Private Pilot Licence - Your first step to the Sky

Imagine this -It is early morning and the light of the sun is reflecting off the still ocean. Below you can see dolphins surfing the bow wave of a fishing boat. The air is crisp and clear and you can see for miles. Around you can hear the excited chatter of your friends and family as they point out familiar landmarks………

Or perhaps – in the distance you can see the purple of the MacDonnell Ranges tall and rugged as they loom skyward. All around them the bright orange of the land seems almost to clash - the sky seems more blue than you have ever seen before. The stark beauty of the inland desert is in such contrast to the lush rainforest of the coast that you left only hours before….or,

The sea of red roofs seem to stretch for miles. Beneath you cars clog the busy freeways. In the distance you can see 747s on approach to Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne’s commercial airport. You are talking to Moorabbin Tower as they clear you for your approach……

You could be the one in the pilot’s seat in all these examples. At RQAC we can turn your dreams into reality.

Your new adventure can start with a simple phone call to book yourself in for a Trial Introductory Flight. On this flight you will experience the thrill of piloting an aircraft yourself. You will fly the aircraft under the guidance of one of our experienced flight instructors.

Phase 1: GFPT General Flight Progress Test

This can be the first step in fulfilling your dream to fly.

The path to obtaining your Private Pilot Licence is quite simple and will give you an enormous amount of personal satisfaction. At RQAC we will assist you with every step of your training.

Once you have started your flight training you will need to undertake a Medical examination with one of the CASA Designated Aviation Medical Examiners (DAME). The Class 2 medical examination required for a Private Pilot Licence is basically a general physical check-up. Provided you are generally of good health, the medical is a mere formality.

If you have some doubts that you may not meet these standards, it is worth speaking to one of the DAMEs. Many people have given up the opportunity to fly in the mistaken belief that a medical condition they have would have stopped them from flying when in fact this was not correct.

After you complete your medical you will be issued with your Student Pilot Licence. This is very much like a learner’s permit.

The SPL allows you to train for your first formal Pilot Licence, the General Flying Progress Test (GFPT). Training for your GFPT is one of the most exciting phases of your flight training that you will ever undertake.

This is where you actually learn to fly the aircraft in all its many configurations. You will learn all the basics such as climbing, descending, turning, and stalling before starting to fly the aircraft in the circuit area where you will practise takeoffs and landings. Once your instructor is confident that you are able to competently handle any situation which you might encounter, you will be sent for your very first solo flight. This is a flight which you will relive for the rest of your life. Even the most experienced Airline Captains with years of airline flying-time will vividly recount their first solo flight!

After consolidating your circuit procedures, you will then return to the Archerfield training area for a series of flights where you will learn some more advanced skills including forced landings, advanced stalling, compass turns, and instrument flying. Throughout this time you will see your skill level steadily improving and your confidence growing. You will also undertake your first solo flight to the training area. This spectacular area includes flying over the beautiful coastal areas of Moreton Bay, along the beaches of Stradbroke Island, as well as the picturesque rural areas surrounding Beaudesert.

You will also learn how to land the aircraft in different wind conditions and on shorter runways. This training prepares you for your future flights to locations away from our home base at Archerfield.

Theory Training

The training for your Pilot Licence includes the practical training in the aircraft and the simulator, as well as ground theory.

The ground theory is integrated into your flight training throughout the course.

The first two exams are not unlike the written exams required for your Driver’s Licence, with an aeronautical perspective. They include operation of the aircraft radio and air law.

The Basic Aeronautical Knowledge (BAK) course is very interesting and covers a number of topics including aerodynamics, engines and systems, and aircraft performance. In other words you will learn what actually makes the aircraft fly. You will learn how all the different systems such as the fuel system and the electrical system in the aircraft work, and the amount of runway length you would need to have in order to take off if the aircraft was loaded with a particular number of passengers, etc.

Whilst the topics covered may sound impressive, the material is not complex and no prior science or mathematics skills are needed. The material is very interesting, and it is very practically orientated. Your knowledge will be built with every flight you undertake and it will be assisted further with either self-study, night classes which we run for your convenience, or if you prefer, use of our Computer Based Training system. The CBT can be used on your home (or work) computer, so your training can become an exciting part of your daily routine.

Flight Test

Once your instructor believes that you have attained the required standard you will be recommended for a flight test for the issue of your GFPT. This flight test is normally conducted by one of our friendly Approved Test Officers, who you will have met during the course of your training.

On the successful completion of your GFPT, you are now licensed to carry passengers within the confines of the Archerfield training area, so you can be the one in the pilot's seat in our first example. The happy chatter will be coming from your family and friends.

Phase 2: PPL Private Pilot Licence

Once you have completed your GFPT you can start working towards your full PPL licence. This will enable you to fly anywhere in Australia.

This phase of your training sees you really expand your horizons. The GFPT has taught you how to fly the aircraft, now you need to learn how to navigate the aircraft across long distances. The training is designed to develop your skills in map reading and flight planning.

You fly to Toowoomba, Kingaroy, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Casino, Coffs Harbour, Wondai, Pittsworth, Grafton, Coolangatta and Maroochydore to name but a few of the navigation exercise destinations.

For those interested in expanding their horizons just little further, we can organise a Safari Trip for you to destinations of your choice. Some suggestions could include Great Keppel Island, Cairns, Alice Springs or Longreach – the sky is the limit!

Theory

The PPL theory course covers the topics of navigation, meteorology, flight rules and procedures, aircraft performance and aerodynamics. Once again this material is interesting and very practical, and relates precisely to the activities you will be doing in the air.

Flight Test

At the completion of your training, you will need to complete a flight test; once again this is normally done by our in-house CASA Approved Test Officer.

On the successful completion of this test, you are authorised to fly an aircraft for pleasure, or for private business purposes, anywhere in Australia. Remember our flights into Alice Springs and Melbourne - you are now the one in the pilot's seat, happy chatter will be coming from your family....

Your licence does not entitle you to charge for your services. This would require that you hold a Commercial Pilot Licence. However you can legally share the cost of the hire of the aircraft with your passengers on an equal basis.

How Long Does it Take?

Basically the length of time it takes to gain your licence depends on your individual circumstances. The licence can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis, and the training will be tailored to your individual requirements. If you are going to spread your training over a period of time, we would recommend that you allow a minimum of one hours flying per week for continuity purposes.

What Next?

RQAC offers advanced training in a number of different areas including:

- Endorsements on additional aircraft types including multi-engine aircraft
- Aerobatic training
- Night VFR ratings
- Private Instrument Rating training
- Multi-engine Command Instrument Rating
- Formation Flying,

Or can you imagine yourself in the front seat, yes the Pilots seat of the Qantas or Virgin Blue flight! If so, you need to talk to us about obtaining your Commercial Pilot Licence so you can take off to Flight Level 350.