Please note:

We are fully available for BFRs, endorsement training, converting pilot and re-activation training for existing pilots.

Our ability to take on new ab-initio students is now very limited due to our other aviation activities.

Everything written below is correct and current but we might not be able to fit you in.  By all means inquire.

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If you think flying might be something you might like to have a look at:  

Book an Introductory Lesson.   Handle the aircraft on the ground and in the air.   $240   Call/txt 0407 252505  24/7

THE RIGHT STUFF?  

Border Downs  SA/NSW border

If you think you are fit enough to hold a car licence, you're in! 
No medical examination is required.
  
A good year six (primary school) maths ability is REQUIRED.  An ability to do rough estimates quickly is REQUIRED.
Please learn to multiply, divide, add, subtract and understand percentages before undertaking pilot training.

Under eighteen?  We will want to consult your parents and keep them in the loop.

NOTE:  You can't fake it in this game.  Sure, its fun to have some lessons for giggles, BUT, to succeed, a genuine effort is required.
 

There are multi-choice exams on each of these subjects and you can just knock them over as your training progresses.  We mark them on the spot.  Pass mark required is 80%.

Also, there are the Airservices publications, such as ERSA, AIP and airspace charts to become familiar with. 

CLICK TO ENLARGE ANY PHOTO

What would training from 'scratch' to Pilot Certificate standard set me back?

A Pilot Certificate can be obtained by doing the legal minimum 20 hours flying training.  This would cost about $6,090.

It is rare for a student to gain sufficient knowledge and skill with only 20 hours of practice.  For most students, 30 hours is a more realistic estimate.

Administrative costs -to RAAus	310
Text books, log book and exam fees	400
Say, 30 hours instructional flying @ $240 per hour	7200
Admin. fee for Pilot Cert. issue	100
	$ 8010

Later, you will want a 'cross country' endorsement because your Pilot Certificate only allows local flying until you do nav. training. This involves study of Flight Planning, Navigation and Meteorology.  

Texts, maps and navigation tools, say Initial lesson...2 to 3 hours flight planning/nav	120 100
Say, 12 hours of instructional cross country flying	2880
Admin. and exam fee for Endorsement issue	100
	$3200

 

All flying is charged pro-rata.  For example,  1.2 hrs is $240.00 x 1.2 = $288.00  or  0.7 hr is $240.00 x 0.7 = $168.00. 

There is normally no charge for pre- and post flight briefings and instruction.......bargain !    Extended lessons may incur a fee.

Pilot Certificate?  
Is a qualification to operate small aircraft. Your Pilot Certificate can serve as a basis to progress to CASA RPL, Private, Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot Licence after further training.

Where is your Training Facility?
We operate from Hangar 303, Walsh Drive, Forest Hill Aerodrome, Wagga 'on demand'. This means that our hangar can be unattended at times when we aren't flying or servicing the aircraft.   Ask google to take you to "wagga bike tyres pilot school".

TRAINING is available, at times, Tuesday to Sunday!               PRIVATE HIRE Jabiru J160    $160.00 per hour, wet, to approved pilots.            

CONTACT:    Chief Flying Instructor, Fred Burke, any time on 0407 252505.  Voice or txt.

 

Aaron crosses the dog fence at Border Downs, south of Cameron's Corner; four hours from Wagga by Jabiru.

 TRAINING with us leads you to a Pilot Certificate that qualifies you to pilot small aircraft. These aircraft are easy to spot because they have a series of numerals as their registration (24-7103), as opposed to aircraft with letters (VH-). 

NO MATTER whether you are a potential "weekend warrior" or a future professional pilot, choosing to do your initial pilot training at Wagga in our Jabiru aircraft is an economical and effective way to become a pilot.

***NOTE***FLIGHT TRAINING is a significant personal undertaking. Enthusiasm and effort, along with a certain amount of grittiness, seems to be the formula. 

***NOTE***  A willingness to study text material at home is essential.  

SOME LIMITS that apply to small aircraft ops. 1)No night flying  2)All flying is visual, so no flying in clouds.  3)No flying in control zones that exist near some city aerodromes.   4) Two seats max.

LESSONS often take the best part of two hours, or more.  Pre-flight briefing, preparation of aircraft, an hour or so flying, followed by de-brief, will soak up the time.

DON'T FORGET to bring your drink bottle and sunnies. Aerodromes tend to be flat and windswept, so in winter, bring something warm to chuck on while you're wandering about. Of course, after an intense session of circuits and bumps, we'll have you sweating!

OUR AIRCRAFT are equipped with headsets but if you have your own, you are welcome to use them.

DURING the early stages of your training it is best if you are able to clearly observe the reactions of the aircraft to your control inputs. Atmospheric turbulence masks this desirable feedback. Therefore, we try to fly at times of smooth air. The autumn and winter months often produce beautiful 'still' days. However, during the

Grumman Ag-Cat VH-FPB has been with us since 1964.

hot months the best shot at good conditions is before around 11.00 A.M.

BEST PROGRESS is made if you fly once a week or more. Many choose to take their time and fly less frequently. This is not a problem but does mean that part of each flying session is consumed in getting back up to speed, thus resulting in slower progress.

USEFUL  WEBSITES  

 www.jabiru.net.au        Go here to download your own Pilot's Manuals for our J160C training aircraft.   Go to SUPPORT, then MANUALS. 

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www.airservicesaustralia.com    Register for NAIPS to access NOTAMs, ERSA and AIP.  Huh?  Yeah, leave this until later. 

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www.raa.asn.au    Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) is the administration body you will deal with.

Once you are a "member" you will have full access to their site.  The "Operations Manual" will be referenced during your training. The "Basic Aeronautical Knowledge Syllabus" can be used to guide your home study.

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FAA Manuals.  Written for the USA but full of good Basic Aeronautical Knowledge, as long as you sort out the "USA ONLY" stuff.

1) Airplane Flying Handbook - https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/

2) Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge - https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/

NOTE:  Students can skip sections on history, USA administration, instrument and night flying, twin engine aircraft and gas turbine (jet) operations.

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