WHAT IS CASA?
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is Australia’s aviation regulatory body. CASA determines the rules and regulations that govern how private pilots and commercial operators conduct business both in the air and on the ground.

 HOW MEDICALLY FIT DO I HAVE TO BE TO FLY?
 Depending on whether you wish to pursue becoming a pilot as a career or as a recreational private pilot, you will need to pass either a Class1 (Commercial) or Class2 (Recreational) medical.  Health is an important factor when learning to fly, especially if you intend becoming a commercial pilot.  Pilot Class 1 & 2 medicals are conducted by CASA appointed Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME) before commencement of flying training.  To obtain a list of appointed DAME’s feel free to contact us.

 CAN I WEAR GLASSES WHILST LEARNING TO FLY?
Yes, prescription glasses or contact lenses are allowed, providing you carry an extra pair with you in case of emergencies.

 DO I NEED A STUDENT PILOT LICENCE?
Yes.  A student licence is needed prior to First Solo and is issued by C.A.S.A  Due to possible delays it is advised that you apply for the student licence as soon as you decide to go ahead.  The licence applications are available from F.T.A. or through C.A.S.A. web site (Form 1162).  The licence is free.

 HOW DO I PAY FOR MY FLYING LESSONS?
Flight Training Australia’s normal policy is pay as you go, we send out monthly statements directly to you, providing details of all your activity for the month.  We are however happy to discuss an option that suits your individual needs.  We accept Bankcard, MasterCard, Diners Club, Visa and Eftpos and cash.  Overseas students must pay monies in advance, which by law must be held in a trust account.

 DO YOU CHARGE FOR BRIEFINGS?
Learning to fly involves both practical and theory instruction.  As our instructors are paid for their time while teaching on the ground and in the air, we do charge for their pre/post-flight ground briefings.

 WHAT DOES THE TERM ’GENERAL AVIATION’ COVER?
General Aviation is a generic term used for all aircraft operators other than Regional and Major Airlines. It does not include the Defence Forces.

 WHAT DOES FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME TRAINING MEAN?
As Flight Training Australia is a recognised education facility, that is approved by CASA and Centrelink to offer professional flying training, our courses can be attended either on a full or part-time basis. This translates as follows:

 Part-time (or Recreation Flying): Flying or theory training on weekends and the occasional day during the week. Students wishing to achieve their Commercial Pilot Licence are GST exempt for all related fees that are paid on a "pay as you fly" basis.

 Full-time (or Career Flying): Flying or theory training for a minimum of 3 working days (Monday to Friday) each week for the duration of a program. Restricted to CPL, Flying Instructor and Griffith University programs. GST is not applicable for career development flying, and fees are generally paid on receipt of a monthly invoice.

 WHAT IS THE ATPL?
 ATPL stands for Airline Transport Pilot Licence, which is the highest achievable licence that can be held by a civilian pilot. Unlike the General Progress Flying Test (GFPT), Private Pilot Licence (PPL), and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) where a practical flying test follows a successful pass in the respective theory components, there is no practical flying test for the ATPL. Students are required to pass all seven theory subjects of the ATPL syllabus (within a three year period) sometimes referred to as "Frozen ATPL", which is a pre-requisite for airline level entry.  An ATPL will only be awarded by CASA with the accumulation of 1500 specific category-flying hours.

AM I INSURED?
You will find that providers of flight training are required to have public liability insurance cover. It is advisable however to check that this is the case. Flight Training Australia has liability cover, which covers all accidents in our aircraft, any passengers you as the pilot may be carrying at the time, and damage to third parties or property in the air or on the ground. As the pilot however, you are not covered, so you are well advised to explore life insurance cover in the (unlikely) event of an accident.

 DO YOU TEACH HELICOPTER FLYING?
No, only fixed wing. Flying schools that offer both rotary and fixed wing training are few and far between.

 ARE FEMALES BECOMING ACCEPTED AS EQUALS IN FLYING?
Very much so and have been for some years now. Flight Training Australia actively promotes women in aviation and always has a large contingent of women seeking flying training either for fun or for a career. Women are highly sought after in the industry, particularly as Instructors and an increasing number are becoming pilots with the world’s major airlines.

 IS FLIGHT TRAINING AUSTRALIA AN APPROVED FLYING SCHOOL?
Flight Training Australia holds approvals and accreditations from all of the principle authorities. As a Recognised Training Organisation, we are obliged to maintain a code of operation that falls within the Nationally Recognised Training program. Check out our Approvals page.

 HOW MANY FLYING INSTRUCTORS WILL I HAVE?
Generally we recommend two-three instructors, which ensures you gain the skills and experience from a broad range of flying backgrounds. If you find you don’t seem to be getting what you expected or have a problem with any of your instructors for whatever reason, which is highly unlikely, you can ask to change to another at any time throughout your training.

 HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO START FLYING?
Flight Training Australia has seen a range of ages come through.  You can start to fly as soon as you want, which has found some as young as 9 or 10 clambering into the cockpit. As you are unable to fly solo before your 16th birthday we recommend 15 as a good starting point.  Flight Training Australia offers Junior Aviators during most school holidays for schools years 10,11,12 for more information see our Links page.

IS THERE AN UPPER AGE LIMIT?
No, however 60 years maybe to old for a career change. For recreation flying there is no upper age limit. Just as long as you pass the Class 2 Medical examination, you can learn to fly at any age – many have and still enjoy the independence that flying offers!

WHERE CAN I ASK MORE QUESTIONS?
 Flight Training Australia’s fulltime Marketing Manager Gary Young would be happy to arrange an appointment to meet and discuss with him, every aspect of becoming either a recreation or career pilot. Feel free to bring partners, parents or friends to accompany you during this discussion. Just call Gary on +61 7 3277 8544 or submit an enquiry via our Contact page.

 

CRICOS: 01208J