FLIGHT TRAINING

OUR PHILOSOPHY

At the Central Coast Aero Club, we make learning to fly achievable for everyone.

Our experienced and friendly flight instructors put safety and airmanship first. They’ll show you that with a little commitment and your passion for flying, becoming a pilot can be as easy and fun as it is exciting.

Anyone of any age can learn to fly, but you need to be 15 years of age or older and pass a basic medical exam and English test to fly solo. Age is no barrier in any direction.

With the option of either pay-as-you-go or special package rates, our flight training means that whether you want to earn your Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) or Private Pilot Licence (PPL) for an exciting hobby, or continue your training to achieve your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) – you can focus on earning your wings in your own time, without worrying about another debt to pay off.

TRIAL INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT

It all starts with a trial instructional flight. You’ll take the controls with a qualified instructor by your side. You will be able to follow through on the controls during the take-off, and after a quick demonstration of the effects of the primary flight controls by your pilot, will soar through the skies of the Central Coast – turning, climbing and descending whilst your expert instructor supervises and guides you when needed. On return, your instructor will resume control for the landing, allowing you to follow through on the other set of controls, or if you prefer, you can relax and take some photos or video of the landing.

FIRST SOLO

This is the first major milestone in any pilot’s career and is one that sticks with you for your entire life. All of the training up to this point has been in preparation for you to handle to aircraft on your own. When your instructor feels that you are at the right standard, they will hop out of the aircraft and allow you to fly a circuit all by yourself. The feeling is extraordinary, it feels like freedom! The first solo generally take 15-20 hours to achieve.

RECREATIONAL PILOT LICENCE (RPL)

After your first solo, you will continue training towards your RPL. This generally takes 35-40 hours, with the flexibility of moving through the course at your own pace so you have control of your budget. Whether you fly multiple times per week, or just once a month, you’ll have unforgettable experiences including your first area solo flight, which is the first time you are able to fly away from the airport within our training area alone. The RPL allows you to fly up to 25 nm from your departure airport with passengers. You can add endorsements onto the RPL to remove certain restrictions, such as a navigation endorsement so you can fly anywhere in Australia. If you want more out of your flying, why not progress to the Private Pilot’s Licence!

PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE (PPL)

The next step is your PPL, a qualification that opens up the sky across Australia and the world. A series of navigation training flights, both with an instructor and solo as pilot-in-command will take you to destinations across NSW as you work toward this rewarding achievement.

COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE (CPL)

The CPL really opens up your world in aviation. With a CPL, you’re allowed to be employed as a pilot. Whether you want to go out in to the heart of Australia and do some bush flying, join an airline or conduct scenic flights around the Great Barrier Reef, your options are boundless with a CPL. On top of this licence you can add further ratings, such as a night VFR rating allowing you to fly at night, an instrument rating allowing you to fly in cloud or an instructor rating allowing you to teach future generations of pilots. Your world is truly expanded with a CPL from the Central Coast Aero Club.

 

Rates Information

Download our current rates sheet here