How hard is it getting a Pilots licene? | Interair https://interair.com.au Sun, 27 Apr 2025 03:02:58 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.7 How hard is it getting a Pilots licence? https://interair.com.au/2023/03/how-hard-is-it-getting-a-pilots-licence/ Mon, 13 Mar 2023 11:46:24 +0000 https://interair.com.au/?p=2903

Student Pilot preparing for departure

Getting a pilot license can be a challenging and time consuming process, but it is achievable with dedication and hard work. Many self funded students who juggle a full time job have completed their training with us, this only proves that with persistence and passion anything is achievable.
The steps to getting a pilot licence are outlined below –

  1. You can start flight training quite young but you must be at least 16 years old to go solo. A pass in an aviation english test is required for Australia even if you’ve passed English at the year 12 level.

2. Obtain a medical certificate. You need to obtain a medical certificate from a DAME ( Designated Aviation Medical Examiner ) who is an CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) aviation medical examiner to demonstrate that you are physically fit to fly.

If you are looking at flying recreationally (PPL licence) then all you will need is a Class 2 medical. For those looking at flying for a career (Commercial licence) then a Class 1 medical is required. It’s best to complete a medical early on so you don’t spend a lot of money on training only to find out you have an underlying condition forbidding you from flying.

3. Choose a flying school to conduct your flight training. Find a flight school that offers flight training and enroll in their private or commercial pilot training program.

4. CASA flying syllabus to be completed. The flight training program consists of both ground school and flight instruction. You need to complete a minimum set of flight hours depending on the licence you looking to obtain. Pass the CASA knowledge test. Whether you complete ground school or self study, you need to pass the CASA exam’s. They cover topics such as aircraft systems, regulations, airspace, weather, and navigation.

People often think they need to have a sound knowledge of physics and a higher level of math to get their pilots licence. This is incorrect, basic math and a touch of mechanical thinking is all you need.

Flight Planning for a navigation lesson

5. Pass the CASA practical flight test: Once you have completed flight training and passed the knowledge test, you need to pass a practical test with an CASA-designated examiner. The practical test consists of both oral and flight components.

The process of obtaining a pilot license can be challenging, but it is also a rewarding and fulfilling experience for those who have a passion for flying. The time and cost required to obtain a pilot license can vary depending many factors such as, the type of aircraft, flight school and the individuals learning ability.

Good luck wherever you fly…

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COST OF A RECREATIONAL PILOT LICENCE (RPL)? https://interair.com.au/2020/08/cost-of-a-recreational-pilot-licence-rpl/ Tue, 04 Aug 2020 01:49:26 +0000 https://interair.com.au/?p=846 The cost of a recreational pilot licence really does vary on many factors but you can expect to pay anywhere from $12,000 – $15,000 at a flying school.

Once you have obtained your Recreational Pilot Certificate you are free to conduct solo flights as pilot in command with passengers up to a radius of 50km from your training airport.

RECREATIONAL PILOT LICENCE (RPL)

So how much are flying lessons?

DUAL 25 hrs – $8,387.50

SOLO 5 hrs – $1,182.50

RPL Flight Test Fee – $550.00

Flight Test Aircraft Hire 1.8 hours – $425.70

CASA RPL Processing Fee – $50.00

Total – $10,595.70

ANCILLARY ITEMS

Aerodrome Charges, En route Airways charges

Issue of Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC)

Class 2 Medical Examination Fee

RPL Student Pilot Kit (inc. Pilot Log Book)

VTC & VNC maps

RPL Theory Exam Fee

Total – $2,075.00

GRAND TOTAL – $12,670.70

The flying hours to reach competency may alter based on the student’s ability and continuity of training.

How long does it take to get a pilot licence?

It really depends on the individual student, weather, good flight instructor and whether you decide to complete your training part/time or full time.

For the Recreational Pilot Licence you should allocate 4 – 6 weeks full time and 4 – 6 months for part time.

You need to speak write and understand the english language and will be assessed.

You will also need to sit the Basic Aeronautical Knowledge Test which can be completed at your flight school.

If you have decided on pursuing flying lessons for a hobby I’d suggest you look for a Part 141 flying school as they cater for the hobby pilot.

flight training melbourne
flight training in a Cessna 172

TRAINING SYLLABUS – RECREATIONAL PILOT LICENCE (RPL)

It’s important having some background knowledge on the course structure so you get a good overview of how your training should progress.

Below is the minimum requirement for the issue of the Recreational Pilot Licence.

Recreational Pilot Licence training syllabus

As can be seen a total of 25 hours instructional and 5 hours solo, a total of 30 hours is the recommended flying training time for your licence issue.

Experience has shown me the average is between 35 to 40 hours in the logbook.

PILOT STUDY

Good flight preparation and knowledge will help you to minimise pilot training hours.

I can’t stress this enough and if you do not put in the effort with study then learning in the cockpit becomes an expensive exercise and only prolongs your training.

Ensure you allocate time to your aviation studies and ask as many questions you may have for your flight instructor.

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

A good flying instructor is paramount to the success of your flying training.

Your instructor needs to be a good communicator and be able to explain a complex topic in a basic understandable way.

WEATHER

Weather effects Pilot Training

The time of year plays a role and winter does delay your training due to less favorable weather.

PART TIME FLYING

For those electing to fly part time all I can suggest is you try to at least get one lesson in a week.

If it is spread out too much especially in the first 10 lessons you’ll find you will be re learning parts of the previous lesson which will slow you down and effect your hip pocket.

FULL TIME FLYING

The only thing that will slow you down will be the weather and the amount of study you are putting in.

You really need to be 100% committed and have no distractions.

You can get quite a few lessons in and your instructor should give you a detailed schedule for completion. 4 -6 weeks is a reasonable outcome.

PRIVATE PLANE HIRE MELBOURNE

Pilot training in Melbourne

Flying schools differ on the aircraft type they utilize for training.

The most common aircraft for flight training in Melbourne is the Cessna 172 or the Piper Warrior PA-28. We use the Cessna 172, with a variety of analogue and glass cockpit’s.

AIRCRAFT HIRE RATE

Currently at the time of writing our dual rates for the Cessna 172 is $305.00 + GST per hour, i.e from engine start to engine stop time.

AERODROME CHARGES

When researching a flying school you need to take the aerodrome charges at the airport you are operating from into account i.e. it is an extra cost. Our hire rate mentioned above does not include the landing fee at Essendon Airport.

OTHER COSTS

TEXT BOOKS

The Student Pilot text books are designed for self study.

You can complete theory courses but this will add to the cost.

Self study is possible and just requires you to allocate time to complete. If you get stuck on a topic then your instructor should be consulted.

AVIATION CHARTS

You will be required to have a VTC (Visual Terminal Chart) and a VNC (Visual Navigation Chart).

These charts will cost you around $12 AUD and have a expiry date on them. Always have up to date charts when flying.

Pilot charts
Melbourne VTC Chart

PILOT MEDICAL EXAMINATION

Aviation Medical
DAME – Designated Aviation Medical Examiner

A class 2 medical certificate is the minimum requirement but if you are considering a career in flying then I suggest you apply for the Class1 medical to avoid any disappointment.

If you have any doubts about your medical condition then we suggest you do your medical first.

The cost of the pilot medical depends on the Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME) and if you are completing a Class 1 or Class 2. Budget for $250 – $350.

ASIC (AVIATION SECURITY IDENTIFICATION CARD)

Aviation Security Identification Card

You will need to apply for the issue of an aviation security identification card. This enables you to gain access airside in airports around Australia.

The cost for the ASIC is approx. $250 AUD and is renewed every 2 years. The ASIC is a background check including police reports and will not be issued to certain individual’s i.e. a criminal record.

For more information on the ASIC go to https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certification/individual-licensing/aviation-security-requirements-pilots#applying-for-an-asic

If a pilot’s licence is something you have been considering please get in touch with one of our flight instructor’s who’d be more than happy to answer any questions you may have whether it’s for a hobby or a career.

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HOW MUCH TO CHARTER A PLANE? https://interair.com.au/2020/07/how-much-to-charter-a-plane/ Wed, 29 Jul 2020 06:05:20 +0000 https://interair.com.au/?p=830 It’s a growing trend. Corporate Jet hire is still a business persons domain but more and more are utilising private aircraft hire, especially in the current climate and the request for leisure trips is on the rise. 

CHARTER FLIGHT COST

AircraftNumber of paxCost per/hr $AUD
Twin Engine Piston3$550.00 – $950.00
Twin Engine Piston6 – 10$1,000 – $2,000
Twin Engine Turbine6 – 10$2,000 – $3,000
Twin Engine Jet6 – 10$3,000 – $7,000
Twin Engine Jet10 – 15$10,000 – $20,000

Above is a guide to what you could expect to pay when deciding to charter a flight. There are a few considerations depending on pax numbers and of course budget to consider.

Aircraft charter prices vary due to a number of factors which include aircraft type, flight time and duration of stay.

CHARTER FLIGHTS?

So what is aircraft private charter? For those new to the term, Charter Flights are the same as aircraft private hire. It’s simply hiring the services of an aircraft and crew to privately fly you from an origin to a destination of choice. 

No different to a school chartering a bus for a school excursion.

The distance you travel and the aircraft type utilised all play a role in the final cost of the charter flight invoice. $$$$

CHARTER FLIGHT FROM MELBOURNE

Let’s say you wanted to fly from Melbourne (Essendon Fields Airport)  YMEN to Hobart YHBA and it was a business trip for 4 with a morning departure at 9:00am and afternoon return 17:00. The following is an insight on how your quote is calculated.

Asia return ex MEL and 5 nights is approx. $220,000 on one of these corporate jets

PRIVATE AIRCRAFT HOURLY RATE

The aircraft you decide to use on your charter request is charged at a hourly rate. A thing to note is aircraft charter prices are calculated for the time the aircraft’s engines start and stop.

So if Melbourne (Essendon) to Hobart is 3hrs return then its the 3 hours aircraft hire you pay for, many think you pay for the aircraft while it’s on the ground. That is not the case.

CORPORATE JET CREW

Another cost to your charter quote is for the operating crew. In our charter example above you’ll find that a one pilot crew will be the minimum required as the aircraft of choice for this charter only needs one.

Some customers do request  a minimum of a 2 pilot crew and are quite happy to pay the difference. On the larger aircraft a 2 man crew is mandatory, you may also have a flight attendant to add to the expense depending on the size of aircraft selected.

PRIVATE AIRCRAFT HIRE SELECTION

Selecting your aircraft isn’t a simple I’ll pick the fastest, but that may be what you require. After all less time in the air is less money right. It doesn’t quite work like that, you’ll find the faster aircraft are larger and cost more to operate per hour. 

The aircraft charter company you have selected should give you the most cost effective option based on number of passengers and distance.

Another consideration is, can the airports you have selected cater for that aircraft type.

Factors like runway length are the most limiting ones especially if you are flying into a strip as short as 1000m. That said some customers do opt for the faster aircraft if no limitations exist and the option should be given to you in the charter quote.

Passenger on private jet

CREW ACCOMMODATION AND EXPENSES

If your trip requires an overnight then accomodation and crew day rates also need to be included. These rates vary on each charter as accomodation rates very at different destinations. A allowance for meals and travel to and from the airport is also included in the quote.

AIRCRAFT POSITIONING/FERRY

In some cases if your aircraft has to be relocated for the charter then that will also add to the cost. Especially if you are being picked up at an airfield not serviced by a aircraft charter company.

Falcon Private Jet
Falcon Series Private Jet

HANDLING AND PRIVATE AIRCRAFT CHARTER EXPENSES

When chartering larger aircraft charter companies will have an FBO (Fixed Base Operator) on hand to meet the aircraft and will complete the required duties for departure. 

Marshalling the aircraft, cleaning, toilet and water replenishment are just some of the tasks that need to be completed. No different to commercial operator’s who have ground handling staff retrieve your bags and start preparing for the next flight.

This is applicable to the medium to larger size jets only as you’ll find with smaller type aircraft it’s the flight crew that prepare the flight for departure.

Another expense is landing and airport parking fees. They will be charged at most airports regardless of size. The cost changes depending on aircraft size. You guessed it the bigger the plane the larger the landing fee. Airports handling smaller charter aircraft may be exempt.

CORPORATE JET CATERING 

Most charter companies will offer snacks and beverages on the flights and with flights requiring a flight attendant you will have first class dining prepared for you. Be sure to advise them of any dietary requirements and what food you’d like on your trip, they will accomodate accordingly.

BENEFITS OF PRIVATE AIRCRAFT CHARTER

  • You can decide on your departure times, control your schedule
  • Fly direct to destinations that commercial aircraft don’t have a schedule to
  • Safety, aircraft are maintained to the highest standards
  • No lining up for check-in for bag drop 
  • No security lines in a crowded terminal
  • Privacy on your flight
  • Food that is delicious
  • Time saving
  • Park your vehicle right at the airport or limousine pick up can be arranged
Airport terminal

AIRLINE – PRIVATE AIRCRAFT CHARTER COMPARISON

Let’s look at a charter from (YMEN) Melbourne (Essendon) to Kuala Lumpur (WMKK), with a 5 night stay. The charter cost in a 14 seat corporate jet is $220,000 AUD return.

Now if you do the math and divide by 14 you get roughly $15,715 AUD a seat.

Of course the benefits of privacy which we discussed earlier is out the window but when comparing this with a First Class ticket it doesn’t look so bad.

Now all you have to do is find some friends to come along, all 13 of them. If you have a charter in my mind click here and we can send you a quote.

Hope you enjoyed this insight into the cost structure around hiring a aircraft privately, we look forward to welcoming you on board soon.

 

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LEARN TO FLY! BOOK A T.I.F. https://interair.com.au/2020/07/learn-to-fly/ Wed, 08 Jul 2020 00:49:28 +0000 https://interair.com.au/?p=725 If you have been contemplating learning to fly and obtaining your pilots licence whether its a Recreational Pilot’s Licence (RPL), Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL) then why not book a Trial Instructional Flight (TIF) with a Melbourne Flying School passionate about flight training.

The Trial Instructional Flight is an opportunity for you to take control of a training aircraft to get a feel for flying.

It’s a good opportunity in helping you decide whether flying is really something you want to do. 

Our Trial Flights are all conducted in our Cessna 172  aircraft and costs $200.00, they are also a great gift voucher idea for someone you know who has shown an interest in flying a aeroplane or would like to try something new.

The flight consists of a pre-flight briefing and a 40 minute flight. If you make the decision to continue flying, you then need to decide whether you will complete a Recreational Pilots Licence, Private Pilots Licence or a Commercial Pilot Licence. 

Melbourne flying school Student Pilots in a Cessna 172
Students preparing for flight

The recreational and private pilot licence enables you to fly for recreational purposes with passengers (not for hire or reward) and a commercial pilots licence allows you to be employed as a pilot.

There is no need to commit to the commercial licence, it is really for those set on flying for a career.

You can complete your Recreational Pilot’s Licence (RPL), Private Pilot Licence (PPL) first and decide on continuing any time after completion. Some are happy with just a Recreational Pilot’s Licence (RPL), and take friends for a flight around the city or pop down to the training area.

The majority do go on to complete their PPL as the RPL does restrict how far you can fly.

Cockpit Cessna 172
Cessna 172 Cockpit

Soon as you’ve booked your Trial flight one of our Instructors will be in touch and inform you if any changes need to be made to the date/time of your flight.

This will mainly be due to weather as your first flight should be completed in smooth conditions, so you can further enjoy the flight. The aim of this flight is to give you a taste of what learning to fly is all about and a further look at how we carry out our flight training.

It’s also a opportunity to help you make a more informed decision on whether to continue on with flying .  Some students arrive with the pre conceived idea that flight training is going to be difficult, were going to get into physics etc and let me just tell you know flight training is not difficult, although it’s not for everyone.

We do cover some basic formulas but its not rocket science, there is a little bit of homework involved and there are tests to be completed.

That goes with any licence you set to complete be it boat, fork-lift or truck. Our instructors will help you with your theory component if you decide to self study for the final exam or you can enrol in our theory classes if you find it hard to get motivated.

All pre-flight theory is included in the cost of your flying lessons with us, something some schools charge extra for. Something to consider if your choosing a school and trying to save.

So you’ve arrived for your Trial Instructional flight? 

Off to the classroom we go, for some it’s been a while since they have been in a classroom kind of environment. The difference here is its one on one and its at your pace. 

Here is today’s Lesson Overview

  • Introduction to manoeuvring the aeroplane on the ground and in flight
  • Attitude flying
  • Primary and secondary effect of controls
  • Operation of ancillary controls 
Classroom Briefing

This lesson is a refined version of the first lesson on the CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) syllabus Effects of Control. Don’t get put off if you feel its happening too fast or its information overload.

If you do proceed you will cover this lesson again in a lot more depth and this will help to reinforce your previous lesson. Remember to always ask questions if your not sure of a topic, you should control your learning pace. 

If you do continue on with your PPL or CPL the flight time on your trial flight can be added to your Pilots log book. Good idea also to keep the details of your trial flight i.e. write down your instructors full name, flight time and date just in case you do decide to start flying lessons at a later date. 

Once the briefing is complete we head out and take a look at the aircraft and complete a pre-flight inspection and ensure the aircraft is fit for flight. Another good opportunity to ask any questions you may have. 

The pre-flight brief is now put into practice. Your instructor will demonstrate the primary controls of the aircraft which include the Ailerons (Roll), Elevator (Pitch) and the Rudder (yaw).  

We also look at use of the ancillary controls and how the aircraft climbs, descends and turns and on return you will be shown the use of flaps to slow the aircraft down.

Finally we simulate the set up of the aircraft for the landing configuration before landing back at Essendon Fields Airport. 

As mentioned a lot happens in this trial flight but all the sequences will be revisited if you decide to continue on with your flight training. By the end of the trial flight you’ll have a more informed decision on whether flying is for you and thats the benefit of booking a trial flight.

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How do I become a pilot ? [ 4 options available] Updated 2024 https://interair.com.au/2019/05/how-do-i-become-a-pilot/ Tue, 21 May 2019 04:25:43 +0000 http://interair.local/?p=1 How to become an airline pilot
airline pilot taxiing

The road to becoming a pilot is not easy, even when completing your flight training exams the study does not end, you must remain current with regulatory and company standards and complete simulator checks regularly.

Having said that those that are passionate and persist end up with a rewarding career. 

HOW TO BECOME A PILOT IN AUSTRALIA?

  • Apply to the Military
  • Apply to an Airline Cadet Program
  • Flying School (141 CASA approved, self funded flying school)
  • Flying School (142 CASA approved, aligned with TAFE and University)

Pilot Shortage

There has never been a better time to become a pilot if that’s the career path you would like to pursue.

Well not anymore or not now anyway due to Covid-19. The estimates for the number of pilots required in Oceania alone which includes Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific was 13,600 by 2030 ( source Boeing ).

Now airlines around the world are losing billions and are mapping out a new smaller or streamlined carrier, in order to survive. Thousands of crews globally are being retrenched or are being stood down without pay, whilst some are surviving on government help .

IATA (International Air Transport Association) has once again revised the date for air travel and does not see it returning to pre Covid – 19 numbers until 2024. Boeing and Airbus are also laying off thousands of staff, as orders for new passenger aircraft reduce.

You may be thinking that now is not a good time to become a pilot but if you have a burning desire to become one, then do not let current circumstances stop you from flying. Should I become a pilot post Covid-19? That’s the question and we have answered it for you in more detail here.

Prior to Covid-19 the pilot shortage tactic for the better word, was what a lot of flight training organisations would use to get you to hand over your cash. As you know presently, there is no shortage of pilots. Like my old boss used to say “shake a lemon tree and count how many pilots fall out”.

It will bounce back, but very slowly. The downturn this time is greater than what we saw after September 11.  If you check out the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) website where they display current pilot positions you will also notice now the hour requirements for flying positions has increased. Supply and demand effect, something the young pilots of today will get a taste of.

When some airlines were screaming for pilots to fill positions they would let applicants in with just an exam pass in Human Factors at ATPL (Air Transport Pilot Licence) level and 1000 hrs total flight time. Now its back to all seven subjects and 2000 hrs minimum with 500 multi engine in command.

Looking at the advertised positions and the minimum requirements is a good indication of the health of our industry. Not sure if it was a joke, but a Cessna 182 position recently advertised, had a minimum requirement of 5,000 hours. Don’t ever fall for the pilot shortage tactic as there never was and never will be, as further explained in this link.

One thing that will not change is those that are passionate and persist, will end up with a rewarding career.

So back to our question…

HOW DO I BECOME A PILOT?

There are a variety of ways you can become a pilot and there is no best way to become a pilot in Australia. I guess the first thing you need to ask yourself is what type of flying would you like to do, knowing this will help you outline your career and flight training path.

Maybe you are just looking at flying for a hobby, maybe you have dreams of flying an F-18 or a seaplane and quite possibly flying a big Boeing. Let’s look at the types of ways you can go about becoming a pilot.

1.Military  

How to become a fighter pilot in Australia
Flying an FA/18 is the dream of many…

For many the option of joining the military ( RAAF ) Royal Australian Airforce is something they have dreamt of for a long time. Both the army and the airforce recruit pilots.

The benefit of joining the military as a career is it is much more secure as opposed to the airlines. Airlines that are run poorly suffer the terrible fate of bankruptcy and if they cannot pay their debt are shut down.

Joining the military it would be highly unlikely that it would ever go bust. Of course the government may from time to time reduce funding but it’s a safe bet you’ll be safer than being in an airline.

HOW TO BECOME A FIGHTER PILOT IN AUSTRALIA?

The minimum age to join the RAAF and become a fighter pilot in Australia is 17. You will be required to complete your tertiary studies at ADFA (Australian Defence Force Academy).

Prior to undertaking initial pilot training (24 weeks), intermediate pilot training (30 weeks) and either an operational conversion for transport or surveillance aircraft, or the advanced pilot’s course for those selected for fast jet aircraft.

You will have an Initial Minimum Period Of Service (IMPS) of seven years associated with your tertiary studies at ADFA, this will be served concurrently with the nine year Return of Service Obligation (ROSO) you incur from the commencement of your operational conversion or the advanced pilot training. For all the information on joining the military go to – https://airforce.defencejobs.gov.au/jobs/pilot

Tip – Find out as much as you can about their recruitment process and invest in refining your interview/test skills, especially if your fresh out of High School or have had no previous interview experience.

There are some really good resources and aviation interview coaches on line. I can recall going to a airforce interview and being asked about a certain part of a fighter jet, preparation is important. Be prepared.

Good luck with your application.

HOW TO BECOME AN AIRLINE PILOT IN AUSTRALIA?

  • Complete your Commercial Pilot Licence
  • Complete your Multi Engine Command Instrument Rating (MECIR)
  • Complete your 7 ATPL Subjects
  • Complete 1500 hrs minimum with 500 Hours Multi Engine

If you have chosen the military option and looking at become an airline pilot down the track then you will have to complete the Airline Transport Licence Subjects (ATPL) and get current for the civilian licenses.

Airline Cadetships and CASA 141 and CASA 142 flying schools are the main producers of airline pilots.

2. Airline Cadetships

Airline Cadetships
Airline Pilot is a rewarding career

Major airlines are again offering Airline Cadetships and each airline has their own process and information for the recruitment process on their website. 

Now with the corona virus outbreak I have heard that Jet Star cadets specifically have been told there will be no movement for at least 3 years, so check their recruitment page and apply if the option is available.

If successful you will have to still fund your training or be on some bond type system. The figure is different across different airlines but $130,000 is a rough guide to the cost.  

This route will be highly competitive, with a large number of aspiring pilots competing for the limited positions. You will not need to meet the hour requirements outlined above with an airline cadetship.

All the information can be found on their respective websites. 

If unsuccessful don’t give up and try alternative avenues. If becoming an airline pilot has been your dream.

Tip –  Again find out as much as you can about their recruitment process and invest in refining your interview/test skills and look into psychometric testing.  

There are a number of companies that offer airline interview techniques online, not a bad idea to utilise them to your advantage. And remember preparation is key.

Good luck with your application.

3. CASA 142 Flight Training Organisation

A 142 flight training organisation is a flying school which has been approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to deliver the 150 hour integrated course.

Flying Schools that are 142 accredited are aligning themselves with TAFE and Universities to deliver either a Diploma or Degree in Aviation.

There are a number of schools across the country now offering this option.

No need to pay up front if you go down this path if you choose a school aligned with a RTO (Registered Training Organisation) i.e. TAFE/Uni, as you will be eligible for VET (Vocational Education Training) fee and your HECS debt does not kick in until you are employed.

Oxford Uni
Universities are educators and do not guarantee a degree or licence after your 3 year course

I suggest you do your homework and if possible get feedback from industry personnel, previous students or even current students of the schools you are considering using. Also find out about their aircraft and facilities.

A school with high numbers of students should not be used as an indicator of a good school. Usually larger schools rely on many junior instructors and the standard of training may be impacted.

Aviation is also an industry governed by recency, and lots of students with low aircraft numbers, means flights will be few and far between and your money will be spent on revision rather than progression. 

Here’s an example –  if the school mentions that they train 200 pilots and they have 10 planes.

Basically, Each week, 1 plane is shared by 20 pilots. A well planned roster will get 4 flights a day meaning each pilot flies 1 flight per week, given that every day is sunny, instructors and students are both well and theory has been completed ready for the flight.

1 flight per week = 52 flights per year.

Compared to a school with say 30 Students and 5 planes.

Basically Each week, 1 plane is shared by 6 students. The Roster still allows 4 flights per day, so still allows for 20 flights per week. With 6 trainee pilots, per plane, per week, Each pilot can expect to fly 3 times a week, 156 flights per year, which would help with recency and progression.

A large amount of emphasis should also be placed on the quality/experience level of the instructor.

A Grade 1 usually has over a thousand hours and has honed his own as well as his students flying skills to a high level. A grade 3 instructor is a beginner instructor and may have only just learnt to fly himself. Preference should be given to a school which gives you access to and flights with Grade 1 instructors.

There is no substitute for experience.

Grade 1 and 2 Instructors are getting harder and harder to find. The airline industry has absorbed so many of General Aviations experienced instructors. They are still about and if you can find a school where they still fly and interact with students, that is a great start. 

4. CASA 141 Flight Training Organisation

pay as you go flying lessons
Pay as you go flying school

A 141 CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) approved flying school is a flying school which is approved to deliver the 200 hr syllabus.

Your good old flying school/flying club. Prior to the commencement to the HECS/VET support scheme this was the only way to become a pilot except for the cadetships and military option.

The majority of experienced pilots in the airlines today have come from the traditional flying school. Students who choose to train with these organisations have to self fund their training.

There are benefits to this option, the biggest being a huge saving in course costs and no HECS/VET debt. Also it is more flexible as you can fly at your own learning pace and choose to fly full time or part time.

There is no requirement to pay up front with a 141 school you can pay after completing each lesson. I’ve known of a number of airline pilots whose children have decided on a career in aviation and even with the options mentioned above they have put them through this route, and encouraged them to get a GA (general aviation) job and gain some real life experience as a pilot.

The 141 approved schools are also the place to go if you are considering flying for just a hobby. Many take up flying and complete the Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) and then the Private Pilot Licence (PPL), the route to a private pilot licence is not as extensive as the commercial licence. For more information check out Private Pilot Licence – PPL.

Trial flight Melbourne
Trial Flight

Book a Trial instructional Flight (TIF) to see if flying is for you

If you are considering flying whether as a hobby or career then I suggest booking a Trial Instructional Flight (TIF).

A TIF is a refined version of your first lesson Effect of Controls. The benefits of booking a TIF is you will definitely have a better idea if flying and flight training is for you. You can book a TIF here either for yourself or as a gift voucher for someone you know that is interested in learning to fly.

step to become a pilot
Steps on how to get started as a pilot

So you have completed a TIF and have decided to continue with flying. We have outlined above the step by step process to kickstarting your flying career. 

Step 2 is important to complete early on in case for some reason due to a medical condition you cannot hold a class 1 medical which is a requirement to fly commercially or a class 2 which is the minimum for a private pilot’s licence.

Further information about flying and aviation can be obtained here or by visiting the CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) website.

Good luck

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