Learn to Fly
Our goal is simply to offer the highest standards of professionalism and service as measured by our safety record, customer satisfaction and the success of our students. We pride ourselves on providing flexible, personalized training schedules that accommodate the demands of busy lives. Whether you’re aiming to achieve a recreational license, upgrade your qualifications, or pursue a professional career in aviation, we are dedicated to helping you reach your goals at a pace that suits you.
Trial Instructional Flight
Have you ever wanted to fly a plane? You can with Sydney Aviators.
Sydney Aviators offers a 1 hour Trial Instructional Flight for $300.00, which includes a $60 discount on your next training flight.
Flights can be booked any day of the week that suits. A typical booking is 1.5hrs, allowing you time to brief and de-brief after the flight. You will take controls of the Aircraft during flight under the supervision of a CASA approved Flight Instructor.
Your Instructor can answer any questions you may have along the way.
A trial flight makes a great gift for someone who has always wanted to be a Pilot! Gift Vouchers can be purchased for TIF's and mailed to you.
Payment of $300.00 is required upon booking. This payment is not refundable but can be transferred to another booking should the initial booking be postponed.
Learn to Fly - Student Pilots
When can I start learning to fly?
There is no limitation on when you can start learning to fly when accompanied by a flight instructor, but you must beat least 15 to fly solo.
Will I need a license to fly as a student pilot?
You will not need a license to fly as a student pilot because you will be under the supervision of a flight instructor and your flying school at all times while you are learning, including when you are flying solo.
However, to fly solo you will need an aviation reference number (ARN), which you can obtain from CASA, and you will need to provide CASA with proof of your identity. There is no fee for this service and you should receive your ARN within one week of submitting an application.
To fly solo, you will also need to hold either a CASA class 1 or 2 medical certificate or a recreational aviation medical practitioners certificate. If you have a recreational aviation medical practitioners certificate you will be limited to conduct solo flights in recreational aircraft only.
Private Pilot License (PPL)
A Private Pilot Licence (PPL) gives you freedom to broaden your horizons, explore new places and make new friends.
At Sydney Aviators, we regularly schedule fly-aways to great locations in NSW and beyond.
Take your friends on a holiday, land on a deserted beach, fly over mountains - or just take the family to Dubbo Zoo for the day.
A PPL opens your world to new possibilities...
The Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Course comprises of two parts. The first part is the Recreational Pilots Licence, and the second is the Navigation Stage.
Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
Part 1 - the Recreational Pilots License (RPL)
This is when you will learn to handle the aircraft. This includes the basic manoeuvres such as climbing, descending, turning, and then practicing take-offs and landings in the circuit. After flying solo in the circuit, you will learn more complex handling in the training area before progressing to your Recreational Pilots Licence flight test.
Commercial Pilot License Certificate (CPL)
The Commercial Pilot Stage comprises of a deep understanding of how to handle an aircraft like a commercial pilot and enhance the advancement of your aviation career.
The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) Course comprises of three parts;
- Part 1 is the Recreational Pilots Licence
- Part 2 is the Navigation Stage (PPL)
- Part 3 is the Cmmercial Stage (CPL)
Part 3 CPL
This course provides deep understanding of how to handle an aircraft like a commercial pilot and enhance the advancement of your aviation career.
- The RPL syllabus is revisited and taught in more detail and of a higher standard to fine tune the pilot's skills.
- Navigation is revised and taught so the pilot will develop a greater depth of skill to become a more efficient and adaptable pilot.
- Our team of experienced professional instructors guide you through our in-house multi engine flight simulator, which further enhances the content quality of our course, both in theory and practice.
CPL Stage 3 |
|
20 hours dual @ $415 per hour (based on Arrow III EHK rate) | 8,300 |
80 hours solo @ $245 per hour (based on Archer II MJT rate) | 19,600 |
8.0 hours SIM dual @ $152 per hour | 1,216 |
Landing Fees | 1,280 |
CPL Flight Test | 800 |
CPL Theory | 1,980 |
Total Estimated Cost | 33,176 |
Note: The prices listed above do not include GST.However, all new students are eligible for GST free training as Sydney Aviatorsis a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and education is GST exempt.
Night Visual Flight Rules (NVFR)
A night rating removes the time pressure of last light when flying cross-country.
It allows you to fly an aircraft at night in fair weather conditions. You will be able to fly your family and friends over the city lights and return home after dark.
It can be accomplished during the CPL course and can be achieved separately as well, a very handy add on after a Private Pilots Licence. A great rating to achieve if looking to get a CPL and Instructor rating in the future
Approximate costs below based on a Piper Warrior 3:
NVFR (based on Piper Warrior 3 rates) | |
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10 hours dual @ $355 per hour | 3,550 |
3 hours solo @ $255 per hour | 765 |
12 landings @ $15 per landing | 180 |
Theory | 240 |
Flight Test inc Aircraft | 1,290 |
Total Estimated Cost | 6,025 |
License Conversions
Coming over to Australia? Converting your overseas licence to an Australian Licence can be made easier by letting us help you.
All the information you need to know on where to go and the steps required is listed below.
With the introduction of the Part 61 licencing, the process of converting your licence has changed. This is especially true for the conversion of a Private Pilot Licence. The CASA Flight Crew licencing Procedures Manual states:
12.1 Requirements for the Recognition of Overseas Flight Crew Authorisations:
12.1.1 For recognition of an overseas authorisation to issue a Private Pilot Licence (PPL).
In accordance with CASR 61.275, CASA will accept that the requirements for the issue of an Australian flight crew licence with an aircraft rating are met.
Only if the holder of an overseas flight crew licence (issued by an ICAO Contracting State) with an aircraft category rating provides evidence that satisfies CASA, that the licence and any rating on it is at least equivalent to the Australian licence and rating being requested; and
- The applicant is at least the minimum age for the grant of the Australian licence; and
- The applicant holds an authorisation to operate an aircraft radio; and
- Either the applicant’s overseas licence states that the applicant has a current ICAO level 4 English language proficiency standard or higher or the applicant has a current aviation English language proficiency assessment.”
So effectively, if you hold a PPL licence from an ICAO contracting state, all you need to do is fill out form 61-4A (CASA website), provide the required evidence(logbook photocopies etc.) and meet the requirements for security and English proficiency.
CASA then verifies the licence with the foreign regulator and sends you an Australian licence. Should your licence not be from an ICAO contracting state, CASA may require a written examination and/or flight test.
Note there are minimum flight time requirements for the conversion to an Australian PPL. These are on the form, and are:
Total Aeronautical Experience (includes on all categories): Not less than 40
Total Flight Time as a Pilot (on all categories):Not less than 35
Total Flight Time as Pilot of an Aeroplane: Not less than 20
Total Solo Flight Time in an Aeroplane: Not less than 10
Total Solo Cross-Country Flight Time in an Aeroplane: Not less than 5
Total Dual Instrument Time (on all categories): Not less than 2
Total Dual Instrument Flight Time in an Aeroplane: Not less than 1
Form 61-4A is available on the CASA website at
http://www.casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/lib100191/form61-4a.pdf
The process for conversion of a CPL, MPL or ATPL hasn’t significantly changed. You fill out form 61-4A and send it in.
CASA will assess your experience and send you for a theory exam at one of the ASL exam centres.
On successful completion of the examination and verification of your overseas licence, CASA will send you a letter. You must take a copy of the letter from CASA, indicating that CASA is satisfied you have the overseas permissions that CASA will recognise, and evidence of completing the examination to a CASR 141 or 142 organisation, Sydney Aviators is currently in the transition period to this training scheme.
We will then assess your flying competency and book your flight test. On completion of a successful flight test, you must submit Form 61-4B to CASA for issue of your Australian licence.
Previous conversion methods have also changed.
The Special Pilot Licence no longer exists.
The Certificate of Validation is completed by filling out form 61-4 COV, but is now targeted towards commercial pilots coming to Australia for short periods for commercial operations such as endorsement training or ferrying of aircraft.
Command Instrument Rating
This can apply for either a single or twin engine aircraft. It allows you to take off, navigate and conduct an approach to land with sole reference to the instruments in less favourable weather conditions.
Flight Instructor Rating
Qualify as a Grade 3 Flight Instructor and start a new career in aviation. Instructors need to be excellent teachers as well as being outstanding pilots. Instructors get a lot of experience with safety management, a deep understanding of the CPL subjects and can maximise their flying hours each year.
Basair Aviation college (Sydney Aviators sister college), conducts Flight Instructor Ratings.
The course runs full-time for 16 weeks. Theory and flying is conducted 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday for the duration of the course.
The course consists of the following:
- 30 hours dual flight instruction with one of our highly qualified Instructors
- Full-time theory delivery (dedicated instructor rating instructor)
- pre licence flight with CFI
- Flight test with a CASA or an approved CASA FTO
Course Cost:
Please refer to Basair Aviation College website:
http://www.basair.com.au/Course/Details/Diploma-in-Aviation-flight-instructor
For more information please call our friendly staff on (02) 9793 8900 or Basair head office on (02) 9791 0111
or email fly@sydneyaviators.com.au
Multi Engine Endorsement
Take your flying to the next level by obtaining your Multi-Engine Endorsement with Sydney Aviators.
Expand your horizons by completing a Multi Engine Endorsement with Sydney Aviators. This endorsement will allow you to operate high performance aircraft with twin engines. Training for this endorsement will be conducted in a Beechcraft Duchess and will set the foundations for future aircraft endorsements.
(Beechcraft Baron may be used also, subject to availability and different costs apply)
This course includes 7 hours of flying as well as theory briefings delivered by an experienced grade 1 flight instructor. You'll gain an in depth understanding on the key operational differences between single engine and multi engine aircraft as well as develop the critical skills necessary to handle emergencies in multi engine aircraft.
Multi Engine Endorsement (Duchess Rates) | |
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7 hours dual @ $535 per hour | $3,745 |
7 landings @ $24 per landing | $168 |
Theory | $360 |
Total Estimated Cost | $4,273 |
Converting RA-Aus Certificate
Qualify as a Grade 3 Flight Instructor and start a new career in aviation. Instructors need to be excellent teachers as well as being outstanding pilots. Instructors get a lot of experience with safety management, a deep understanding of the CPL subjects and can maximise their flying hours each year.
Converting an RA-Aus Certificate to a CASA GA licence is easy to do.
For RA-Aus Pilots, who hold their Pilot Certificate, gaining a CASA Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL-A) or Private Pilot License (PPL-A) is a fairly straight forward process.
Licence Conversions- from RA-Aus to RPL (A)
A pilot certificate is equivalent to an RPL. To get your RPL you need to complete an application form, and follow the instructions on the form to provide evidence of your pilot certificate, submit a recent photograph and provide appropriate proof of your identity. You also need to undertake a flight review before you can use your license.
Your new licence grants you the relevant category rating, aircraft class rating and design feature endorsements. You are also granted a recreational navigation endorsement if your pilot certificate authorizes you to conduct cross-country flights and if you meet the minimum flight times.
Licence Conversions - from RA-Aus to PPL (A)
The basic requirements for converting to a CASA PPL are;
- At least 17 years of age
- Holds a Flight Operator Radiotelephone Licence(overseas acceptable)
- Competent in English - writing, speaking and understanding
- Holds an Australian ASIC
Aeronautical Experience:
To be eligible for a Private Pilot Licence, pilots are required to have at least 40 hours total flight time as a pilot, which must include:
- At least 5 hours of general flight time as pilot in command
- At least 5 hours of cross country flight time as pilot in command
- At least 2 hours of instrument flight time
All RA-Aus flying hours are transferrable (ie; can be included in the 40 hours), however the minimums must be met in order to undertake a PPL Flight Test in a powered aircraft.
Process Description.
The process for converting to a PPL licence is as follows:
- Complete the ARN application form
- Read and comply with the requirements for issue of an ASIC and then complete the form.
- Lodge 1 and 2
- Obtain an Australian English Language Proficiency standard.
- Undertake the in-house BAK exam and pass
- Sit and pass the Private Pilot Licence CASA exam
- Pass a PPL flight test with ATO or CASA FOI
On completion of the flight test, complete the PPL application form and FROL application form
Please note:
When converting an RA-Aus licence, you MUST meet the requirements for a CASA RPL before continuing your training to the PPL stage. When starting at a new school, students should book a flight in with a Grade I Flight Instructor or Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) to see where their standard of flying is at.
An applicant wishing to convert to a PPL must pass the BAK exam, as well as all necessary solo exams before sitting their PPL Exam. This must also be completed before a student can be sent solo in a GA powered aircraft.
The instructor can then progress your training along to the PPL flight test once you are comfortable handling a powered aircraft (this can be done through general handling exercises in the training area, circuits or navigational exercises).
CSU Endorsement
The CSU is a Constant Speed Unit propeller (variable pitch propellor) and is a compulsory requirement for Commercial Pilot Licence candidates. It is typically included in the CPL course, but can be achieved separately as well.
Theory
We run theory for all levels; BAK, PPL, CPL, Instrument Rating, Flight Instructor Rating and ATPL.
BAK Theory
$490.00
3 Weekends (Saturday &Sunday: 0900-1700)
PPL Theory
$690.00
4 Weekends (Saturday &Sunday: 0900-1700)
Commercial Theory:
CPL Aerodynamics Theory
$220.00 excluding Exam
1 Weekend (Saturday & Sunday: 0900-1700)
CPL General Knowledge Theory
$220.00 excluding Exam
1 Weekend (Saturday & Sunday: 0900-1700)
CPL Human Factors Theory
$220.00 excluding Exam
1 Weekend (Saturday & Sunday: 0900-1700)
CPL Meteorology Theory
$440.00 excluding Exam
2 Weekends (Saturday &Sunday: 0900-1700)
CPL Navigation Theory
$440.00 excluding Exam
2 Weekends (Saturday & Sunday: 0900-1700)
CPL Air Law Theory
$440.00 excluding Exam
2 Weekends (Saturday & Sunday: 0900-1700)
CPL Performance Theory
$440.00 excluding Exam
2 Weekends (Saturday & Sunday: 0900-1700)
IREX Theory
$990.00 excluding Exam
4 Weekends (Saturday & Sunday: 0900-1700)
GNSS Theory
$250.00 including Exam
Please call us on (02) 9793 8900 for up coming dates.
To book a placement in any theory course or for more information, please call us on (02) 9793 8900. Please note that a 50%deposit is required upon booking with the balance due before commencement of the course. Plenty of breaks during the courses and a BBQ lunch is provided.
Course start dates are subject to participant numbers.
Points To Ponder From The Bald Iggle
Notes and hints from our CFI
Who was the Bald Iggle? In the 1950’s and 60’s the cartoonist Al Capp was drawing the popular comic strip Li’l Abner, an entertaining comic for the young a political satire for the more mature, featuring the Yokum Family and their associates set in the Village of Dogpatch Kentucky.
Among the various villains, charlatans and political greasy pole climbers who frequented Dogpatch such as Moonbeam McSwine, Evil-Eye Fleegle and Lonesome Polecat, the Bald Iggle represented Truth, Virtue and Wisdom. The Bald Iggle would fixate upon you with large eyes and encourage you to stop, think and ponder.
You are encouraged to do the same, have a read of the download links at the right of the page, some great info to ponder over..