1. Choose your licence.
You don’t have to be 100% decided on which licence you want when you start, but it helps if you have an idea of where you want to go.
Do you want to fly for fun? Or perhaps you’d like to work in aviation?
See our previous blog about RPL vs. PPL for more information about your flying-for-fun options.
To work in aviation, you will need a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). This can be done privately or through our Nationally Accredited training courses.
2. Give us a call to book a tour and/or a TIF.
We’d love to show you around our facilities and chat to you about your training goals/options.
Not sure if you will like flying or just want to test us out? Try a Trial Introductory Flight. Get a taste of what lessons will be like and a feel for the sensations of flight. Warning: you might love it too much to go back!
3. Choose your aircraft.
If you’re studying with us through the Diploma of Aviation, this choice is taken care of for you.
If you are training privately with us, you can choose our Cessna 152 or our Piper aircraft (Warriors/Archers).
There are a few factors to consider. The C152 is a cheaper option, but also limited. If you are over 6”4’ and/or 90kg, the C152 will not be suitable for you.
The Piper aircraft have a better range, so we recommend those for navigation training.
You can start in a C152 and then move into the Warriors/Archers, or you can complete all your training in our Piper aircraft.
For CPL training, our complex aircraft is the Piper Arrow. You progress into this aircraft towards the end of your training.
4. Choose your preferred payment method.
We have several payment options for students at TVSA.
You can choose to pay-as-you-go, each lesson will be charged per hour of engine run time.
You can opt to pay for a licence upfront. We have calculated average amounts for each licence, depending on other choices like aircraft type. While we can’t guarantee you’ll complete the licence in that amount, it’s usually a good guide if you’re flying regularly. Any unused amount at the end can be put towards private hire as well.
You can also keep a tab here with us. This is a popular option for our private students as it means you don’t have to worry about paying each week, but you also don’t have to hand over quite so much as if you paid for a whole licence. This option also works well for younger students, so mum or dad don’t necessarily have to come in to pay every time, or worry about it if someone else is bringing them in for one lesson. With this option, you can pay as much as you like at a time, and we’ll let you know if you’re getting low.
TVSA has partnered with ZeeFi, Australia’s first dedicated private student loan provider, to financially support students so they can focus on their training. This is a study now, pay later option to help more students achieve their goals. You can find out more here.
For more information about our finance options, please see the “Finance” tab of our menu.
5. Get an ARN.
To complete your flight training, you will need an Aviation Reference Number (ARN).
These are free and you can apply for one here.
6. Start the process for your medical.
You will need a valid medical before you can fly solo. It’s a good idea to get this done early, as the process can sometimes take a while.
If you have any health concerns, we strongly advise you complete your medical before committing to any flight training.
For more information about aviation medicals, visit the CASA website.
7. Shopping time!
You’ll need a few things to do flight training.
Essentials include:
- Logbook
- Headset
- Textbooks
- TVSA Flight Training Manual
- Charts (VTC, VNC, WAC – Hamilton/Melbourne)
We will be able to supply some items, but for others we recommend Skylines at Moorabbin or try an online store.
8. First lesson.
Ready to get started? Great! Give us a call or pop in to book your first lesson.
We’ll ask you for a few details to help set you up in the system. Our schedule tends to fill up, so try to plan at least two weeks in advance and have a few options for days/times so we can work with you to find a booking time that works.
Allow about 3 hours for your first lesson. The flight itself will be about an hour, but there’s also an orientation briefing with your instructor to help you get set up for flight training and make sure you understand what will be required.
9. Have fun!
Remember to enjoy the experience of flight training. It’s not easy, but it is very worth it.
Contact us info@tvsa.edu.au or give the office a call on (03) 5369 5162 for more information or to get started.