FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

The best place to start is to make a time to visit our facilities, view our aircraft and talk to the staff and instructors. For those who have not been in an aeroplane before, we recommend you start with a Trial Introductory Flight (TIF). For only $120, you receive a half-hour introductory flying lesson in which you actually fly the aircraft. If you enjoy the experience, the next step is to join the club, and book your first lesson, "Operations and Effects of Controls".

WHAT EDUCATIONAL LEVEL IS REQUIRED TO TRAIN AS A PILOT?

There are no formal educational qualifications required to train as a pilot. The education level needed to pass the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) examination set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority is well within the scope of most people. The only requirement is to be able to speak, read, write and understand the English Language. For the more advanced levels of the Commercial Pilot's Licence, a good background in maths and physics is an advantage, but not essential as these topics are covered in the theory component of the training.

CAN I START TRAINING BEFORE I TURN 16 YEARS OF AGE?

Yes. You can begin flying lessons with an instructor in the aircraft, however you must be 16 years of age, and obtain your Student Pilot's Licence before going solo.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRIVATE PILOT TRAINING AND COMMERCIAL PILOT TRAINING WHEN GETTING STARTED?

Whether you are learning to fly for recreation or as a career, everyone has to begin at the same starting point. Each of the licence levels build on the previous licence. For example: The Student Pilot's Licence (SPL) allows you to take flying lessons, including flying the aircraft solo. (Must be 16 years of age) The General Flying Progress Test (GFPT) allows you to carry passengers while acting as pilot in command with a student licence. (Must be 16 years of age) You must pass your GFPT before going on for your Private Pilot's Licence (PPL). The Private Pilot's Licence (PPL) allows you to act as pilot in command in private operations. (Must by 17 years of age) The Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL) allows you to act as pilot in command in some commercial operations. (Must be 18 years of age.)

HOW DO I OBTAIN AN AVIATION MEDICAL?

You need to pass a medical examination before you are issued with a Student Pilot's Licence. These examinations are conducted by doctors approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), and are known as designated aviation medical examiners (DAME). To locate your nearest DAME, the Darling Downs Aero Club can provide you with a list of doctors to choose from in the local area. Alternatively, a list of DAMEs can be found on CASA's website www.casa.gov.au For the Student and Private Pilot's Licence, you will require a Class 2 Medical, which is a simple physical examination. If you are seeking a Commercial Pilot's Licence you will require a Class 1 Medical, which involves an ECG, an audiogram, a blood lipids test and a specialist eye examination in addition to the general physical examination, depending on your age. If you have any concerns about the medical, you can discuss your condition with a DAME, or contact one of CASA's doctors by phoning their national telephone number 131 757 (cost of a local call), and ask for the aviation medicine section in Canberra.

AT WHAT STAGE AM I REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A MEDICAL?

Technically, you are not required to obtain a medical until your first solo flight. However, we do advise that a medical is obtained well before this stage, so you are not spending money on lessons for a licence that cannot be attained due to a medical ailment.

HOW DO I OBTAIN MY STUDENT LICENCE?

To be issued the Student Pilot Licence, you must be at least 16 years of age and be capable of reading, writing, speaking and understanding the English language. You will also need to complete the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) application forms, supply photographs and identification documentation. You can obtain these application forms from the Darling Downs Aero Club. As the security check may take up to 8 weeks, we recommend you make an appointment with our Chief Flying Instructor well before you commence your flight training to complete this application.

WHEN ARE YOU OPEN?

Darling Downs Aero Club is open 7 days a week, with the exception of Christmas Day and Good Friday. Reception hours are from 8am - 5pm. By special arrangement, flying hours can often start very early in the morning and continue to late into the evening. Theory courses are also available on weekends, and in the evening.

WHEN CAN I START TRAINING?

You can start training on any day of the year and can choose your own rate of progress. We will assist you to work out a personal goal orientated program that maximises your flying aspirations, gives you the skills needed to achieve your goals, and fits in with your lifestyle and commitments.

HOW DO I PAY FOR MY TRAINING?

There are several options to choose from. You can pay as you go, pre-pay or apply to open an account. We accept cash, cheques, and also have the facilities to accept VISA, Mastercard, Bankcard and EFTPOS.

HOW IS THE FEE SCHEDULE CALCULATED?

The fees are calculated on the average number of hours most people require to reach each stage. We do our very best to be realistic with the quoted number of training hours required. Please be aware that the cost of each course is an average only, and may vary from person to person, according to their level of perceptiveness and frequency of training.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN OPERATION FOR?

The Darling Downs Aero Club has provided professional pilot training since 1946, training thousands of recreational and commercial pilots. Our mission is to provide the highest quality training available.

DO YOU USE FLIGHT SIMULATORS FOR TRAINING?

No. All flight training is logged in aircraft, as opposed to the use of flight simulators. We believe a hands on approach provides the best testing ground for pilots of the future.

HOW QUALIFIED ARE THE INSTRUCTORS?

Our Instructors are highly qualified with substantial relevant industry experience that ensures integrity in all our courses.

MAY I VISIT THE CLUB?

You are more than welcome to visit the Darling Downs Aero Club. You can call in during office hours, or make an appointment with our Public Relations Officer Helen Duck, who will take the time to show you our facilities, view the aircraft, and answer any questions you may have. Simply contact us to make an appointment without any obligation.

DO YOU DELIVER GROUND THEORY COURSES?

Yes we do. Ground Theory Courses are available in a traditional classroom setting, incorporating the latest technology with briefings presented through Power Point Presentations. These courses include:

• Basic Aeronautical Knowledge Program (BAK)
  This theory course gives all the theory needed obtain your General Flying Progress Test (GFPT).
• Private Pilot's Licence (PPL) Theory Course
  This course covers the theory required to obtain your Private Pilot's Licence, and is also available to current PPL Holders as a refresher course at a discounted price. Other theory courses are provided in small groups, or as one on one briefings.

IS FOLLOW UP SUPPORT AVAILABLE?

Definitely. The Darling Downs Aero Club strongly advocates maintaining on-going contact with individuals as they can assist participants to review and/or complete activities. Instructors can be contacted during office hours, seven days a week via telephone, fax and e-mail. Each instructor will endeavour to return student calls and queries on the same day, depending on their flying hours for that day.