Pilot Training
Gawne Aviation offers a wide range of flying training, from the beginner to the advanced. You're sure to find a course that suites your needs.
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Sections
About Becoming a Pilot
To the Parent of a Would-be Pilot
Safety
A Way to Escape
What About Education Standards?
How Do I Start Learning to Fly?
When Can I Start My Flying Lessons?
Cost and Payment Information
Do I Need a Medical Examination?
Your Student Licence
The General Flying Progress Test
Your Private Licence
Periods of Validity
Commercial Pilot Licence
Ratings
More About Careers
How Are These Qualifications Obtained?
How Do I Find Out More?
About Becoming a Pilot
Becoming a pilot, whether or not you ultimately envisage seeking a professional
flying career, opens the door to an interesting, exhilarating and most
enjoyable pursuit. It is truly one of the very few exhilarating and thoroughly
rewarding pastimes in our society today. As with anything worth doing,
the rewards and success you'll enjoy are in proportion to the effort you
make - both in the air and with your ground studies. Learning to fly also
costs a reasonable sum of money but the following points should be assessed
carefully.
As a recreation, flying compares very favourably, cost-wise, with many
other activities, such as yachting, power-boating and snow-skiing. You
must remember that following the initial cost of obtaining a licence,
very little money needs to be spent to keep it current.
As a career investment the money spent is good value when considered against
possible future earnings.
To the Parent of a Would-be Pilot
Whether or not your son or daughter is intending to pursue a career in
flying or simply obtain a private pilot's licence, involvment in flight
training is valuable form of character development. Leaning to fly teaches
students responsibility, self-reliance and leadership. To allow your son
or daughter to learn to fly is to provide him or her with an opportunity
for years of enjoyment and interest.
Should a young person successfully seek a flying career, he or she will
find that such an occupation embodies many areas of highly paid and secure
employment along with the satisfaction that accompanies a position of
responsibility.
Safety
Modern light aircraft, maintained to exacting standards and operating
within a framework of legislation and accepted principles of airmanship,
are very safe indeed. Australia's record of air safety is second to none
and speaks for the standard at which flying training is conducted under
the requirements and supervision of the Civil Aviation Authority (C.A.A.).
The most dangerous part of a pilot's day will be the drive to and from
the airport.
A Way to Escape
Our society, with all its pressures, gets all of us down at times. We
need some form of escape. Flying can be a way to find solitude, a means
of self-expression and is a vehicle for enjoying many privileged experiences
of nature's beauty as seen from the air. While you are flying you are
in complete control of your destiny, experiencing the thrill of unrestricted
movement in three dimensions. There can be no better morale booster than
a good day's flying.
What About Education Standards?
There is no established educational standard required from anyone learning
to fly. However, as English is the international language used in aviation
you should be able to speak and write the English language well. If you
are intending to train for a career with one of the major airlines you
would be well advised to ensure that you meet their minimum education
levels. These minimums are listed in the more about careers
section below.
If you display average skills, both physical and mental, you will find
that these are generally adequate. Self discipline and motivation are
the two most essential attributes for you to proceed steadily through
a planned program of ground study and flying training.
How Do I Start Learning to Fly?
A Trial Instructional Flight (T.I.F.) is always a very beneficial starting
point. $30.00 will allow you the opportunity to find out what it is like
to learn to fly. Your flight instructor will show you around the aeroplane,
pointing out such features as the control surfaces, the fuel tanks, the
engine, etc.
In the cockpit you will be seated in the pilot's seat and shown the instruments
used to assist the pilot in controlling and monitoring the aeroplane's
performance such as the air speed indicator, the altimeter, fuel gages,
as well as the aircraft and engine controls.
Your instructor will show you how the pre take-off checks are performed
and after take-off will demonstrate some basic manoeuvres to show you
how the controls are used in flight. The instructor will then have you
take the controls. You will be guided through some simple manoeuvres,
such as flying straight and level as well as turning. On returning to
the airport, your instructor will then take over and show you how to land
the aeroplane.
When Can I Start My Flying Lessons?
You can start learning to fly as soon as you are ready. It is like taking
driving lessons - you book your lessons to suit both yourself and the
school's training program. You do not have to wait until a special course
starts.
Flying lessons for general flying training are of approximately one hours
duration; but when you move on to the navigation training you can expect
exercises to be between two and three hours at a time. The flying school
is open for flight training between 8:30am and 5:00pm each day, except
for public holidays and between Christmas and New Year's.
Normal lesson periods are as follows:
09:00 - 10:00
10:30 - 11:30
13:00 - 14:00
14:30 - 15:30
16:00 - 17:00
These periods are the time allocated for each flight lesson. If you feel
that you will be unable to undertake training during these scheduled periods
you should discuss the problem with the school prior to starting your
training so that a program mutually acceptable to both you and the school
can be arranged. Students taking more than one lesson each day can expect
to take a break of approximately one hour between each period.
Cost and Payment Information
A breakdown of the prices applicable to each licence stage is detailed
available from the staff at Gawne Aviation. Feel free to send them an
email. Most students pay for their lessons on a 'pay-as-you-go' basis,
usually at the completion of each lesson. If you wish, you may pay in
total or a sum in advance and then fly it out. Payment is acceptable as
cash, cheque, Mastercard or Bankcard.
Do I Need a Medical Examination?
To qualify for a student pilot licence you must:
* be at least sixteen years of age;
* be able to speak, write and understand the english language;
* have passed a medical examination with an approved medical examiner
(Doctor).
As stated above prior to the issue of a student pilot licence you must
undergo a medical examination with an approved medical examiner (Doctor).
When you have completed the examination the doctor will issue you with
a medical certificate, which you should take to the Flying School where
your instructor will assist you in completing the application for a student
licence. When this has been done the Chief Flying Instructor will issue
you with your student pilot licence. The fee for this licence is $20.00.
It is important that this is undertaken early in your training as you
must have a student licence prior to your first solo flight. It is normal
for student pilots to reach solo standard with somewhere between eight
and fifteen hours' experience.
Gawne Aviation maintain a list of nearby suitably
qualified doctors, approved to carry out medical examinations on behalf
of the C.A.A. An appointment with the doctor is usually necessary and
you should mention that you require a 'student pilot medical'.
If you are contemplating a professional career, you would be well advised
to have this initial medical examination conducted to the commercial licence
standard or higher, rather than face disappointment at a later stage.
Higher medical standards apply to these professional licence levels and
the doctor can advise if you will meet these higher standards.
The doctor will assess whether you are physically and mentally
capable of performing the duties of a pilot during the period of validity
of your licence. Disabilities such as poor eyesight, hearing difficulties,
colour vision problems or even physical limitations may not necessarily
disqualify you from obtaining a pilot licence.
When the C.A.A. receive and assess the results of your medical examination,
they will forward your medical card which contains your Aviation Reference
Number (A.R.N.). This number must be quoted on all examinations and applications
for other licences.
Your Student Licence
Your student licence allows you to undergo training towards the higher
category of licences. During this training you may fly with your instructor
or, when approved, you may fly solo on approved exercises either in the
training area or in the circuit. You may not carry any other passengers
during this training and you must not carry out any flight not approved
by your instructor.
Dual flight time is that time during which you are undergoing flight instruction
with a rated flight instructor. Solo flight time is that during which
you are practicing flight sequences and are the sole occupant of the aircraft.
Flight training is based on the demonstration, observation and practice
method. That is, the instructor will demonstrate a flying sequence in
the aircraft while you observe. Then you will practice the sequence while
the instructor observes and assists with any difficulties.
The solo flying involves you practicing sequences that you have previously
covered with an instructor. Not only is the solo practice excellent training
it also disciplines the student to be positive in his or her attitude
towards flying. A student is not sent solo until considered competent
by the flying instructor
Most of the lessons for the general flying training stages are kept to
approximately one hour. This has been found to be the most ideal period
of time for maximum retention of the material that has been covered in
the lesson. Some lessons may vary in time depending on weather situations,
availability of aircraft and required flight times.
The General Flying Progress Test
This can be undertaken after a minimum of 20 hours flying - 15 hours dual
and 5 hours solo practice. It allows you to carry passengers, but you
are restricted to the confines of the training area associated with the
flying organisation with whom you are operating, or to within ten miles
of the aerodrome of departure. Additionally you must have an instructors
authorisation for every flight and you can not fly more than fifteen consecutive
hours solo without having a dual check flight with an instructor.
Examination to be passed during this stage of your training include:
* the pre-solo, prior to your first solo flight;
* pre-area solo, prior to your first solo trip to the training area;
* radio and Basic Aeronautical Knowledge (B.A.K.) prior to you undertaking
the general flying progress test.
B.A.K. consists of knowledge of the principles of flight, engines systems
and instruments, and aircraft operational weight and balance. When you
have completed of a course of study, you may sit the B.A.K. exam at a
mutually convenient time arranged between you and the chief flying instructor.
Your Private Licence
Before you can commence the navigation training phase, you are required
to sit a single examination covering the subjects of flight rules and
air law, navigation, meteorology and a sampling of questions from your
previous studies. This examination must be passed before you may commence
the practical flight training. The practical side of this phase of your
training requires you to complete a course of at approximately 20 hours
navigation training, which includes five hours of solo cross country navigation.
The duration of each exercise is between two and three hours and will
include some guidance in the practical use of the radio navigational aids.
When you have satisfactorily completed this training you will be required
to undertake a practical flight test to demonstrate your ability to navigate
and use the radio to either the chief flying instructor or a flight operations
inspector from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (C.A.S.A.).
Once you have gained your private licence you may then carry your passengers
anywhere in Australia. (You would be well advised not to venture too far
from home until you have built up some additional experience.) In a light
four seat aircraft, places like Sydney and Adelaide are only three hours
away from Shepparton compared to an eight hour or more drive.
Periods of Validity
Pilot licences are now valid indefinitely but the medical certificate
for student and private licences needs to be renewed every two years to
enable you to exercise the priveledges of your licence.
Renewal simply involves a medical examination, plus in the case of a private
licence holder, you will need to complete a flight review. This consists
of a flight with a suitably qualified flight instructor to ensure that
you are maintaining the required standard and that you have not developed
any bad habits with your flying.
Commercial Pilot Licence
The commercial pilot licence is the first of the professional pilot licences.
It is an extension of the private pilot licence and is the minimum requirement
you need before you are permitted to earn any remuneration from your flying
skills. The medical standard required is higher than for a private licence
and the flight test like the private licence is conducted either by a
flight operations inspector from the C.A.A. or an approved test officer.
Prior to the issue of a commercial pilot licence, you need a minimum of
150 hours, including additional training in instrument flying, navigation
and general handling if completing the approved course, or 200 hours if
applying under the normal course. Night flying is also included in the
approved course.
Gawne Aviation is approved to conduct both types of commercial courses.
The theory subjects areas are:
* Aircraft general knowledge;
* Flight rules and air law;
* Radio telephony;
* Aircraft type knowledge;
* Aerodynamics;
* Navigation;
* Aircraft operations, performance and planning;
* Meteorology;
* Human performance and limitations.
These subject areas are taught and examined by Gawne Aviation, using the
school's own internal examination system. When you have a pass in each
of these subjects you may sit the commercial pilot licence (C.P.L.A.)
examination which is designed as a final test of your knowledge in each
of the subjects mentioned above. To assist candidates with the study for
these exams, theory classes are conducted on a regular basis.
Ratings
Having gained a commercial licence, your occupational horizons can be
broadened considerably by qualifying for an instrument rating or a flight
instructor rating. There are various categories of each and Gawne Aviation
is authorised to carry out the required training and flight testing for
these ratings. Further detail is available from the school regarding the
requirements and training costs for these ratings.
These are normally conducted as a night class from 7.00pm to 10.00pm on
either a Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday evening. Day time
classes may also be available, depending on demand.
The theory involved with flying is interesting and very relevant to the
real thing. Subjects such as meteorology will change your outlook on weather
situations. Basic aeronautical knowledge gives you a insight into factors
affecting aircraft of all sizes.
If approached with a positive enthusiastic attitude the theory from private
standard through to commercial is relatively straight forward.
The time required to complete the licences is usually determined by the
time taken to pass the theory subjects. It is suggested to organise your
timetable so that the theory is completed and the basic aeronautical knowledge
examination is passed well before reaching the hours required for the
general flying progress test (G.F.P.T). This will allow you to continue
with the study of the remaining theory subjects for the private pilot's
licence while completing the flying training for the G.F.P.T. stage, thereby
minimising any delay when the time comes to commence navigation training
caused by the non completion of the theory subjects.
All of the theory subjects required from the private pilot's licence through
to the commercial pilot's licence and the various ratings can be studied
at Gawne Aviation. You may sit for these examinations at the flying school.
More About Careers
Civil aviation is broadly divided into two categories:
* Regular Public Transport (R.P.T.)
* General Aviation (G.A.).
Australia's domestic and international airlines offer secure, satisfying
and highly paid employment to those who seek an airline career and can
meet the exacting standards.
Entry requirements vary from time to time but the domestic airlines generally
insist on the following qualifications:
* Obtain the Victorian V.C.E. or its equivalent, with passes in mathematics,
physics and english;
* Obtain a commercial pilot licence;
* Pass the air transport pilot's licence theory subjects;
* Obtain a command instrument rating;
* Obtain a twin engine aircraft endorsement;
* Complete a minimum of 500 hours flying experience in command;
* Be an Australian resident;
* Do not exceed a maximum age commensurate with experience gained as specified
by the airline at the time of application.
How Are These Qualifications Obtained?
Flying training may be undertaken at a recognised commercial flying school
(like Gawne Aviation) to the commercial pilot licence standard. It is
then necessary to find work as a pilot in general aviation (e.g. as a
flying instructor or charter pilot), as the airlines usually expect flying
experience in excess of the basic commercial pilot's licence. Applicants
for airline employment will improve their prospects considerably if they
have passed the S.C.P.L. theory examinations, hold a command instrument
rating and have as many command hours as possible
One other salient qualification applicable to R.P.T. and G.A. pilots alike,
is tenacity - both in strength of purpose and the desire to maintain high
standards after initial qualifications.
For those students intending to study for the commercial pilots licence,
all the theory subjects can be studied at the school and the examinations
for these subjects are conducted at the school, under the supervision
of a C.A.A. approved supervisor.
Deregulation of the Australian airline industry occurred in November 1990,
and with the unrestricted expansion of both major and regional airlines
it is expected that more flight crews will be required. For those commercial
pilots not seeking an airline career, general aviation offers a wide variety
of employment including corporate or company flying, charter operations,
agricultural work and flight instructing.
Australia-wide, there are usually many openings for trained professional
pilots. Most of these requiring the applicant to have an instructor rating
and/or an instrument rating. These ratings are gained after you pass your
commercial pilot's licence and involve additional training.
How do I find out more?
Contact the Chief Flying Instructor at Gawne Aviation today to discuss
your flying training.
Phone: (03) 5823 1481
Fax: (03) 5823 1948
email: school@gawneaviation.com.au