Scenic Flights.Day Tours.Charters.Lessons Click to go home
ABOUT US | LOCATION MAP | LINKS | CONTACT US

Home
Scenic Flights
Day Tour Adventures
Aircraft Charter

Flying School

Aircraft Hire/
Training Rates

Student
 
Student
 
Student
 
Controls

Learn to fly

Becoming a pilot, whether it's to pursue a career in aviation, or for your own recreational enjoyment, can be one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences anybody could ever accomplish.

At Busselton Air Service, we ensure that every student gets the most out of their flying experience with our professional and friendly instructors, premium aircraft and excellent facilities.

Where do I start?

The first step to becoming a pilot is to undertake a Trial Introductory Flight

Trial Introductory Flight

With you in the captain's seat and under the supervision of one of our experienced flying instructors you will take control of our Cessna training aircraft and fly over the Busselton Jetty and along our beautiful coastline to enjoy a view of the South West that cannot be beaten.

This flight is aimed at giving a basic overview of what is involved in learning to fly and what it is like to be in control of an aircraft. After this flight you can sit down with your instructor and determine a training program that will best suite your timetable and your budget. This is also an opportunity to book in your very first flying lesson.

Obtain a Student pilot Licence and Student Pilot Kit

You must complete a Student Pilot Licence Application to be able to fly solo; you can obtain an application form from our office.

A Student Pilot Kit includes a logbook, and all other relevant textbooks necessary to pass your General Flying Progress Test (G.F.P.T). You can also purchase a Student Pilot Kit from our office.

Aviation Medical Examination

Once your Student Pilot License Application has been processed and you have received your Aviation Reference Number (A.R.N), the next step is to undergo an Aviation Medical Examination, this needs to be completed by an Approved Aviation Medical Examiner.

First Solo

Once you have completed the basic flying training syllabus, passed the pre solo written examination and you instructor is confident with your abilities, you will then be sent on your first solo flight.

Your first solo will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life, as this is the moment that your instructor gets out of your aircraft and tells you to take off and fly another circuit all by yourself! What a great achievement, being the pilot in command of an aeroplane.

General Flying Progress Test (G.F.P.T)

After achieving your first solo flight, you then work towards passing your General Flying Progress Test (G.F.P.T). This also includes studying to pass the Basic Aeronautical Knowledge (B.A.K) written examination. After passing your G.F.P.T, you are then permitted to take family and friends for flights within our allocated training area.

Private Pilot License (P.P.L) Examination

To enable you to continue your pilot training, you will need to further your theoretical studies so that you can pass the Private Pilot License Examination. This is an 'in house' exam that will test you on the following subjects, Navigation, Meteorology, Flight Rules and Air Law, and Aeroplane Operation and Performance. The study for this exam can be done in your own home by purchasing the P.P.L/C.P.L Kit and suitable pilot equipment of which your instructor can help you choose.

Complete Private Pilot Licence (P.P.L) Syllabus

With your G.F.P.T completed and P.P.L theory study well on the way, we can then get you started on your P.P.L flying syllabus. This involves a minimum of eight navigational exercises, although you will need to complete and pass the P.P.L Theory examination before attempting the solo navigation exercises. Once the P.P.L flying syllabus is completed and you have met the required standard, you will be then scheduled a flight test with an Authorized Testing Officer (A.T.O) at the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia (R.A.C.W.A).

Having passed the P.P.L Flight Test with the A.T.O, you can then fly yourself and your passengers anywhere in Australia !

Summary of Estimated Cost

G.F.P.T. Course

The G.F.P.T course is based on a 25 hour flying syllabus, and if conducted on a full-time basis, would take about three to four weeks.  However, not everyone can dedicate a five day a week, full time flying and study schedule, so most students at Busselton are on a part-time basis.  Therefore, booking in with the instructor is essential to guarantee a flight that will fit into your schedule.  Every individual is different, but the following is based on the minimum cost and obviously this will vary depending on your progress

P.P.L Course

The P.P.L course is based on a 27-hour syllabus and if conducted on a full-time basis, will take about two weeks.  However, this will also vary, depending on your ability, aptitude and other constraints, such as the weather and instructor availability.

The cost of the P.P.L course will vary upon your progress.  As a guide, the following estimation should assist you.

Night Visual Flight Rules Rating (N.V.F.R)

As a Private Pilot, you are only permitted to fly within the hours of daylight. A N.V.F.R rating gives you the added flexibility of being able to fly an aircraft after the sun has gone down. This is great, especially when you are running late and the sun is going down and still need to get home!

The N.V.F.R flying syllabus consists of the following;

  • Dual Hours 10
  • Solo Hours 2
  • Flight Test 2.5
  • Total Flying Hours 14.5

The N.V.F.R coarse will be conducted in the Cessna 172, and the training will cover taking off, landing and being able to navigating at night with the use of Radio Navigation Aids, which will hone your instrument flying technique. You will also need to pass the N.V.F.R Theory Examination before attempting the solo flying activity.

Commercial Pilots Licence (C.P.L)

If you would like to pursue a career as a pilot, whether it is for Regional or International Airlines, Tourism Operators, Charter Companies and even Crop Dusting Operators, then you will need to obtain a Commercial Pilots Licence (C.P.L). Our C.P.L course is designed around the CASA approved 150- hour syllabus and is also moulded to suit every student's needs, schedule and budget.

Please contact Busselton Air Service if you would like more information on obtaining a Commercial Pilots Licence.

  <<HOME