Flying Lessons

[Russell D]

Hello,

I'm interested in learning to fly. I'm looking for a good school where I can do my training (I only intend to get a PPL). I've been processing mountains of information from many different flying schools and comparing relative costs and the quality of the training provided.

Was just hoping for some feedback in helping me to decide which ones are the best value for their quality of training. I've narrowed down my search to the following:
Aerospace Aviation
Basair Aviation College
Airborne Aviation
Aerodiamond (Camden)
Proflite
Scholfields Flying Club
Whitworth Aviation
RAAF Richmond Flying Club

Which would probably be the best suited just for PPL level training? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Kind Regards
Russell

[Edward Terry]

Hi Russell,

I have been flying at Schofields for a few months now after my old school went belly-up (I think!). I have been very impressed by the quality of the instructing, the standard of the facilities and the upkeep of the aircraft. Most of the instructors are Grade 2, so they are very experienced. I think they have about 3 152s and 5 Warriors on the flight line, and if you book early enough (> 2 weeks) you can usually get the time and aircraft you want. If you do your PPL you would fly the 152 until GFPT then fly the Warrior for your PPL navs, which is an economical way to complete the licence. Some other schools don't offer this choice. You will need to pay a one-off and annual membership fee but in exchange you will have the ability to participate in club fly-aways and social events. Also non-members pay $20 more per flying hour, so you 'pay it off' in just a few hours. They are a well-established school and their recent move to Birch St suggests that they are on a growth trajectory. So in summary I would say Schoies offers a welcoming atmosphere and high-quality training.

Also I have very positive second-hand reports of Whitworth. Some other board members will no doubt be able to elaborate!

Cheers

[Nick W.]

I fly at clamback and hennessy at Bankstown. 6 years, no complaints, and my dad's been flying with them for a decade longer.

[Ken N]

May I offer you another choice Russell !!

Curtis Aviation out at Camden offer excellent instruction also, a professional and very friendly bunch of guys. Knowing you've been taught by quality stick and rudder pilots and a tailwheel endorsement in your logbook is worth considering.......

[Russell D]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the helpful feedback and the offer (Ken - Sorry, don't mean to be rude but I'm not a big fan of taildraggers, but I'll keep your offer in mind).

By now I've done a lot of research, and its basically come down to where I can get training which is of at least a reasonable standard for a PPL at a competitive price.

Have ruled out Basair (they seem to be a somewhat unorganized and another source has informed me that they are a bit too commercialised and aren't as focused on providing individual attention to each student)

Haven't tried contacting Proflite on a number of occasions with no response so far, and considering they seem a little dearer than the others, I'm pretty close to crossing them off my list as well.

I've also been told that Whitworth are great, but they really excel more in the field of post-PPL training (e.g. CPL etc). However, I might just consider them.

So I've basically ruled it down to six:
Aerospace Aviation
Airborne Aviation
Aerodiamond (Camden)
Scholfields Flying Club
Whitworth Aviation
RAAF Richmond Flying Club

I'm hoping that the club management at Richmond will consider me eligible to join, although their decision is still pending.

If memory serves me right, a fellow board member is an instructor (Allison McKenzie?) is at Schofields? I tried to find her in the member's list but my search came up with no results. Have contacted her personally via email from the Schofields Flying Club website but haven't yet received a reply.

I'm hoping to make a decision within the next week so that I can complete my medical and SPL+ASIC forms get them out of the way so I can knuckle down for the HSC.

Cheers
Russell

[Adam P.]

Originally Posted by Russell D

I'm not a big fan of taildraggers,

You lose.