etc) than say if you were a 20 year old.

3. the NT is most definitely not the only place to get your first gig, regional WA and regional SA are also quite common places for people to get their first charter gig. There are of course some that have had their first gig in other states, but the above mentioned are your most likely candidates.

IRT doing your training in Darwin, well there really isn't much in the way of flight training up here, though I have heard of some schools starting up. (Someone more in the know might be able to elaborate in this for you). It may help you network, but given the history of flight training in Darwin and the lack of longevity of the schools, mixed in with the rather expensive cost of living I'd think twice about it. Unless of course you have a good job up here to supplement this.

4. The school you do your training with doesn't usually have much of a weighing with operators. I'd suggest you stay away from anyone training "airline cadets" or large number of foreigners. Read some of the other threads on what you really should be looking for and asking.

One thing I would add to "what to ask" list, is what the flying schools limitations are for weather. It's surprising to see how many people you see now a days that haven't experienced more than a 5-8kt x-wind as the flying school didn't allow it and have never flown when the weather was marginal. Of course I'm not saying go for a school that has a cavalier attitude to weather, rather a school that teaches you how to properly evaluate weather in a commercial sense (read: learn how to fly when it's not CAVOK legally!). This is invaluable when doing VFR charter "up north".

Thanks mate, I appreciate your comment. I was bit worried about being 35 I had people saying to me that its bit late.
Actually I am in contact with few schools down in adelaide, but again its a tough decision to choose the right place, I will definitely go through other threads to get to the right place.
I am hoping few more comments on this thread about available options on the Gold Coast so I spend my hard earned money for the best training.

Cheers

Sabri,

If you're interested in looking at training options in Darwin - get in touch with me via Private Message.

Flight schools near Brisbane
 

Hi there,

I total beginner looking for the right flight school to kickstart a potential career in aviation.

Schools in Redcliffe (North of Brisbane) are best suited to where I live. I have read Redcliffe Aero Club is a good school with good money value and instructors but these were posts and comments from a few years back.

Can anyone share any insights about which is school is good in the region; things that are important to look out for when choosing a flight school. Basically any tips would be appreciated.

:rolleyes::):ok:

Brisbane Flying Schools - Northside
 

You also have Air Queensland at Redcliffe, operating Tecnam P2008(RAAUS), PA38, C172, PN68 and PA31.

If you want to start in RAAUS you also have Fly Now Redcliffe operating Tecnam P92, CTLS and a Sportstar.

Further north at Caboolture you have Aerodynamic Flight operating C172. RAAUS schools there are Gofly, operating Sling 2's, Tecnam Echo and TC550. They also have a school at Calaroundra with a Sling 2 up there and they have a deal with some GA school and also offer PA38 and a C172RG.

You also have Caboolture Recreational Aviation operating Foxbat's and Jabiru's (think they are trying to sell them).

Calaroundra also has Inspire aviation with TC550 and CTLS, QAS operating C172.

Go further north to Sunshine Coast Airport you will find Flight Options operating Cessna's and the Aeroclub operating Foxbat, Sling and a Robin 2160.

Musan

I can't comment on the other schools at redcliffe but have certainly been happy with my time there doing Instrument renewals and additional approach training

Sabri

I got my first job at 38, anything is possible, feel free to PM for a chat about being a more senior fresh CPL

Hi Musan, I did my training at Redcliffe Aero Club and private hire out of there now. Great club, well maintained modern (2000+) fleet of C172, good facilities and friendly bunch of people. Ring up and make an appointment to drop in and talk to them, or do it while doing a trial flight there.

BPA, hillbillybob, gchriste

Thanks guys! It's great to find nice people sharing their knowledge, experience and suggestions here. I will definitely drop in to RAC and check it out after this holidays break.

I am currently reading a book named VFR(DAY) STUDY GUIDE on basic aeronautical knowledge. I am hoping to finish the book before starting my RPL in Feb/Mar when there is less rain and clouds.

Should I go for a trial flight first or is it ok to jump straight into actual flying lessons?

Go for the trial flight - it's cheaper!

The instructor will use it to demonstrate to you the effect of controls (and let you do it too), so it will be a lesson anyway (including briefing/debriefing).

Alternatively, they are one in the same. If you opt for a one hour TIF, generally it is actually your first lesson (if you carry on) as they will cover the effects of controls, while letting you fly the plane. Certainly how I did mine.

0 to CPL vs 0 to PPL to CPL
 

Aside from the obvious fact that you can't take family and friends up for flights if you've chosen to forgo the PPL checkpoint (which is fine with me), are there any other major disadvantages or things to lookout for with courses that take you from 0 through to CPL + MECIR + fATPL? Looking at some of the new Fee-help courses at FTA which now bypass the PPL flight test.

Input from instructors and pilots who've undergone the above appreciated.

Plus, if you get your PPL (or RPL even) you can build GF, nav (not with RPL obviously) and PIC hours that will count towards your CPL in a mate's aircraft, or one you can access a bit cheaper than paying the flying school.

Not so much an issue if you're going to go straight through, but if you take a break or run out of money partway through, it's a consideration.

Fee help and all that is OK, but you'll have to pay it back one day anyhow, so if you can get some cheap hours on the way through that's not a bad thing.

(PS GFPT has gone the way of the dodo with Part 61, now a flight test for an RPL, but once licenced you don't need flying school supervision, can sign your own MR etc.)