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: Student Pilot's Licence (SPL)

The First Step to Adventure

When learning to fly, everyone has to begin at the same starting point. You can start training on any day of the year, and you can train full time or at your own pace. It's your choice. Simply pass an aviation medical, and you're ready to start training. The medical is conducted by a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME).

These details can be supplied to you by the Darling Downs Aero Club in order for you to make an appointment. Please visit the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) medical website for a list of Medical Examiners in Australia.

You will also need to apply for an Aviation Reference Number (ARN) and Student Pilot Licence (SPL). You will be required to prove your identity, and pass a security check. These application forms are available at the Darling Downs Aero Club. It is essential that you complete this documentation well before you commence flight training, as you can't fly your first solo flight until these have been processed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Requirements to obtain a Student Pilot's Licence

Must be 16 years of age
You must be able to speak, read, write and understand the English language
Medical
- (A) Private Pilot's Licence (Class II Medical required)
- (B) Commercial Pilot's Licence (Class 1 Medical required)

Where Next...

As a student Pilot, you are ready to commence training. Your next step is to complete the General Flying Progress Test (GFPT).