The Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) is the first major step toward becoming a professional pilot. This program gives students the chance to get their Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
This licence is important for flying commercially in the aviation industry. However, since training costs over $90,000, including extra flying hours, students should think carefully before enrolling.
Knowing the below 6 things will help them prepare wisely and set themselves up for success!
1. Understanding the Nature of Flight Training
One of the most important aspects to understand before starting flight training is what it actually involves. Many students enrol without fully comprehending the nature of the training, which can lead to unexpected challenges and setbacks. Students need to be well-informed before committing to a program. They will invest $90,000 and 60 weeks of study.
Some people choose this program because they think being a pilot is attractive or offers a good career. However, when they start training, they might find the theory exams hard. They may also see that flying is tougher than they expected. As a result, they may struggle to progress or even decide to quit, leading to wasted tuition fees.
2. Commitment: Study and Time Dedication
Commitment is another crucial factor in flight training, encompassing both study and time dedication. Before enrolling, students should evaluate whether they are fully prepared to dedicate themselves to the training. A strong motivation to become a pilot is essential to staying focused and driven throughout the course.
The workload is tough. Students must pass theory exams and complete diploma units. They need to fly regularly and log at least 150 flying hours in 60 weeks.
Some students try to balance full-time jobs or other money needs while training. This often leads to bad results.
Flight training is tough for full-time students. Those who cannot dedicate enough time may find it hard to keep up.
It is important to be realistic about how much time you have. If needed, wait until you can fully commit. Avoid a “see how it goes” approach.
3. Financial Considerations
Financial preparation is equally important, as the tuition fee at Learn To Fly Melbourne covers only 153.5 flying hours. Since each student progresses at a different pace, additional training hours may be required to meet competency standards. Most students need extra training. This is especially true in the early stages of Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) and Private Pilot Licence (PPL) training.
For students applying for VET Student Loans, it’s important to note that any additional flight hours beyond the covered tuition are not included in the loan. These extra costs must be paid out of pocket.
For all students, to avoid financial problems, students should plan for an extra 10-15% of the total tuition fee. This is about $10,000 to $12,000 before starting their training.
Running out of money during training can cause delays. This forces students to stop, save up, and then continue. This intermittent approach is not ideal, as continuous training is essential for maintaining skills and progressing efficiently.
4. Flexibility in Scheduling
Flexibility is another key aspect of successful flight training. Weather-related cancellations are common, so students need to be adaptable with their schedules. Early-stage students, especially those training for their RPL, may face cancellations. This can happen because of strong crosswinds, even when the weather looks good overall.
PPL students must consider weather conditions when planning flights. This can lead to more cancellations along the route. Having a flexible schedule allows students to take advantage of makeup flight opportunities, ensuring steady progress.
If a navigation flight is canceled, for example, an RPL student may be able to use that slot for local training instead. Those with greater availability can maximize their flying opportunities and avoid unnecessary delays.
5. How Easy to Assess the Training Facility
The accessibility of the training facility is important. It may not seem significant at first, but it can affect long-term progress. On bad weather days, a student may think twice about traveling 1 to 1.5 hours to the flight school. This is especially true if there is a chance of a flight cancellation.
On the other hand, a student who lives just 15 minutes away is more likely to attend regularly. Since students must be at school four days a week, choosing a nearby school can help attendance and lower stress. However, for those who are truly committed to their training, a longer commute may still be manageable.
6. Medical Certification
Medical certification is another essential factor that should be addressed before starting training. You do not need a CASA Class 1 medical certificate before starting the training. However, it is highly recommended to get one in advance.
Some students wait until they are ready for their first solo flight to complete the medical exam. This can lead to delays of several weeks while they wait for clearance. This can result in disruptions to their training, requiring extra flying hours to regain proficiency upon returning.
Some students may find they cannot pass the medical exam. This can force them to stop training and lose their tuition fees. Securing a medical certificate early ensures there are no unexpected obstacles down the line.
Final Thoughts
The Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) is a significant commitment, both financially and in terms of time. To have a successful training experience, students should understand the course structure. They need to evaluate their commitment level.
Planning their finances is also important. Students should stay flexible with their schedules.
They must consider accessibility options. Lastly, they should get medical clearance early. Preparing in these areas will help you finish the training successfully. This will increase your chances of starting a rewarding career in aviation.
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