About Darling Downs Aero Club

The Darling Downs Aero Club has provided professional pilot training since 1946, training thousands of recreational and commercial pilots. The Club has built a reputation based on vision, leadership, commitment, empathy, teamwork and flexibility, giving the leading edge in the competitive job market by focussing on you and your individual needs. Our mission is to provide the highest quality aviation training available. 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. [ More... ]

Standard Training: Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

Enjoy the freedom of flight

Once you have passed the General Flying Progress Test (GFPT), you can plan to embark upon the next exciting step towards aviation independence - your Private Pilot's Licence. During this stage, you will leave the boundaries of the airport and start learning how to navigate. Our highly qualified instructors will help you consolidate and build upon the knowledge and skills already obtained at GFPT level. Your instructor will gradually increase your exposure to different operational environments, types of airspace and weather conditions. Once you have gained your Private Pilot's Licence, you can fly anywhere in Australia in visual daylight conditions. For example, you could take your family to the Great Barrier Reef, or take your friends to the Melbourne Cup - the possibilities are endless.

Requirements to Complete your Private Pilot's Licence

Completion of the General Flying Progress Test and BAK Exam
Must be 17 years of age
Current Medical
- Private Pilot's Licence - Class II Medical Required
- Career Pilot's - Class 1 Medical Required
Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language
Complete a number of navigational exercises, with flight durations of two to five hours, some solo and some under instruction
Pass a theory exam
Pass a flight test with an Approved Test Officer (Chief Flying Instructor - Graeme Geraghty)

Training Structure

Flight Training

The Private Pilot's Licence flying training includes navigational exercises, which are designed to develop your map reading and planning skills in a variety of operational environments. You will be gradually exposed to different operational environments, types of airspace and weather conditions. The aim is to increase your skills, knowledge and confidence so you are able to conduct a solo navigational exercise. Training includes 20 hours dual training and 6.5 hours solo training

Theory

PPL Theory Courses and Ground Briefings are provided at the Darling Downs Aero Club, facilitated by qualified instructors. They will prepare you for a multi-choice examination which you must pass prior to conducting and achieving your Private Pilot's Licence. It is your choice whether to enrol in the PPL Theory Course, or receive one on one ground briefings. Training includes 10 x one hour ground briefings, however if you choose to enrol in the PPL Theory Course, this will reduce the number of one on one briefings required substantially. Students may also opt to do theory independently using one of the self-study packages available.

Aircraft

Piper Warrior

The Warrior PA-28 is an ideal and popular touring aircraft for the longer cross country navigational exercises. The four seat aircraft has dual controls, is comfortable, stable in flight and has good visibility while turning.

Cessna 172

The Cessna 172 is also suitable for navigational exercises, and is also comfortable, stable in flight and has good visibility while turning. This aircraft is popular with rural students, as the Cessna 172 is a common mode of transport in the rural communities.

Where Next...

Obtaining your Private Pilot's Licence is a considerable achievement and should be regarded as such. Yet Darling Downs Aero Club offers many other programs and endorsements for those wishing to pursue further training, giving greater freedom as a recreational pilot.

Programs Include

If you are serious about pursuing a career in aviation, you will be looking at obtaining your Commercial Pilot's Licence. Whether you choose to fly for fun, business or career, Darling Downs Aero Club will maximise your flying aspirations and give you the skills needed to achieve your goals.