Pricing/Time Frame
This is a very good question. We know from studies on the learning behaviour of humans that peak learning performance occurs around 45 minutes into the flight and retention still occurs after this for around 15 minutes. This is why you will find the time in the air is generally between 45 to 75 minutes depending on how much you are learning in that particular lesson. In the early phases of training, you are learning a LOT! The learning rate is high and cognitive overload is reached earlier in the flight. This sounds intense I know, but that’s what our instructors are trained to do. We’ll tailor the training to you on that particular day. As you advance through the syllabus, some training elements will require less of your cognitive capacity, allowing you to spend more time in the air completing that specific lesson while still learning new skills.
Our courses have been developed from years of experience. We have attempted to provide estimated time frames and costs for each of our courses based on previous completion times and are always looking at methods of increasing learning rates/reducing time and costs. However, we’re not going to lie! We have high standards and know that a pilot who is confident at flying the aeroplane in all conditions (within reason) in different environments (like bush strips or recovering from undesired aircraft states) is ultimately the safest and that’s what we want for you.
We are unique in the sense that we do provide a lot of owner training. The majority of this work is transiting owners into different types of tailwheel aircraft that they acquire. We specialise in any type of tailwheel aircraft from vintage to high-performance aerobatics types, however, we can provide training in your own aircraft for the majority of the courses we offer. View our courses here.
Our owner training is provided in half and full-day training blocks to ensure plenty of quality one-on-one time. See our rates here.
Please note it is important that your aircraft is fitted with fully functional dual controls, is certified and adequate insurance is in place (don’t worry, we can help you with this process).
In some cases, we can come to you as this is the most practical option. Away from base costs will be discussed and agreed upon before departure.
It’s important to have a plan after you gain your certificate or licence to keep flying and stay current. Also, it’s time for you to get out and have some fun! After all, that’s why you learn to fly, right?!
We understand that everyone can’t afford to buy their own aircraft (also we don’t recommend rushing out and doing this either until you’ve flown a few different types and gained some experience) that’s why we have dedicated days purely for private hire. That’s right, we have guaranteed days that you can fly the aircraft and you won’t be called and asked to reschedule for training flights etc. Go and enjoy some of the amazing sites of south-east Queensland, go on a camping trip or tag along with some other pilots to one of the many fly-ins.
Our current private hire rates can be found here.
We operate a modern fleet of aircraft and our maintenance is to the highest standards possible. We take no risks with safety and if something is not quite right it is fixed immediately. We do our best to keep the cost of training as low as reasonably possible, however, our modern tailwheel aircraft do come with higher costs in comparison to other aircraft that are commonly used for training.
Our current course costs (one-on-one training with an instructor) rates can be found here.
Our courses are designed in short, fully-immersive training blocks that are structured in half day (4 hours) or full days (8 hours) of one-one-one training. You’ve got the instructors undivided attention during this period of time whether you’re in the air or on the ground. They’ll take you through our pre-flight and post-flight briefings, along with assisting in preparation for any of the basic theory examinations that are required. Everyone of our students are different, that’s why we structure our training this way to cater for your personal learning needs.
Learning to fly is very much like personal training or learning to play an instrument. It must be practiced regularly to become proficient. In our past we have offered casual pilot training but unfortunately found that this is definitely not the best way to learn. Sporadic training only ends in disappointment for everyone involved, as time and money is wasted re-learning previous learnt skills. This is why we only offer short, fully-immersive training blocks to ensure your goals of becoming a pilot or adding new skills to your licence or certificate are achieved.
Licence Structure/Courses
Yes. Every flying hour you conduct in an RA-Aus registered aircraft counts towards a CASA Flight Crew Licence.
There’s a few different certificates or licences out there with a myriad of endorsements (or addons you make like to think of them as, as they allow you to more with your existing qualifications). Here’s a quick overview:
- Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC) – This is a good certification if you just want to have fun in a 2 seat aircraft, with one passenger, hire an aeroplane for a weekend and not break the bank. However, there are limits – weight limits, you need to pack light. Don’t be fooled though, the world of recreational aircraft has developed significantly in recent times and isn’t showing any signs of slowing. The majority of these aircraft are capable of circumnavigating Australia.
- Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) – Very similar to the Recreational Pilot Certificate but generally allows you to operate an aircraft with up to 4 seats. Good if you want to take more than 1 passenger flying at once or maybe you like to carry a bit more gear on your adventures.
- Private Pilot Licence (PPL) – Very similar to the Recreational Pilot Licence but will allow you to fly private aircraft with more than 4 seats, but most importantly allow you to add on an instrument rating. This is a useful addition if you want to combine your hobby and getting to work.
- Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) – Want to get paid for flying? Well this is where your journey begins – best of luck. P.s. increase your opportunities or impress your potential employee with unique skills like a tailwheel endorsement.
General
Probably once a week initially for the first month. Then once a fortnight thereafter. Why? It’s like anything you’ve learnt. If you don’t practice regularly, you’ll forget it, not the best idea when you’re flying a plane.
It’s important to note though, with more experience you don’t need to practice as regularly to stay proficient. This really highlights that gaining your certificate or licence in the shortest possible time frame is the most efficient and economical way to do it.
Absolutely! We have guaranteed days (including sometime on the weekend) that we make our aircraft available for you to hire. This is when the real fun begins – go and spread your wings with your friends.
Unlikely! If you’re determined, willing to learn and medically fit to drive a car there’s every chance we can teach you how to fly. We have trained many students in their 70s. You only live once right!
While you can learn to fly from any age, you cannot go solo before you are 15. As a result we don’t recommend that you conduct many lessons before the age of 14.
Unlikely. There’s a lot of pilots out there that wear corrective lenses. Most of them carry a spare set in their top pocket though.
Absolutely! If you want a strong foundation which you can build skills on, learning with us in tailwheel aircraft is ideal. These skills will make you confident at operating an aircraft through its full flight envelope, the best safety defense money can buy.