Flying Training

The flying course requires a minimum 25 hours of flying in a Cessna 172, the world's most popular training aircraft. This consists of approximately 20 hours of dual flying and 5 hours solo. However, this estimate may vary depending on student performance. Experience has shown that the average person takes about 30 hours to reach the required standard when flying one or two times per week.

First Solo Flight

Once your flight instructor is satisfied you have reached the required standard and you have passed the pre-solo theory exam, you will be sent on your first solo flight. This is an event you will never forget, the first major step towards your PPL.

Theory Requirements

In order to gain your GFPT, you must first pass the Basic Aeronautical Knowledge examination (BAK), which covers the following subjects:

Aerodynamics

Aeroplane General Knowledge

Air Law

Aeroplane Performance

Your instructor will introduce you to the BAK text books, which are available for self-study. He will tailor a home study program for you and also be available for tutorial lessons. We also recommend The Flight Training Manual, which covers all lessons and other practical information. Studying this prior to each lesson will maximise your progress.

GFPT Flight Test (Passenger Carrying Permit)

Once you have completed your flying training syllabus and your instructor is satisfied with your performance, he will schedule you for a flight test with the Darwin Flying School Approved Testing Officer (ATO). On passing the GFPT flight test, you will hold a Passenger Carrying Permit. This allows you to fly the aircraft with passengers within the boundaries of the Training Area and around Darwin.

Theory Requirements

In order to gain your Private Pilot's Licence, you will need to pass the PPL Theory Exam, which covers the following subjects:

Navigation

Meteorology

Flight Rules and Air Law

Aeroplane Performance and Loading

Aerodynamics

You will need a pass in the PPL exam prior to your first solo NAVEX. Study for the PPL exam subjects can be completed using a self-study text book. To help you through your study program, our instructing staff will be available for tutorials and advice. There is also a separate Radio Licence component to pass. You will need to purchase maps, charts, Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) publications and navigation equipment. Darwin Flying School has facilities for you to sit the PPL Cyber exam. The course takes approximately two weeks if conducted on a full time basis and longer on a part time basis, assuming that the PPL exam has been completed satisfactorally.

Flying Training

The flying training course involves approximately eight navigation exercises (NAVEX), each of which is between 2.5 and 4.5 hours duration. You will be operating in and out of the Darwin and Tindal control areas, over terrain that is classed Designated Remote Area, and in and out of bush airstrips. Learning to fly in the Top End will result in good skills and judgement in many areas, especially weather flying, fuel/flight planning and aircraft performance capability in hot temperatures.

Once your instructor ascertains that you have reached the required standard, he/she will recommend you for a Flight Test with the Darwin Flying School ATO. On receiving your PPL, you can fly passengers anywhere in Australia. After you have obtained your licence it is recommended that you plan and embark on a few trips in the months that follow. This will give you confidence and also consolidate the learning that has taken place. Start with the area you are accustomed to, then move further afield as your confidence grows.

All training is conducted by experienced instructors using computer based synthetic trainers and twin-engine Commanche aircraft.

The school has approved testing officers attached which improves the flexibility of arranging tests and also improves the efficiency of completing the course. Due to our night equipped aircraft and experienced instructors, we are able to offer GPS endorsements as part of the course, along with NDB, VOR, ILS and DME arrival.

For private pilots you can cut the course short along the way and change to a private IFR rating. The P/IFR rating requires only 20 hours instrument time of which you can complete 10 hours on the synthetic trainer.

See us also for your CIR renewal, we have access to a BE-58 and PA-39, or bring your own aircraft. We are able to complete renewals on a wide range of aircraft.

While undertaking flight training you are gaining experience in the Top End, which can be a useful tool for obtaining employment in the area when qualified. The weather in this region is unique in Australia, and your ability to handle the conditions is very important.

Darwin Flying School uses a combination of Aero Guidance Mark 6 synthetic trainer and a C172 to minimise costs. Darwin has a very predictable dry season spanning April to October, during which we can conduct NVFR training with minimal disruptions. The course of night circuits and 3 night NAVEX takes very little time to complete. With our predictable weather, a time frame of 7 to 8 days is achievable, although 10 days is more realistic given that some trainees may require longer rest periods than others.

150 hours total flight time.

70 hours flight time as PIC.

20 hours cross country flight time as PIC.

10 hours IF.

CPLA written examination set by CASA.

Additional Qualifications within 150 hour CPLA.

Multi-engine endorsement.

Design feature endorsement.

Retractable undercarriage.

  Night VFR rating.

200 hours total flight time.

100 hours flight time as PIC.

100 hours flight time in a registered or recognised aeroplane.

20 hours cross country flight time as PIC.

10 hours IF.

CPLA written examination set by CASA.

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