Jandakot, Western Australia flight school recommendations
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Jandakot, Western Australia flight school recommendations
Hi,
I am new to this forum, so any help/recommendations on finding a 'recommended' flying school at Jandakot, Perth, Western Australia would be greatly appreciated.
I have looked around the schools, trying to do my research as much as I can. So far I have been impressed with Minnovation after speaking with the chief flying instructor and going on a trial flight with the flying school.
To follow on from this, I am not entirely sure why but I then checked out RACWA, again going on a trial flight. Had great experience on the trial flight with a fantastic instructor. Because of this I thought I had made my mind up and later popped into RACWA to sign up. After signing up and requesting the same instructor that I had for my trial flight I was then advised that they would not be available and I would have to have someone else. Typically a young 'just passed their instructors course' flying instructor appears, aviator sunglasses en all.
Now I have read that I had the choice as a student pilot and as a 'customer' to pick and choose who I wanted to instruct me through my PPL and later on to my CPL. But after having a somewhat strange conversation with another senior flying instructor at RACWA whilst signing up, they advised I couldn't shop around so to speak and their rather hardline approach unfortunately put me off RACWA. So leaving me a little surprised, and well it further implanted some hesitation on whether I was learning with the right school in my mind now, typically after I had parted with a few thousand dollars having signed up as well. So all of this has lead me here, to ask this question and hopefully get some much needed advice.
I am now thinking, do I have the right to change flying instructors based on my personal preference, as I know who I would like to have instruct me but concerned that Jandakot and Perth as a whole is such a small place, so wouldn't want to make a bad name for myself as a nuisance having only just started out? In addition am I paying too much anyway with RACWA ($280 per lesson, including briefing) or is this a reasonable amount to pay over at Jandakot?
Again I would greatly appreciate anyones recommendations, previous experiences and advice on how much I should expect to pay for my lessons having just (effective controls) started at the RACWA flying school.
Many thanks,
J
I am new to this forum, so any help/recommendations on finding a 'recommended' flying school at Jandakot, Perth, Western Australia would be greatly appreciated.
I have looked around the schools, trying to do my research as much as I can. So far I have been impressed with Minnovation after speaking with the chief flying instructor and going on a trial flight with the flying school.
To follow on from this, I am not entirely sure why but I then checked out RACWA, again going on a trial flight. Had great experience on the trial flight with a fantastic instructor. Because of this I thought I had made my mind up and later popped into RACWA to sign up. After signing up and requesting the same instructor that I had for my trial flight I was then advised that they would not be available and I would have to have someone else. Typically a young 'just passed their instructors course' flying instructor appears, aviator sunglasses en all.
Now I have read that I had the choice as a student pilot and as a 'customer' to pick and choose who I wanted to instruct me through my PPL and later on to my CPL. But after having a somewhat strange conversation with another senior flying instructor at RACWA whilst signing up, they advised I couldn't shop around so to speak and their rather hardline approach unfortunately put me off RACWA. So leaving me a little surprised, and well it further implanted some hesitation on whether I was learning with the right school in my mind now, typically after I had parted with a few thousand dollars having signed up as well. So all of this has lead me here, to ask this question and hopefully get some much needed advice.
I am now thinking, do I have the right to change flying instructors based on my personal preference, as I know who I would like to have instruct me but concerned that Jandakot and Perth as a whole is such a small place, so wouldn't want to make a bad name for myself as a nuisance having only just started out? In addition am I paying too much anyway with RACWA ($280 per lesson, including briefing) or is this a reasonable amount to pay over at Jandakot?
Again I would greatly appreciate anyones recommendations, previous experiences and advice on how much I should expect to pay for my lessons having just (effective controls) started at the RACWA flying school.
Many thanks,
J
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Hi Jam,
You absolutely have the right to request another instructor. I know a mate of mine did that at RACWA because he didn't like the one he had at the time and I think I went through about four different instructors during my time there (not because I didn't like them, just because that how things panned out). My gf actually changed flying schools because she wasn't happy about how things were going.
In terms of price, its pretty standard across Jandakot. The only thing I'd tell you to be careful of is that, from what I've seen, RACWA tend to take more time to do things than other flying schools. For example you might take 75 hours to get your PPL at RACWA, at Minovation you might take 65.
I moved from RACWA to Minovation and I do not regret it at all. They give a really high standard of training and you can hire an aircraft an instructor whenever you want. Coming from RACWA where it was a struggle to get both at the same time it was really good, so now I can fly whenever I want. Piper's too! They're very nice.
Not to say RACWA won't get the job done, which in the end they will. Anywhere you go you are going to get the same thing, despite everyine telling you they are better than the last school.
You absolutely have the right to request another instructor. I know a mate of mine did that at RACWA because he didn't like the one he had at the time and I think I went through about four different instructors during my time there (not because I didn't like them, just because that how things panned out). My gf actually changed flying schools because she wasn't happy about how things were going.
In terms of price, its pretty standard across Jandakot. The only thing I'd tell you to be careful of is that, from what I've seen, RACWA tend to take more time to do things than other flying schools. For example you might take 75 hours to get your PPL at RACWA, at Minovation you might take 65.
I moved from RACWA to Minovation and I do not regret it at all. They give a really high standard of training and you can hire an aircraft an instructor whenever you want. Coming from RACWA where it was a struggle to get both at the same time it was really good, so now I can fly whenever I want. Piper's too! They're very nice.
Not to say RACWA won't get the job done, which in the end they will. Anywhere you go you are going to get the same thing, despite everyine telling you they are better than the last school.
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typically after I had parted with a few thousand dollars having signed up as well.
Rule no. 1. General rule everywhere not a reflection on the schools mentioned.
Never pay for flying up front. You are an unsecured creditor if the poo hits the fan. If they offer a discount for payment in advance be very wary. Many many threads on this forum on this very topic, many students losing life savings.
Some places may ask for a small booking deposit to protect them from tyre kickers, competitors stirring trouble and no-shows which is fair enough. Otherwise just pay as you go.
Good luck
Rule no. 1. General rule everywhere not a reflection on the schools mentioned.
Never pay for flying up front. You are an unsecured creditor if the poo hits the fan. If they offer a discount for payment in advance be very wary. Many many threads on this forum on this very topic, many students losing life savings.
Some places may ask for a small booking deposit to protect them from tyre kickers, competitors stirring trouble and no-shows which is fair enough. Otherwise just pay as you go.
Good luck
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Jamliner,
You mention that you parted with thousands of dollars upfront? Did you purchase lesson packs, intending to be a private student or have you enrolled in the WAAC CPL course? Just looking for all the correct information, lest people get the wrong idea and provide incorrect advice.
You can certainly request a different instructor if you have a prefernce (and the young instructor might be more suited to you than the elder, it really does depend on style and how you work together, so don't pre-judge). You do need to be aware of the fact that RACWA/ WAAC (depending on what you signed up for) is a business and they do have instructors that probably have a maximum up take of students - meaning that for the time being they can't take on further students. This doesn't preclude them from be able take on trial flights. I'm sure this is the same at other schools, although they are likely to be smaller than RACWA so it may not be as frequent.
Personally, the quality of the instruction is paramount - not the aircraft, nor the ops staff (although both add to your total experience). Remember you could get a grumpy, non-motivating instructor at a smaller provider - and then have no option to swap due to size. So think carefully. Whilst flying with 5 different instructors would probably be detrimental to your training, especially early on, having different instructors can also assist you.
You mention that you parted with thousands of dollars upfront? Did you purchase lesson packs, intending to be a private student or have you enrolled in the WAAC CPL course? Just looking for all the correct information, lest people get the wrong idea and provide incorrect advice.
You can certainly request a different instructor if you have a prefernce (and the young instructor might be more suited to you than the elder, it really does depend on style and how you work together, so don't pre-judge). You do need to be aware of the fact that RACWA/ WAAC (depending on what you signed up for) is a business and they do have instructors that probably have a maximum up take of students - meaning that for the time being they can't take on further students. This doesn't preclude them from be able take on trial flights. I'm sure this is the same at other schools, although they are likely to be smaller than RACWA so it may not be as frequent.
Personally, the quality of the instruction is paramount - not the aircraft, nor the ops staff (although both add to your total experience). Remember you could get a grumpy, non-motivating instructor at a smaller provider - and then have no option to swap due to size. So think carefully. Whilst flying with 5 different instructors would probably be detrimental to your training, especially early on, having different instructors can also assist you.
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Many many thanks for the responses guys. Your time is greatly appreciated in providing your comments to my initial question, it certainly helps a 'newbie' like me understand the workings of a flying school and further help with much needed direction.
In response, yes I had signed up to a block of lessons or a 'pack' as RACWA sell it. So I think I will continue with my current instructor, giving them the chance to see how we both get on working together and then once my block of lessons has finished, review how (we) I have done.
Another point made and again in response to one of your comments. I am aware of the amount of lessons I have been advised one would complete a PPL in, having signed up to the CPL course myself. I work full time so very fortunate to fund my expensive interest/'new career ambitions' but with a family on the way (my first) my disposable income is bound to change thus I am growing wary of the number of lessons 'required' to complete my PPL. Ideally a fast track option would be suitable, as I see myself as a fast learner but I imagine regulations/experience is something you cannot skip, which is totally understandable working within a highly professional and safety important industry. I am one not to take short cuts (just to make that point clear), but it is also a fine line distinguishing between a short cut and a flying schools method to drag out lessons to make more money (again in relation to the number of flying hours comment made at RACWA compared to Minnovation). So I guess I am trying to suss that one out, and who is honest in providing a the fastest, legit route to achieving CPL qualification.
Many thanks again,
In response, yes I had signed up to a block of lessons or a 'pack' as RACWA sell it. So I think I will continue with my current instructor, giving them the chance to see how we both get on working together and then once my block of lessons has finished, review how (we) I have done.
Another point made and again in response to one of your comments. I am aware of the amount of lessons I have been advised one would complete a PPL in, having signed up to the CPL course myself. I work full time so very fortunate to fund my expensive interest/'new career ambitions' but with a family on the way (my first) my disposable income is bound to change thus I am growing wary of the number of lessons 'required' to complete my PPL. Ideally a fast track option would be suitable, as I see myself as a fast learner but I imagine regulations/experience is something you cannot skip, which is totally understandable working within a highly professional and safety important industry. I am one not to take short cuts (just to make that point clear), but it is also a fine line distinguishing between a short cut and a flying schools method to drag out lessons to make more money (again in relation to the number of flying hours comment made at RACWA compared to Minnovation). So I guess I am trying to suss that one out, and who is honest in providing a the fastest, legit route to achieving CPL qualification.
Many thanks again,
...do you want a CPL or do you want to actually be able to get a job in the industry? Integrated courses don't deliver the minimum command hours or skills required for most start-up jobs. Saving 10% on GST won't help you if you can't get a job at the end of it!
150 hours is the MINIMUM.
150 hours is the MINIMUM.
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Best way to save money is to do preparation before a lesson.
At the end of each lesson ask the instructor what you will be doing next. Next job is to hit the textbooks. Both the theory and flying training manual. be pro active. If you have stated lessons you should have read the BAK book at least once. You don't need to understand it all at the moment but be aware.
Get the checklists for the aircraft you are flying, start getting used to the layout. Get an understanding of the radio calls.
This will save you a fortune!
Get your asic and medical done
At the end of each lesson ask the instructor what you will be doing next. Next job is to hit the textbooks. Both the theory and flying training manual. be pro active. If you have stated lessons you should have read the BAK book at least once. You don't need to understand it all at the moment but be aware.
Get the checklists for the aircraft you are flying, start getting used to the layout. Get an understanding of the radio calls.
This will save you a fortune!
Get your asic and medical done
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Thanks for the responses once again. To answer your comments - @ClareProp - Yes I would like get a CPL for the purpose of working. @Aussiefan - I am already working hard on the theory side of things. Having read the BAK cover to cover. Fortunately RACWA provide course notes and guides on lesson structure so at least I know what to expect and what to study/plan for on my upcoming lessons.
thanks,
J
thanks,
J
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Good choice of flying schools. If you really want to benefit from RACWA participate in some of their events; two reasons it gives you some cheap flying and it also can network you to some useful people who can give you a leg up career wise.
Each instructor has something to offer so dont be shy to talk to them and ask questions, even the CFI and "The JD" are very approachable and have a love of aviation.
Good luck with your training and maybe we can catch up and go for a fly
Each instructor has something to offer so dont be shy to talk to them and ask questions, even the CFI and "The JD" are very approachable and have a love of aviation.
Good luck with your training and maybe we can catch up and go for a fly
