Tag: Flight Training

Hello, I’m Coen Johnston, hailing from the small town of Swan Hill in country Victoria. Growing up with a natural curiosity and a thirst for adventure, I developed a fascination for aviation at a young age. Whether it was building model aircraft or embarking on gliding adventures, my interest in flying continually grew. My passion reached new heights when, at just 17 years old, I had the thrilling experience of flying solo in a Tecnam p2008. It was then that I knew I was destined to pursue a career in the sky.

Starting Off and Finding Learn To Fly Melbourne

At that stage of my life, financial constraints forced me to put my flying dreams on hold. Determined to continue my aviation journey, I completed Year 12 and embarked on a trade as a fitter-turner. I found work at Grizzly Engineering, where I built disc ploughs and honed my skills in manufacturing. As I saved money, my desire to take to the skies again only intensified. My persistence paid off when I discovered Learn To Fly Melbourne. At 19, I was thrilled to find that they were offering a scholarship for a Diploma in Aviation. I eagerly applied, and to my immense joy, I was awarded the scholarship. My flying dreams were once again within reach, thanks to Learn To Fly Melbourne.

Challenges, Triumphs, and The CPL Journey

With a renewed sense of purpose, I relocated to Townsville to embark on my flight training journey, piloting the Cessna 172 and working diligently towards my Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) exams. Townsville became more than a training ground; it was a home where I made lasting friendships and explored some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, including Palm Island, the Whitsundays, and Cairns.

Under the watchful eye of my instructor, Brenden Morgan, I faced rigorous tests like engine failures, partial panel flying, and navigation exercises that ranged from dirt strips to bustling international airports. These experiences not only honed my skills but prepared me for the multitude of challenging flights across Australia.

When it was time to finish my CPL, I mace the move to Melbourne, where I faced new obstacles. Transitioning to the Diamond DA40, I had to adapt to the frenetic Melbourne airspace, master the G1000-equipped aircraft, and learn from fresh faces among the instructors. My determination never wavered, and after approximately 25 hours of training in the DA40, I proudly achieved my CPL. My dream of becoming a commercial pilot was finally realized, and it was an unforgettable journey filled with growth, challenges, and triumphs.

Beyond the Licence: A Life in Aviation

My gratitude towards Learn To Fly Melbourne (LTF) is boundless. The support, mentorship, and professional training I received played an integral role in shaping my aviation career, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking to pursue their flying dreams. During my time with LTF, I not only broadened my knowledge of aviation but also learned valuable lessons about myself. My passion for flying propelled me forward, but there were undoubtedly moments when the journey became taxing. In those times, special instructors like Josh Best and David Marien were instrumental in guiding me, showing me how far I’d come and keeping my eyes on the destination.

However, as Covid-19 began to impact Australia and my financial resources dwindled after a year of intensive training, I found myself returning to my trade. Yet, the experiences and lessons I gained at Learn To Fly Melbourne remained with me, solidifying my commitment to aviation and my own personal growth.

The pull of aviation was impossible to resist, and I quickly found myself back in the cockpit, earning endorsements in Tailwheel, Low Level, and Retractable Undercarriage. My weekends were consumed with glider towing and ferrying aircraft for friends and brokers. It became an exhilarating and demanding period, filled with thousands of miles of flying, even as I continued to work full-time.

In just one year, I had the privilege of flying to every state and territory in Australia, piloting an array of aircraft ranging from the rugged Savannah bush plane to the sleek single-seat RV3. With around 380 hours under my belt, I knew it was time to take my career to the next level. I pursued and successfully obtained my multi-engine private instrument rating, a milestone that paved the way for my current role as a corporate pilot.

Today, I fly a Private G36 Bonanza for an Agricultural Engineering company in Northern NSW. My flying days are as varied as they are exciting, from delivering parts to remote farm strips for machinery repairs to transporting company directors to their desired destinations. With 560 total flight hours, I relish the experience of piloting a modern, fast aircraft and continue to sharpen my Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) skills. Every day is a new adventure, and my love for aviation continues to soar.

Future Aspirations and a Life Well Flown

Beyond aviation, I’m also passionate about mountain biking and spearfishing, my next goals include upgrading my instrument rating and pursuing my turbine endorsement. As I look to the future, I envision myself at the helm of a fast-turbine aircraft, embarking on thrilling adventures with friends to unexplored destinations.

The world of flying is a unique and rewarding pursuit, demanding a blend of diverse skills and unyielding focus. To anyone considering this path, I extend an enthusiastic encouragement. To learn how to fly is more than a mastery of an art; it is a journey of personal growth and fulfilment. Whether for a career or simply the joy of soaring through the skies, the adventure of aviation awaits, and it is an experience like no other.

Note: This blog has been created based on the personal experience of Coen Johnston, a CPL graduate from Learn To Fly Melbourne. If you’re interested in following a similar path, explore our flight training programs and apply for VET Student Loans for eligible diploma courses today.

What Else Should I Know?

We’ve compiled a few useful posts that might help you out. Where ever you are on your aviation journey, the team at Learn To Fly Melbourne are here to help. We want you to pass your exams and have an excellent career, so please reach out if we can help support you through your course and studies!

We at Learn To Fly Melbourne are beyond excited to share a significant leap forward in our journey at Learn To Fly Melbourne. We have recently acquired a new 1,000 square meter building that will serve as both our headquarters and a dedicated Theory Centre. Located conveniently at Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne, this new building is a major stride in enhancing our flight training services in Melbourne.

Flight Training Headquarters & Theory Center

As a renowned flight training school in Melbourne, we have always emphasised creating the perfect environment for our trainees. This ranges from our specialised flight operations office to our cutting-edge simulation training facility. With the introduction of our new headquarters, we’re taking another giant leap towards enriching our comprehensive flight training program.

Our new Theory Center is designed to immerse students in a conducive learning environment, where they can delve deep into the complexities of aviation theory. It’s not just about the knowledge – it’s about understanding how it applies in the real world of aviation. Whether it’s meteorology, navigation, or the intricacies of aircraft systems, our theory classes are designed to create competent pilots who are ready to handle the unexpected.

Furthermore, this expansive building allows us room to extend our capabilities. More space means incorporating advanced technologies, diversifying resources, and optimising comfort to further improve our flight training services in Melbourne.

But we also understand that flight training isn’t just about mastering the technicalities – it’s about fostering a sense of community among aspiring pilots. Hence, our new headquarters includes spaces for relaxation, socialising, and networking, allowing our students to share their experiences, learn from each other, and build lasting bonds within the aviation community.

So, why wait? Come and join us at our newly minted headquarters and Theory Centre at Moorabbin Airport. As we continue to redefine flight training in Melbourne, we invite you to be part of the exciting journey at Learn To Fly Melbourne. Here, we are not just teaching you to fly; we are empowering you to soar. We can’t wait to welcome you to your new aviation home!

Are you ready to join the evolving world of aviation?

Chat with one of our flight training specialists to get your pilot training off the ground. Email [email protected] or go to https://drift.me/learntofly/meeting to book a meeting and school tour.

What Else Should I Know?

We’ve compiled a few useful posts that might help you out. Where ever you are on your aviation journey, the team at Learn To Fly Melbourne are here to help. We want you to pass your exams and have an excellent career, so please reach out if we can help support you through your course and studies!

Do you think you need a Bachelor of Aviation to become a pilot? Think again. As an aspiring pilot, it’s your job to determine an aviation training pathway that will create the best pilot out of you. As a matter of fact, a Bachelor of Aviation is only one pathway to becoming a pilot – and most pilots will argue that there’s a better pathway. It’s also your job to take into consideration the quality of your training, the time it takes to become a pilot, and the financial cost of your pilot training. Once you’ve considered these factors, you’ll discover why you don’t need a Bachelor of Aviation to become a pilot. Let’s take a look at your options and what a better pathway might look like.

What’s Involved with a Bachelor of Aviation?

Most bachelor programs combine Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training and Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating (MECIR) training with other university subjects. To become a pilot, you need a pilot licence, flying ratings, and endorsements. This means you can actually study the Diploma of Aviation to gain your CPL, and your Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating. In some regards, it’s a bit like becoming a truck driver: you don’t need a Bachelor’s Degree, you just need your driver licence.

Why Not Get the Bachelor of Aviation?

A Bachelor of Aviation requires three years of aviation training due to the structure. However, a pilot licence doesn’t actually require this amount of time. After 1.5 years of training to gain your CPL and MECIR, you will still need to complete another 1.5 years of university to complete the course.

If your end goal is to be a commercial airline pilot, the big consideration for intake is not a Bachelor Degree – it’s your flying hours and experience. Airlines care about your combined hours, which aircraft you can fly, and your night and multi-engine hours. You only need to look at Qantas’ Pilots and Flight Operations webpage to see there is no requirement for a Bachelor’s Degree. There’s only a requirement for a minimum flying experience.

If you study for the Diploma of Aviation to get your CPL and MECIR, you can start looking for a job immediately. This means you’ll be building your flying experience instead of wasting an additional 1.5 years of study. After 3 years, you can be a far more appealing commercial pilot applicant by completing your Diploma in Aviation, compared to a Bachelor’s Degree.

There are better ways! This is why you don’t need a Bachelor of Aviation to become a pilot.

What If I Really Want a Bachelor’s Degree?

If you really want a Bachelor’s Degree, you should choose something other than aviation. A Bachelor’s in the fields of IT or accounting would be a smarter choice. If COVID or a significant economic downturn occurred, you would be qualified for other industries and it would protect you as a pilot.

What is the Suggested Pathway for Becoming a Pilot?

Now that we’ve covered why you don’t need a Bachelor of Aviation to become a pilot, let’s look at a better approach. There’s one clear pathway that provides the most efficient and effective aviation training. It’s an aviation pathway that many commercial airline pilots successfully followed, reducing the time it takes to become a pilot and reducing the overall cost of training. Here’s what that pathway looks like:

1. Study the Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) to gain your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

2. Study the Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) to get the MECIR.

3. Study the Flight Instructor Rating. It is one of the easiest ways to get your first pilot job. As a flight instructor, you can build hours a lot quicker than other pilot jobs. (Optional, but highly recommended).

4. Look for a job as a pilot.

5. Study a Bachelor’s Degree in another field, if you really want to. However, do it once you have a job as a pilot so you can build your flying hours and study at the same time.

Are you ready to join the evolving world of aviation?

Chat with one of our flight training specialists to get your pilot training off the ground. Email [email protected] or go to https://drift.me/learntofly/meeting to book a meeting and school tour.

What Else Should I Know?

We’ve compiled a few useful posts that might help you out. Where ever you are on your aviation journey, the team at Learn To Fly Melbourne are here to help. We want you to pass your exams and have an excellent career, so please reach out if we can help support you through your course and studies!

Aviation theory and ground school involve your classroom time with an instructor to learn essential knowledge for flight training in Australia. Whilst you might think that theory is boring, it makes the flying part so much more fun and interesting. Throughout your aviation training, every flying lesson will begin in a classroom for a briefing on a theory application. Your time spent in the classroom will make you a better pilot in an aircraft. Let’s explore aviation theory and ground school so that you can understand how to establish essential knowledge for flight training in Australia.

What Is Aviation Theory and Ground School

Aviation theory is the science and textbook content for learning how to become a pilot. Some flight training schools separate ground schools from flight schools, but in Australia, we mostly consider them to be the same thing. In aviation ground school, you’ll study each component and milestone before undertaking practical experience in an aircraft.

The topics you’ll cover will typically include aerodynamics, air law, human factors, aviation instrumentation, weather, and so on.

The Importance of Theory in Flight Training

Every pilot decision and control input should be from the basis of the flight training. As humans, we have natural tendencies that can make us poor pilots. It’s in the theory and ground school that you’ll establish this knowledge and how to overcome these tendencies.

Whilst you might think that time in the cockpit is what builds a pilot, aviation theory and ground school is the actual foundation that pilots live upon. You build up practical experience in and around the aircraft, but this is only useful if you have the theory to apply.

Some very straightforward examples demonstrate the limitations of the human mind and how theory is fundamental to becoming a pilot. For instance, if you found yourself inverted in an aircraft, a common response is to pull back on the stick or yoke and do a half loop to recover. However, this is one of the riskiest manoeuvres you can undertake – particularly at low altitudes. The theory will teach you to turn off the autopilot, adjust power, unload the wings (push forward), roll, and recover to a climb. It sounds simple but is not naturally intuitive without theory and training, particularly in a moment of unexpected rush. Better yet, you won’t just be taught how to recover an aircraft – the theory and flight school will teach you how to prevent such things from occurring.        

Yes, there are components of theory that you need to learn and not all of it will have you jumping out of your seat. However, the more you can absorb the better pilot you’ll become.

What Aspiring Pilots Can Hope to Learn

Given that aviation theory in ground, school teaches you essential knowledge for flight training in Australia, let’s take a look at the subjects. All Australian flight training and aviation licences (RPL, PPL, CPL) cover the following topics as a minimum:

• Flight rules and air law
• Aerodynamics
• Meteorology
• Navigation
• Flight Planning
• Power Plants
• Aircraft Systems
• Human Factors

That’s not all though. Within each of these subjects is a range of areas you’ll explore in your flight training course. After each major topic, you’ll then go through a review and then undertake an exam.

Aviation Theory Makes a Better Pilot

If you really want a Bachelor’s Degree, you should choose something other than aviation. A Bachelor’s in the fields of IT or accounting would be a smarter choice. If COVID or a significant economic downturn occurred, you would be qualified for other industries and it would protect you as a pilot.

What is the Suggested Pathway for Becoming a Pilot?

Learning aviation theory in ground school will make your time in the aircraft much more comprehensive and useful. That’s because you already have a fundamental understanding of what to expect and how to act before you step into the aircraft. The classroom theory and practical aircraft experience are both required to become a good pilot. You can’t be a pilot if you only complete one of them, as they work together to bond your understanding of theory and physical experience.

In a classroom environment, you don’t have the pressures of needing to fly a plane or navigate. You’re focused. That means that you are more able to comprehend and digest the information. Similarly, it means you are learning to work with your instructor and other students to master the theory behind aviation. For nearly every learning requirement in your flight training in Australia, you will first learn the fundamentals in the classroom. Following that, you’ll learn to apply the theory in the aircraft.

Considering the knowledge you cover in ground school, it’s easy to understand how it makes a better pilot. If you have never learnt about control surfaces and aircraft behaviour, do you really want to find out in the sky? Definitely not! The point is that you learn something, then apply it.  

Ready To Start Ground School?

Now you know that aviation theory and ground school provide essential knowledge for flight training in Australia. It’s time to start training! Chat with one of our flight training specialists to get your pilot training off the ground. Email [email protected] or go to https://drift.me/learntofly/meeting to book a meeting and school tour.

What Else Should I Know?

We’ve compiled a few useful posts that might help you out. Where ever you are on your aviation journey, the team at Learn To Fly Melbourne are here to help. We want you to pass your exams and have an excellent career! So, please reach out if we can help support you through your course and studies!

In the history of mankind, aircraft have achieved incredible engineering feats. High-speed flights, heavy payloads, and precise maneuvers are accomplished by modern aircraft with remarkable control. By capitalizing on specific forces, pilots harness the ability to propel aircraft through the sky in a controlled manner. The vast operational variety of aircraft designs today stems from their distinct aerodynamic, practical, or utility purposes, necessitating different approaches to managing flight principles. With this in mind, we can now work on our understanding of the basics of flight: how planes work and what makes them fly.

The Laws of Motion

To understand the flight of an aircraft, let’s first take a quick refresher on Newton’s three laws of motion. In short, the three laws of motion can be stated as follows:

1. If an object is not moving, it will not start moving by itself. If an object is moving, it will not stop or change direction unless something pushes it.

2. Objects will move farther and faster when they are pushed harder.

3. When an object is pushed in one direction, there is always an equal resistance in the opposite direction.

Now that we have these motion principles in mind, llet’s look at the Four Main Principles of Flight.

The Four Main Principles of Flight

To help you understand the basics of flight, let’s delve into flight principles. We can summarise airplane flight using four main principles: lift, weight, thrust, and drag. These principles represent opposing forces. Weight is the opposite of lift, while drag opposes thrust. Achieving a balance among these forces ensures successful flight. Now, let’s examine each of the four main flight principles in greater detail.

Lift

Lift is the force that pushes the aircraft upwards. The aircraft’s wings are designed to be an aerofoil, which means that the wing’s shape creates an aerodynamic reaction (lift). This component is especially important for flight, so we will cover this more in a moment.

Gravity (Weight)

Gravity is the opposing force to lift, which pushes an aircraft downwards. Gravity’s direction is not merely downward; it specifically points towards the center of the Earth. Additionally, gravity’s influence varies with an aircraft’s size or mass – larger aircraft experience a greater gravitational impact, necessitating more lift.

Thrust

Thrust propels the aircraft forward, differing from lift and gravitational pull as it involves the mechanical input of energy from an engine or turbine.

Drag

Drag opposes the aircraft’s motion, generated by frictional airflow over its surface, hindering flight. If drag has a factor of ‘1’, the aircraft requires more than a factor of ‘1’ in thrust energy to move forward. Air displacement causes the drag force, as the aircraft must push air aside, resulting in a reactionary force in accordance with Newton’s third law of motion.

Exceptions and Considerations to The Principles of Flight

Now that we’ve explained the principles and basics of flight, we know how an aircraft successfully moves through the sky. That being said, the relationship between these forces can be somewhat utilised in different ways.

Take a glider as an example. While it needs initial thrust and energy to reach altitude, it can sustain forward momentum for extended periods by employing various flight techniques to achieve a balance in the principles of flight. This involves utilizing thermals, leveraging gravitational pull for efficient lift, and minimizing drag to generate momentum. Another option is a hot air balloon, which employs thermal energy for lift and relies on wind for momentum.

Wing Design, Aerofoils & Aerodynamics

Although aerodynamics is a complex science, we can simplify the basics of flight for understanding. Aerofoils and wing designs play a crucial role. Thousands of wings, each designed as a different aerofoil, serve various purposes and adhere to distinct aerodynamic principles. Larger wings generate substantial lift, while smaller ones or those designed for high lift have higher drag. These principles are applied in STOL (short take-off or landing) aircraft.

If you can imagine a cross-section of a wing, most of them follow the same flight principle. That is, when air passes over the wing, the air above the wing travels faster and at a reduced pressure, and the air beneath at a slower pace and higher pressure. With low pressure above and high pressure beneath, naturally, there is a want for the wings of the aircraft to go up and equalise these air zones. Now, there is more than one way of explaining this – and it can become a widely-debated topic – but you can understand why the wing causes the aircraft to experience lift.

Control Surfaces and Aircraft Design

Once an aircraft has sufficient forward momentum to sustain the basics of flight, a pilot then has a variety of controls and control surfaces to enable the pilot to manipulate the aircraft’s motion. These controls involve rolls, yaw, and pitch.

1. Ailerons on the wings allow the pilot to ‘roll’ the aircraft left and right, which is useful for turning the aircraft around the front-to-back axis.

2. The rudder changes the yaw of the aircraft from side to side, which assists in rotating the aircraft around the vertical axis.

3. The elevator changes the pitch of the aircraft, up and down, around the side-to-side axis.

Aircraft also can feature additional control elements, such as flaps, to support controlled flight. Flaps, for example, increase the wings’ surface area to produce additional lift. This is useful for exercises like landing so that aircraft can touch down at slower speeds without gravitational forces overcoming flight.

And That’s How Planes Fly!

Congratulations! You now have a solid grasp of the fundamentals of flight, including how planes operate and the principles behind their ability to fly. If you desire a deeper understanding, the instructors at Learn To Fly Melbourne are eager to assist you and can even arrange a trial flight experience.

Are you ready to join the evolving world of aviation?

Chat with one of our flight training specialists to get your pilot training off the ground. Email [email protected] or go to https://drift.me/learntofly/meeting to book a meeting and school tour.

What Else Should I Know?

We’ve compiled a few useful posts that might help you out. Where ever you are on your aviation journey, the team at Learn To Fly Melbourne are here to help. We want you to pass your exams and have an excellent career, so please reach out if we can help support you through your course and studies!

Transitioning from being a recreational pilot to becoming a professional pilot can be the dream for many. For some, this journey becomes apparent because they started flying purely for recreational reasons, but found it to be so exhilarating that it turned into a career aspiration. Others find themselves wanting to transition from being a recreational pilot to a professional pilot because they wanted to try recreational aviation before committing to the career move. Whatever reason you’re here, let’s talk through transitioning from recreational pilot to professional pilot. 

What Type of Professional Pilots Are There? 

There are two categories of professional pilots to cover here. The first professional pilot category is flying instructors. Professional flying instructors have completed their fundamental aviation training to qualify for their pilot licence. Furthermore, professional flying instructors have completed additional aviation training to become a Grade 1, Grade 2 or Grade 3 flying instructor. Each of these grades carries different privileges on what the instructor can oversee and sign-off. 

If you’re looking to read more on becoming a professional flying instructor, we have put together a number of posts that tell you all about it: 

1. Flight Instructor Training Endorsements – All You Need To Know 

2. Flight Instructor Rating – A Flying Start To Your Pilot Career 

3. Pilot Profile: Chun Ki – From Student Pilot to Flight Instructor 

4. Becoming A Flight Instructor – More Important Now Than Ever Before 

5. Flight Instructor Rating – The Perfect Start For New Commercial Pilot Graduates 

The second category of professional pilots are commercial licenced pilots who are paid to fly aircraft in a variety of operations. This could include freight, passenger transport operations through a regional airline or an international airline, aerial observation pilots or more. We’ve written up a number of these career options in our post ‘A Guide To Professional Aviation Careers’.  

What Are The Pathways To Transition From Recreational Pilot to Professional Pilot? 

There are a number of ways you can become a professional pilot. If you’re looking to become a flying instructor, then the above posts are the best place to start. If you’re looking to become a commercial pilot who is paid for one of the many professional aviation careers that will become available to you, here are some pathways you can consider. 

#1 Enjoy Commercial Aviation Training at an Aviation Flight School 

If you’ve started training with a flight school, you can actually continue with the process. This can be with your current flight school or you’re able to transfer – Learn To Fly is accepting students all the time from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. 

There are some significant benefits of doing it this way. Firstly, the training is usually less expensive that your other options. Secondly, your training will be based around your experience, background and competency. This means that your background and training will come directly into consideration for your aviation flight training, which saves you both time and money. 

Additionally, you can have the opportunity to start working with your flight school as a flying instructor, which will help build your hours and provide an income. Many of the Learn To Fly instructors have also been students with us! 

You might decide to undertake an RPL, then PPL and CPL pathway, or you might want to undertake your Diploma of Aviation (CPL) or Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating).  

#2 Study Aviation Diploma or Bachelor

Some professional pilots may suggest that becoming a pilot through studying a diploma is a good option. This path has some positive aspects. For example, it aims to help you complete the syllabus and become a qualified commercial pilot. It also has a structured and routine approach similar to a university, which may appeal to some.

That being said, there are some downsides to consider, too. Most pilots who have gone down this path will also tell you it’s expensive. Many pilots finish with a significant debt. Secondly, there are absolutely no guarantees of employment when you’re complete. This means it might be tough paying off that debt for a while. 

Depending on where you’re at with your recreational flying, you might not receive credit or Recognition for Prior Learning. This means that you might be starting again, even if you have some aviation training and experience under your belt. 

With all of this in mind, there are some universities that have partnered with aviation training schools such as Learn To Fly to develop a commercial aviation training program that is very popular. For example, you can complete your Bachelor of Aviation through Learn To Fly, which is with Griffith University. This means that you’re undertaking a university course, but can have the benefits of a professional aviation training school and the potential employment opportunities and prospects that come with this. 

#3 Aviation Academies 

There are a number of aviation academies, largely run by airlines like Qantas. The upside is that it’s a valid and viable pathway to becoming a commercial pilot. The downsides are that it’s strictly limited for spaces and you often ‘owe’ the airlines a few years of your career. This is essentially the airline making sure they get their worth from you. A job isn’t guaranteed, either, so you can still carry a debt at the completion of your training. Similar to the university option, you’ll usually start the training from scratch and you may not receive full (or any) credits or Recognition for Prior Learning.  

What Pathway Do I follow?

Only you can decide which pathway is best for you, transitioning from recreational pilot to professional pilot. However, at Learn To Fly, we have all the expertise you could need to help you answer it.  

Chat with one of our flight training specialists to get your pilot training off the ground. Email [email protected] or go to https://drift.me/learntofly/meeting to book a meeting and school tour.

What Else Should I Know?

We’ve compiled a few useful posts that might help you out. Where ever you are on your aviation journey, the team at Learn To Fly Melbourne are here to help. We want you to pass your exams and have an excellent career, so please reach out if we can help support you through your course and studies!

Aviation can be an incredible journey for you. You’re allowed to dream and you’re allowed to have fun – that’s why we’ve put together a guide to professional aviation careers!

Aviation is a world filled with opportunity. With opportunities comes the need to make decisions: what is the aviation career path for you? One of the most important considerations in making these decisions is that you don’t have to make one choice. You can actually make multiple. For example, you might choose to fly recreationally, before joining the Australian Defence Forces. Or you might choose to be an instructor whilst you increase your hours on your way to becoming a Royal Flying Doctor Service pilot or a Commercial Airline pilot.

If you’re in the process of thinking about what you’d like to do with your aviation career, here is a brief guide to professional aviation careers to help.

Become A Flying Instructor

The first aviation career option, in our guide to professional aviation careers, happens to be the most attainable option. A flying instructor! Once you complete your basic training, it’s not a huge leap to becoming a flight instructor and getting paid to fly. Once an instructor, you may decide you like it and keep going – many pilots do! But given you’ll be getting paid to fly, you’ll also be increasing your hours and experience which can open doors to other aviation career options.

There are different levels of instructors (mainly Grade 1, 2 and 3), with Grade 1 instructors being the most senior. The difference between each level is what student (or instructor) operations you can sign off. You can find out more about our Flying Instructor courses here.

Fixed Wing Military Pilot

Australia’s defence forces include a range of aviation-based roles that might be the right fit for you. Pairing world-class training and equipment with a supportive team-based career, it’s easy to understand why some people love this option.

Jobs can include a Fixed Wing Pilot, a Fast Jet Pilot, or a range of aeronautical support options.

If you’re aiming for the military, you have the option to start from scratch with your application. That being said, you can also commence your aviation dreams and start learning to fly, then transfer into a military role to continue your education and training. The benefit of the latter is you can try and enjoy aviation before you commit to military requirements and minimum terms of service.

Chartered Flight Operations Pilot

Chartered flights occur every day for one reason or another. From tourism and sightseeing flights to private charters and specialised transport, pilots on chartered flight operations are required to be flexible and available to suit the passengers or cargo.

This career option can be a nice change from RPT flight operations on larger airlines, and chartered flight operations are typically in smaller aircraft which can feel more adventurous. This can also be a great stepping stone if you’re trying to advance your career towards a more specialised or senior aviation position, such as advancing to regional or international airlines.

Additionally, some chartered flight operations are flexible in that you can have another income or profession at the same time, rather than flying full-time. If this sounds like it could be you, then this is a career option to look into!

Regional Airline Pilot

Regional airlines are known for repeat passenger transport operations on small and mid-sized aircraft. You might be flying to Australia’s large airports as well as smaller regional airports. This might include Rex, Air Link, Air North, Alliance Airlines, Hinterland Aviation or another airline. Some of them are much smaller, others are bigger and more frequent.

If your end game is becoming a commercial airline pilot, then this is a very common and sensible option to advance your career towards your goal.

Royal Flying Doctor Service

In our guide to professional aviation careers, this is a big dream for many pilots so we’ll cover it more thoroughly! The Royal Flying Doctor Service is a rich piece of Australian history, dating back over 100 years from when Reverend John Flynn first founded the aeromedical service. The RFDS has five different aircraft in the fleet:

• 1. The Pilatus PC-12
• 2. The Pilatus PC-24 (used in SA/NT and WA)
• 3. The King Air B350 C
• 4. The King Air B200 C (used in Qld, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania)
• 5. and the new Beechcraft King Air 360CHW turboprop aircraft (used in QLD).
  

Being a critical medical aviation service, the Royal Flying Doctor Service has a high standard for its pilots. It’s quite an achievement to become a pilot for the RFDS.

For an aeromedical pilot, the RFDS typically looks for:

• Hold a current Command Instrument Rating with four or more renewals – preference for Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating
• Hold a current Australian ATPL or CPL
• Hold a current Australian Class 1 medical in Single Pilot Operations
• 4,000 hours of flying time in total
• 2,000 hours as Pilot in Command
• 1,000 as Pilot in Command of Multi-engine aircraft
• 200 hours as Pilot in Command at night
• 200 hours of instrument time
• Turbine Experience
  

For Primary Health Care Pilots (Pressurised Aircraft), they typically look for:

• Hold a current Command Instrument Rating with three or more renewals – preference for Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating
• Hold a current Australian ATPL or CPL
• Hold a current Australian Class 1 medical in Single Pilot Operations
• 3,000 hours of flying time in total
• 1,500 hours as Pilot in Command
• 1,000 as Pilot in Command of Multi-engine aircraft
• 150 hours as Pilot in Command at night
• 150 hours of instrument time
• Turbine Experience
• Three instrument rating renewals

Additionally, they will typically look for the following:

• Australian Citizenship, Residency or approved work Visa
• An Australian Command Multi Engine Instrument Rating, or military equivalent
• Undergo a pre-employment drug and alcohol test
• Maintain a current Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC),
• Hold a current driver’s licence
• Hold a Blue Card issued by the Commission for Children and Young People.

Domestic Airline Pilot or International Airline Pilot

Becoming a First Officer on a Boeing 737…what a dream!

Generally speaking, you generally become a domestic airline pilot first and then gain enough experience before turning to international airlines and flights. Gaining entry into domestic and international airlines can be achieved. The best approach is to look at the entry requirements for consideration and then work backwards to understand what it is you need to do.

If there are several thousand hours required for a First Officer position, work back to what positions or jobs you could hold to gain those hours. Don’t give up – stay focussed and you can live that dream.

For an airline like Virgin Australia, a First Officer applicant for a 737 will have:

• A current Australian ATPL or Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and passes in all Australian ATPL theory subjects
• Australian Instrument Rating with MEA, IAP 2D and IAP 3D endorsement- English language proficiency Level 6
• A valid Australian Class 1 Medical Certificate
• Have a minimum total flight time of 500 hours with 300 hours in command of a powered fixed-wing aircraft (excluding ICUS), which includes 200 hours in command of a multi-engine aircraft (excluding ICUS), or
• Have a minimum total flight time of 500 hours with 300 hours in command of a turbine-powered fixed-wing aircraft, or
• Have a minimum total flight time of 500 hours on aircraft certified for operation by a crew of at least 2 pilots (multi-crew aircraft).
  

Other Jobs

Still looking beyond our guide to professional aviation careers? There are also other career options throughout the aviation industry that might be worth looking into if they interest you. For example, there are surveillance aircraft that need pilots, ferrying pilots, and test pilots – there are plenty of aviation positions available!

It all starts with getting your licence, then adding your endorsements, and then working towards your dream position step by step. It’s been done before, so you can do it too!

If you’re not sure where to start, or if you’re ready to advance your aviation career to the next level, now is your chance to get in touch with our team at Learn To Fly!

What Else Should I Know?

We’ve compiled a few useful posts that might help you out. Where ever you are on your aviation journey, the team at Learn To Fly Melbourne are here to help. We want you to pass your exams and have an excellent career, so please reach out if we can help support you through your course and studies!

Chat with one of our flight training specialists to get your pilot training off the ground. Email [email protected] or go to https://drift.me/learntofly/meeting to book a meeting and school tour.