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Flying Training

Private Pilot Licence

A Course Outline

The Learning Process

Flying training is a carefully structured, three tier learning programme.

  1. Theory. The theory of aircraft flight is studied, and is available from different sources, the most popular method of study being home study by the pilot, at a rate set by themself, in keeping with the time available for private study.
  2. Pre Flight Briefing. This is one of the most important steps in the flying training programme. Here the theory learnt at home is linked by the flight instructor to the practical application of the exercise in the air. Unless the training pilot has a comprehensive understanding of the exercise to be undertaken, the expensive flight instruction time is wasted.
  3. The Instructional Flight At this stage you are now fully prepared - you can put into practice the knowledge you have acquired to develop the skills and reactions required to become a safe and proficient pilot.

The Phases for a PPL

The Private Pilot Licence syllabus consists of Four Phases
Pre-solo
Pre-area solo
GFPT
PPL(A)

The Syllabus of Training

During Phase 1 you will enjoy the following lessons:
Stability, basic aerodynamics, controls
Straight and Level flight
Climbing and descending
Turning
Slow speed flight
Take off, flying the circuit, and landing
After you First Solo, you enter Phase 2 and learn:
Consolidation of circuits, taking off and landing
Revision of various types of landings
Emergency management in the training area
Basic navigation within the training area.
Phase 3 consists of:
Steep turns, limit turns
Maximum performance take off and landing
Precautionary search and landing
Basic attitude instrument flying
This concludes the first stage of your licence training, and if you so desire, you may then complete a Flight Check to earn passenger carrying privileges within the Student Training Area.

At this stage you will still be flying on your Student Pilot Licence, but you may, subject to your Instructor’s authorisation, take your friends and family up for a flight within the local training area.

Phase 4 is then undertaken, and consists of Navigation training. Yes, it is up, up and away for cross country navigation exercises and you may travel to places such as Boonah, Toowoomba, Dalby, Chinchilla, Kingaroy, Gayndah and Biggenden as you complete your final training for your Private Pilot Licence.

How Do You Start?

The Trial Instructional Flight
If you have not received any previous flight training you qualify for a “Trial Instructional Flight”. You will receive a ground briefing prior to your flight to explain the basics of flight aerodynamics, stability and control. Then you will enjoy your first lesson, approximately 50 minutes in the air. You will taxy the aircraft, feel the flight controls operating, and then YOU WILL FLY THE AIRCRAFT.

Starting the Training

After your Trial Instructional Flight we will show you the reference books available for your private home study. (All materials you require may be purchased at the Flying School.)

We will help you tailor a lesson program to suit your needs, keeping in mind the financial and time constraints we all have to work within.

Medical
Prior to your first solo flight you must undergo a simple physical examination with a Physician. The doctor you choose to attend for the examination must be a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). We can supply you with the list of DAMEs in your local area. Student Pilot Licence

You will be required to take out a Student Pilot Licence. This is arranged at the School.

Examinations
To progress from one phase to another you will undergo theory and flight tests. All of these will be done at the Flying School.

Costs

Ground Instruction Charges
Ground Instruction falls into two categories:
Theory
Pre Flight Briefing
Theory
The may be undertaken by private tuition - however this is inevitably the more expensive method. It is of most benefit to older students, who respond better to One-on-One personal instruction.

The more common method is by private study. The appropriate books and material is available for purchase at the Flying School, and a few enjoyable hours of reading per week does the trick. This is the most economical way of acquiring the necessary knowledge.

Alternatively, a combination of the above two methods may be best for you. Your private study may be supplemented by some personal tuition. (Perhaps just prior to the exams.)

Pre flight Briefing
Pre flight briefings are a most important part of your flying lessons. Allow approximately 1 hour for the briefing prior to each lesson.

Flight Instruction Charges

The charge for flight instruction is a rate per hour (engine start to engine stop) charged in 0.1 hr. increments (6 mins). Flying lessons are usually approximately 0.9 hour, until the navigation exercises are undertaken; these vary from 2.5 to 5 hours. Payment

Payment is required at the completion of each lesson, no “up front” course fees are asked. Payment is by cash, cheque, or credit card.

After the Licence

After gaining your Private Pilot Licence, you may fly throughout Australia, subject to restrictions on some airspace.

You will probably wish to fly different types of aircraft other than your training aircraft type, and to do this you will undergo a short “conversion” course to familiarise yourself with the different handling and performance characteristics of the new aircraft.

You may wish to purchase an aircraft, and second hand aircraft in good condition are available for a cost around that of a new motor car.

Alternatively, you may prefer the flexibility of renting aircraft. Most pilots do this, and aircraft are available throughout the world for licenced pilots to rent.

You may also decide to do advanced training to increase the privileges of your licence and so extend your enjoyment of your new qualification. Sport flying may take your interest, and club competitions and aerobatic competitions are available for your participation.

No matter which direction your subsequent flying takes, your life will inevitably change, and you will enter the exclusive circle of aviators, and so ensure a never-ending supply of instant friends, wherever you go!

Come visit us at Caboolture Airfield