Prepare for Takeoff

We offer a vast array of courses, whether it is your first time taking off or you are seeking to expand your aeronautical knowledge, we have you covered.

Expand the headings below for more information.

The first step is to obtain the Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL). This licence permits the holder to carry passengers within 25 nautical miles of the departure aerodrome or the training area of that departure aerodrome.
Flights are limited to ‘day only’ Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations only.

Minimum requirements:

  • 25 hours flight time in a Piper (PA28) Warrior, comprising:
  • 20 hours dual flight time and 5 hours solo flight time
  • 1.5 hours flight test
 

Additionally, there are theory examinations in:

  • Pre-solo Air Law
  • Pre-area solo (training area) Air Law
  • Aeronautical Knowledge
 

The next step is the navigation component to obtain the PPL which enables the holder to carry passengers throughout Australia in VFR operations.
The minimum requirements are 40 hours of which includes 2 hours instrument time. The hours obtained for the RPL go toward this total time.

The navigation training comprises:

  • 15 hours dual navigation flight time
  • 5 hours solo navigation flight time
  • 2.5 hours flight test
 

In addition, a pass is required in the PPL (Aeroplane) examination which comprises Flight Rules & Procedures, Meteorology and Navigation.

The minimum age for the issue of the PPL is 17 years.
First solo is permitted at 16 years.

This rating may be obtained after completion of the PPL.
It confers the same privileges of the licence already held, but, in addition, the pilot is permitted to fly at night.
Additionally, it provides an advantage if an Instrument Rating is a consideration for later training.

NVFR training consists of:

  • 5 hours dual simulator
  • 5 hours dual circuits in a PA28 (Warrior)
  • 2 hours dual navigation exercise in a PA28
  • 3 hours dual navigation exercise in a PA28
  • 2.5 hours flight test in a PA28

An Instrument Rating allows the holder to fly certain aircraft under the Instrument Flight Rules.

Experience/training required prior to the issue of an Instrument Rating:

  • 50 hours command cross-country flight time
  • 40 hours instrument time of which not less than 20 hours in the category of aircraft
  • 20 hours cross-country instrument time
  • 10 hours dual instrument flight time
  • 5 hours of night flight of which 1 hour must be in command
 

Additional costs:

  • IREX Theory (Pass required before commencement of training)
    Instrument Approach and Landing Fees
  • PA44 endorsement (can be incorporated into the Instrument Rating training)
  • PA28 night hours (if no Night VFR Rating or night hours not met)
    Training:
  • 15 hours dual simulator
  • 5 hours dual PA28R (Arrow)
  • 20 hours dual PA44 (Seminole)
  • 2.5 hours flight test
  • There are two parts to obtaining full GNSS Approval on your Instrument Rating. These are set out below.
 

Part 1

  • GNSS Navigation and Arrival Approval.
  • Theory Course and Questionnaire
  • Practical Operating Test
 

This part is a pre-requisite for Part 2.

Part 2

  • GNSS/RNP Approach Approval
 

Typically these parts are included within the Instrument Rating training.

The CPL (Aeroplanes) is the basic requirement for anyone intending to pursue a career as a pilot.
This licence permits a pilot to fly for hire or reward.
Requirements for the issue of the CPL (Aeroplanes):

  • Not less than 190 hours flight time
  • Not less than 10 hours instrument time, of which 5 hours may be simulator time and 5 hours aircraft time
  • Not less than 100 hours as pilot in command which must include at least 20 hours in command on navigation exercises

Theory Examinations:

There are 7 subjects covered and a pass in each examination is required before commencing the training.
The subjects comprise Human Factors, Meteorology, Aerodynamics, Aircraft General Knowledge, Navigation, Aircraft Performance & Operation and Flights Rules & Air Law.

The minimum age for the issue of the CPL IS 18 years.

This endorsement allows you the added freedom of flying higher performance, multi engine aircraft.
The multi is also an added advantage for night flying and over water operations. For anyone considering a career as a professional pilot, this is ultimately a ‘must’.

Initial training is conducted in a Piper Seminole and consists of typically 5 to 7 hours of flight training.
Additionally ground schooling is needed to cover the aircraft systems knowledge and asymmetric (one engine inoperative) principles and procedures.

Training:

  • 5 to 7 hours dual in PA44 (Seminole)
  • 1.5 hours flight test (Initial Multi Engine Class Rating)

This Rating allows the holder to fly certain aircraft under Instrument Flight Rules enroute.
The departure and arrival must be in visual conditions. You may add endorsements that enable instrument departure and arrival procedures.

Experience/training required prior to the issue of a PIFR:

  • Holds a PPL
  • 20 hours instrument time of which 10 hours must be dual instrument time in the category of aircraft for which the rating is sought
 

Additional Costs:

  • PIFR Theory Course – PIFR Exam – Landing Fees
  • Training – Single Engine
  • 5 hours simulator
  • 15 hours dual in PA28R (Arrow)
  • 2.5 hours fight test
  • Training – Multi Engine*
  • 5 hours simulator
  • 15 hours dual in PA44 (Seminole)
  • 2.5 hours flight test
 

* Assumes multi engine endorsed prior to commencing the PIFR training.