Flying lessons
Question:
Basically I am a student pilot in Southern California, USA and because of some job offers I may have the option of moving to Australia, and I would really like to continue my lessons. So if I could get any information, or any information LEADING towards information on learning to fly in Australia, (i.e. where at, how much, how long, what requirements that sort of thing) any help at all would be appreciated. thanks much, ~dac begin 666 Paladin 777.vcf M0D5′24XZ5D-!4D0-"E9%4E-)3TXZ,BXQ#0I..CM086QA9&EN.S<W-PT*1DXZ M4&%L861I;B W-S<-"D5-04E,.TE.5$523D54.F1I9VET86PN<W!E=T!A=&QA M;G1I8RUR96-O<F1S+F-O;0T*14U!24P[4%)%1CM)3E1%4DY%5#IG86)B84!H ` end
Response:
Always a good place to start: http://www.casa.gov.au/ Where in Australia are you looking at?
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Basically I am a student pilot in Southern California, USA and because of some job offers I may have the option of moving to Australia, and I would really like to continue my lessons. So if I could get any information, or any information LEADING towards information on learning to fly in Australia, (i.e. where at, how much, how long, what requirements that sort of thing) any help at all would be appreciated. thanks much, ~dac
Response:
Firstly I don’t know the USA training scene so I cannot make comparisons. Secondly, unless you are being paid in US dollars the wages here will be half what you’re used to due to our lousy exchange rate. Flying training is regulated by the Australian Government through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and supported by publications and products from Airservices Australia (AA – semi Govt body). The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB – Govt again) investigates accidents and general aviation safety. Civil flying training is provided by independently owned and operated commercial schools or Clubs (approved by CASA). There are none or very few ‘franchised’ or big companies offering training. You are most likely (depending on your location) to train with a single location school and deal with the ‘owner’. They all have a profit motive. There are Aero Clubs in most major cities offering cheaper training due to their pooling of resources and profits from side businesses such as social activities and bar sales. I would recommend a Club for the social interaction with other pilots and the chance for you to see more of Australia with them. Our flying is largely divided into (and licensed by) Gliders (the Gliding Federation of Australia or SAAA), Ultralights under 450kg I think (Australian Ultralight Federation), General Aviation + helicopters balloons etc (CASA), other minor categories (hang gliders) have their own licensing bodies. Each has its own training and licensing rules. For ultralights it is 20 hours of instruction and a flight test, then passenger carrying and cross country endorsements. Several categories of aircraft can be registered as Ultralight or GA. This is the cheapest flying training and the easiest way to get into GA, as hours and skill gained here count towards a GA licence. You only need to be medically fit to drive a vehicle (no compulsory medical test) My Club charges $95/hr dual $60 (AUD) solo. GA licences are structured – Student licence, General Flight Progress Test (GFPT – allows flying within the local area landing and taking off from the same airport, requires instructor to authorise each flight & 15 hourly checks), Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL). Beyond that is a Commercial (CPL) and an Airline (ATPL) qualification. Most Australian Universities and some colleges offer Aviation Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees; but all flying training is conducted by private companies. You require regular medicals. The GA training has recently been changed from a strict hourly schedule to a competency based system. Previously (and some schools still adhere to it) you had to do 40 hours – 5 hours of dual circuits and 5 hours of solo circuits etc – now if you can demonstrate competency to the level required you can move on to other items in the syllabus. This is where training in an ultralight aircraft and then doing GA competencies in a similar GA registered aircraft can save considerable money. A PPL ab initio could cost $10,000 (AUD). Regardless of aircraft choice you have to study theory & legislation. Australia has a complex regulatory system which is continuously changing. The favoured theory books are written by Trevor Thom or Bob Tait, your school will advise which they use. GA offers further ratings, endorsements – aerobatics, night, instrument, tail dragger, low level, mustering (aerial animal herding on large ranches), banner towing, multi engine, skywriting etc. Bring your log book and show the flying school your competencies and an Australian licence is yours. Converting it for use in the USA is something you should ask your regulatory body about. The terrain in Australia in largely flat with few mountains. The weather is predominantly good, however there are some cities that experience less than desirable flying weather so you may have flying lessons cancelled due to weather. The North of Australia experiences monsoons in summer, smoke & dust haze in winter, the southern part of the east coast has fog, low cloud, the interior is usually weather friendly but very hot (I live there). I guess the job offer will dictate the location. Email me direct (remove NO SPAM) if you need more (I can’t recommend schools as I don’t know enough). I am away from this newsgroup & email address Sun – Fri pm. Come fly our wide brown land. Sue
Response:
Related Posts
- AD : Discount Computers and Software
- Where is Thomas Block?
- Rhyanon Pissed Billy Off Again!
- Flying the Santa Fe Trail Story: long
- Avionics Technicians: Justification in Northern California
- Mountain Flying Checkout
- SYD: YSSY: FS: Getting out of Aviation Sale
- Soon to be back in the air
- First tiime flight
- Part Time Aviation Jobs
