Australia - FLIGHT TRAINING OPTIONS

[OZvandriver]

Australian Wings Academy (AWA)

Anyone know about the recent dramas at Australian Wings Academy? The CFI left recently (after less than a year) and there have been a number of instructors coming and going.

Would hate to be a student there...

[Pommie Paul]

Hi Everyone,

So glad I have just read all this info. Does anyone know if these problems still exist as the thread is quite old. Also has anyone had much experience with Air Gold Coast, becuase they are small I get the impression that they will be exceptional but perhaps expensive, I dont mind forking out if the quality and future potential is there though.

I have moved hereto the Gold Coast from the UK and now looking to pursue my flight training. I have zero hours and will be having to put myself through the training while working (idea is to work the mines and train when I am home!)

I am extremely dedicated to fulfilling this dream at all costs, and since I am paying for it myself want to ensure I am on the best course with the best people to get me through my training. ALL HINTS AND TIPS WILL BE GRATEFULLY APPRECIATED!!

May also look into the Coffs Harbour School and that over in Perth.

Thanks guys,

[Mac85]

Hi Pommie Paul,

I’m currently completing my CPL on the Gold Coast having completed my PPL interstate. I don’t wish to add fuel to the fire on this thread, so should you have any particular questions about GC flight schools please feel free to PM me.

I, too, am a self-funded student so understand how important (and difficult!) the decision is to find the right flight school. I think the most important thing for you to do is obtain detailed quotes from each school you are considering. Get them to identify the various components of the fee they will charge you for each flight. One flight may include the following fees:

• Aircraft hire

• Instructor’s fee (this is the fee you will pay to have the instructor sitting next to you. Identify if you will pay for time in the air or from engine start to stop. This may make quite a difference. Good news is you won’t have to pay this on solo flights when you are more experienced)

• Landing Fees (different at all airports and higher at GC airport than others)

• Fuel surcharge fees

• Briefing fee (will the school charge you for pre and post flight briefings with your instructor)

Also ask if there are ‘enrolment’, ‘administration’ or even ‘printing and stationary fees’. Specifically requesting details of all of the charges to expect will avoid any hidden surprises and allow you to make an informed decision. I’ve learnt this the hard way.

Always bear in mind that the approximate ‘total’ course fee figure a school gives you is only that, an approximation. Some people take longer to get the hang of it and therefore it costs more.

Also put some thought into whether you wish to do the ground school theory as self-study from home or in a classroom setting. Obviously self study will save you money if you have the time to invest in it. If you plan on doing theory courses, get some feedback from students to see if they found it helpful.

I hope this is of some help to you and all the very best with your flying!

[Nirak]

WAAC in Perth

WAAC in Perth is now owened by Racwa (flying club next door)

You will find more recent info on the "Dunnunda, Godzone & Pacific: DG&P General Aviation & Questions section

[MikeTangoEcho]

Instructor’s fee (this is the fee you will pay to have the instructor sitting next to you.

Hrrmm I think they do a little more than this.. Sit a brand new student next to me and see how far they get.

[Mac85]

Mike Tango Echo,
Apologies if my passing reference to flight instructors seemed flippant and/or inaccurate. I was simply inferring that the nature of the fee is for the time the instructor is seated next to the student whilst giving instruction. In no way did I intend to detract from the very important role flight instructors play in the aviation community. I believe this goes without saying, after all, none of us would be in the air if it weren’t for an instructor teaching us how to fly in the first place.
I must say how disappointed I am with members of this on-line forum who aim to make an ‘issue’ out of simple semantics. Reading these forums it's almost as though people visit just to nit-pick.

[Donegal Dan]

hope this helps

Hi.
I have done my PPL in Redcliffe aero club. not redclife flight training like mentioned above same airfield but different FTO. You should look them up. It is redcliffe (go figure) in Queensland. Great weather, great place.
The aero club is very relaxed and the aircraft are great. They have new models 172sp some with glass cockpit and more. They also got a new 2010 model tecnan p2008. Very cheap to rent. And the instructors are brilliant. I can’t say enough about them. No uniforms, no worries and they don’t rob you blind. You feel the instructors are there to help you. For example on my solo I forgot my watch and one of my instructors turned around and took his off his wrist to give to me.

They have a good range of well maintained aircraft and good courses. I can defiantly recommend them to anyone. You can mail me for more info if ya like.