Getting started

Trial Introductory Flight (TIF)

So you have an idea that you might like to learn to fly, but short of being a passenger in a commuter airliner, have you ever actually controlled an aircraft? How do you know if you'll enjoy it? That's where a TIF can help! A TIF will give you a hands on experience for 30 minutes with a qualified instructor. Some people want to launch straight into their first lesson, Effects of Controls. Either way, you will see if flying a plane is something that you want to continue with.

First lesson - Effect of Controls (EOC)

Your first lesson will run for approximately 2 hours. During this time, you will;

  • receive a pre-flight briefing;
  • be shown how a pre-flight inspection of the aircraft is conducted;
  • conduct lesson one of the syllabus (EOC) - approx. 1 hour in the aircraft;
  • receive a debriefing
  • conduct basic 'house keeping' (filling out an enrolment form, etc)

Please note that the only thing you pay for is the time spent in the aircraft.

Like what you see? Then it's time to get more serious!

The hidden costs of aviation

This section covers all those 'little extras' that many flying schools fail to mention until you are well on your way to achieving your first solo!

Getting started is expensive, however getting the right equipment and going through the necessary applications in an orderly fashion will make your flight training experience a more pleasurable one.

Theory

There is no reason to invest hundreds of dollars in text books right at the beginning. The advantage of bulk buying is minimal and quite often you will be able to pick up second hand books at our bookshop. If you wish to find out how much each item will cost, please go to our bookshop page.

Prior to your first lesson, you will need to purchase some items. They are;

  • Flight Training Manual (FTM) - Put together by our instructors, the FTM guides you through each lesson of the syllabus. You will be provided with the theory necessary to conduct the lesson, what you will be expected to achieve before, during and after the lesson and consolidated questions so that your instructor can ensure your knowledge is suitable to begin the lesson. The FTM covers all lessons up to and including the Commercial Pilots Licence.
  • Aircraft Information Manual (AIM) - The AIM includes the aircraft flight manual and information handbook, airport layout, training area maps, checklists and a colour photograph of the aircraft cockpit so that you can familiarise yourself with its layout between lessons. 
  • Logbook - A legal requirement for keeping track of your flying hours.

Before lesson 3, you will need to purchase the Basic Aeronautical Knowledge text book. Your theory component of your flight training will commence in earnest at this time. There are numerous ways in which you can approach this section of the course. They are;

  • Self Study (not recommended on it's own)
  • Private tuition (recommended)
  • Group tuition (highly recommended)

To find out more about the theory component of basic flight training, please refer to our General Flying Progress Test(GFPT) page

Student Pilot Licence (SPL)

One of the pre-requisites required to complete your first solo flight is obtaining your SPL. There is no test for this, it is simply an application process which we can guide you through and then submit it on your behalf to CASA for issue. No flying school can issue an SPL. CASA requires a minimum age of 16 for the issue of the SPL.

You will need to obtain an ASIC (Aviation Security Identification Card) in conjunction with your SPL. This is part of the same process as the SPL and we can guide you through it. To fly out of Bacchus Marsh, you do not require an ASIC, however in order to operate in and out of many other fields in Australia (including many that we frequent on navigation exercises), you require an ASIC.

Since the SPL application can take up to a month to process, it is best to complete the application early on in your training. Please refer to our resources page and locate the link for the SPL application. The SPL will cost $50 and the ASIC will cost $196.

Medical

Another pre-requisite for your first solo flight is a medical, which must be conducted by a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME). Please refer to our resources section for a list of DAMEs in your area.

There are different classes of medicals required for particular licences. You require a class 2 medical for the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and below. If you are intending on progressing onto your Commerical Pilot Licence (CPL), it is recommended that you obtain a class 1 medical to ensure there are no problems that you are unaware of that will prevent you from holding a Commercial Licence.

Headset

There are many to choose from but there is one basic rule: you get what you pay for. The cheaper headsets are fine if you are wearing them for short periods of time (1 hour). More than that, they become quite uncomfortable and some people even complain of head aches. We can lend you a headset until you obtain your GFPT however we recommend for hygenic reasons that you get your own headset as soon as practicable.

Our bookshop only stocks one type of headset which is the David Clark 13.4. This is by far the most popular choice throughout the industry for comfort, durability and quality. Ensure that when you purchase your headset you also get a padded bag to protect it.

Headsets can range from $200 - $1,500.

 

Now that you're full of information necessary to give yourself a flying start in the industry, let's move on to flying solo. 

 

Why Choose TVSA?

  • Experienced instructors
  • Premium qualifications
  • Highest safety standards
  • Flexible training options
  • No landing fees at home aerodrome


Getting started