RPL to PPL via RA-Aus?
Greetings!
I am currently doing my RPL (plan to get it by Xmas this year) in a C152 at YBAF. Thinking ahead, the cost will be much greater than now when I start to progress onto PPL. I am exploring pathways to try to cut down on the cost and eventually still reach PPL, and I am considering to convert my RPL to an RPC with x-country endorsement (or any others that can be recognised/contribute towards PPL). My question is, if I convert my RPL to RPC to cover as much PPL-syllabus contents on an RA-Aus aircraft, and only use a GA aircraft to cover the materials that I can't with RA-Aus, when the time comes I'll do a conversion flight to PPL:
Brendan |
Will it be more cost effective that way? Tips on avoiding double spends:
Or is it more cost effective to just plot along in GA? Also, be smart and keep your ground time to the bare minimum to pinch every minute of flight time out of what you're being actually charged. |
The only thing I would say is, what is your long term goal? If you are working towards a CPL and a job in the industry, all the chopping back and forward may look a little detracting. It may not and I may be speaking out my ar*e, but if I was interviewing, I would be looking for a solid pathway.
However if you just want to get your PPL for the fun of it, work out the costs. I cant help but feel though you may end up spending some extra dollars on conversions and revisions moving between them all that would not be spent just sticking to the PPL stream outright, so may negate some of the benefit. And last thought, flying is bloody expensive, if you are scrimping on the training now, it wont get any better later when you are still paying $300 per hour wet tacho time for rental for fun, |
Originally Posted by Brenchen
(Post 10514483)
Greetings!
I am currently doing my RPL (plan to get it by Xmas this year) in a C152 at YBAF. Thinking ahead, the cost will be much greater than now when I start to progress onto PPL. I am exploring pathways to try to cut down on the cost and eventually still reach PPL, and I am considering to convert my RPL to an RPC with x-country endorsement (or any others that can be recognised/contribute towards PPL). My question is, if I convert my RPL to RPC to cover as much PPL-syllabus contents on an RA-Aus aircraft, and only use a GA aircraft to cover the materials that I can't with RA-Aus, when the time comes I'll do a conversion flight to PPL:
Brendan |
Thanks all for the replies!
I just spent the lunch hour visiting a couple of GA + RAAus flying schools, and what I gathered was it will cost a tad less to go via RA-Aus route (about $2k). However, what I didn't think about, and it is now became a part of my things to consider, is the cost of hiring RA-Aus aircraft will be significantly cheaper than GA. Since my goal is for recreation, I would like to be able to do cross country, and have the ability to take more than one pax on remote trips or scenic flights occasionally, having the appropriate privileges to operator in both RAA and GA is desirable.
Originally Posted by gchriste
(Post 10514520)
And last thought, flying is bloody expensive, if you are scrimping on the training now, it wont get any better later when you are still paying $300 per hour wet tacho time for rental for fun,
|
If you go the RAAus route you will save a few dollars on the hourly rate, to be sure. However.....
.....to validate your RPL you need to do a flight review with an instructor who needs to see you perform all the same manouvers but to PPL standard. If you have changed types to validate your PPL, typically you will not be able to do this on your first flight on the new type. RAAus instructors will tell you it will be "just one flight" or "just a flight review" but when you're starting out you don't really know what that means. Unless you are Chuck Yaeger, you will take 3-5 hours minimum to get used to the VH-registered aircraft. at $300/hour that adds about $1500, which is what you thought you "saved" by going RAAus in the first place. By all means learn to fly RAAus... but go in with your eyes open. |
Originally Posted by Horatio Leafblower
(Post 10514580)
If you go the RAAus route you will save a few dollars on the hourly rate, to be sure. However.....
.....to validate your RPL you need to do a flight review with an instructor who needs to see you perform all the same manouvers but to PPL standard. If you have changed types to validate your PPL, typically you will not be able to do this on your first flight on the new type. RAAus instructors will tell you it will be "just one flight" or "just a flight review" but when you're starting out you don't really know what that means. Unless you are Chuck Yaeger, you will take 3-5 hours minimum to get used to the VH-registered aircraft. at $300/hour that adds about $1500, which is what you thought you "saved" by going RAAus in the first place. By all means learn to fly RAAus... but go in with your eyes open.
|
If you’re intent on doing a CPL then you wouldn’t do a ‘conversion’ of PPL to RPC with endorsements. RPC does not allow you to fly in controlled airspace - you would need to this if you’re considering CPL. My advice would be to finish the RPL, get more solo hours & experience (at a cheaper hire rate: no instructor). At the same time work on completing your PPL exam, it will be a good foundation for the CPL exams. When time & money allows, get your PPL. There are various ways it can be done, the limitation I mostly see from students is the speed at which various students learn. Saving up your money for a block of lessons is the best thing I could have done to progress more quickly. Oh, and go get a Class 1 medical - this May show up unknown issues that can prevent you from obtaining a CPL. Don’t forget to have fun during the journey. |
Thanks for the advice. I don't intend to do CPL or even IR, the most I'd do is probably PPL + night flying as this is purely for recreation. Either way, I suppose your approach would remain valid?
Originally Posted by Stickshift3000
(Post 10514740)
There are various ways it can be done, the limitation I mostly see from students is the speed at which various students learn. Saving up your money for a block of lessons is the best thing I could have done to progress more quickly. |
Yes, then my suggestions above may still suit you (but go for a Class 2 medical if no intention of CP).. I can’t put a figure on the dollars saved if you do lessons in a block. However, I found the early stage is where it would benefit me most regarding retaining muscle memory, knowledge etc. People learn through different means, you’ll need to find the method that best suits you and you’re life position - there’s no wrong answer! |
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