Welcome

Darwin Flying School covers all aspects of flight training for the novice and experienced pilot. From our premises at Darwin Airport, our experienced instructors will guide you through your training.

If you have never been flying before and would like to have a go, or if you know someone else who would, try our 30 minute Trial Introductory Flight (TIF).  It's only $150!  See our 'GIFT CERTIFICATE' page.

If you have no experience and are serious about learning to fly you will need to start by working towards a General Flying Progress Test (GFPT).  The GFPT is not actually a licence but rather a progression test to assess skill and knowledge standard and by passing this test you gain certain privileges. Having passed your GFPT this allows you to carry passengers solo within the boundaries of a designated training area which is located in the Darwin area. The GFPT course takes about four weeks if conducted full time, longer on a part time basis. This course incorporates pre flight theory, dual and solo flying training, and the GFPT Flight Test.  For more information about this course please see the 'COURSES' section of the website.

Once you have passed your GFPT you can work towards gaining your Private Pilot's Licence (PPL). The PPL allows you to fly with passengers anywhere in Australia. This involves passing a theory exam and completing a flight training course consisting of eight navigation exercises (NAVEX), operating in and out of the Darwin and Katherine, over Kakadu through areas classed as Designated Remote and specialising in the use of bush airstrips. The flight test will be conducted by our in house testing officer.  The PPL course takes about six weeks full time, longer on a part time basis.

If you wish to pursue aviation as a career you will need to further your training to a Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL). Flight training for both the 200 and 150 hour CPL course can be conducted (difference between these courses are explained further in the 'COURSES' section of this website). Darwin Flying School has a close association with many of the charter operators in the Top End, ensuring your training will meet the standards required when seeking work. The Top End of the Northern Territory is one of Australia's most popular locations for pilots seeking their first job, and the training you undertake will provide invaluable local knowledge.

For those who already have a licence we offer more advanced courses to gain further qualifications. We offer Private and Command Instrument Rating in both multi and single engine aircraft. The mix of Primary Radar Control and Outside Controlled Airspace (OCTA) operations combined with the Northern Territory's range of extreme weather conditions provides an ideal training environment. 

We also offer Night Ratings, Constant Speed Unit (CSU) Propeller and Retractable Undercarriage endorsements, Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO) approval and Radio Operator Licence Courses.

Please see our 'COURSES' section for more information and if you have any questions our website does not answer for you please feel free to contact us.  We look forward to hearing from you.