CASA REQUIREMENTS

CASA – the Civil Aviation Safety Authority – has released a handbook on career paths for pilots and flying for fun. The handbook outlines the minimum requirements necessary for each class of licence. CASA is the main regulatory authority for all aviation related activities in Australia. Their website address is www.casa.gov.au

Below is a summary of the major points. Please refer to the full details under the "Learning to Fly" section at:
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_90018

No formal education qualification is necessary to obtain an Australian pilot licence. However, as written examinations must be passed during training, a background knowledge of Physics, Mathematics and English to year 10 standard is an advantage for applicants looking to attain a commercial or higher flight crew licence.

The first step in learning to fly is to take a trial flight at a licensed flying club or training organisation. After that flight, during which the instructor will allow you to handle the controls, you should have a good idea whether you want to continue flying training. The other purpose of the flight is to enable the instructor to assess your ability to handle an aircraft.

The Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) will allow you to continue flying with an instructor for an indefinite period. You only need to hold a student pilot licence when you go solo. This is to give you, the prospective pilot, the opportunity of becoming completely confident that you want to learn to fly before committing yourself to the financial and study loads of pilot training.

Cost is a significant factor in Flight Training. It is worth contacting several flying schools approved by CASA to obtain estimates of the charges involved. These operators can be found in your local telephone directory under the headings of "Flying schools" or "Aero Clubs". Some schools offer full-time courses with live-in facilities. Others specialise in providing training for those who fly once or twice a week, or on an irregular basis.

If you wish to learn to fly purely for pleasure, the aim is usually to train to the private pilot license level. If you are looking for a career in aviation, training beyond the private pilot license level is necessary to obtain commercial qualifications. Either way, the first step towards achieving your licence is to enrol with the flight training organisation of your choice and obtain the student pilot licence.

Most people tend to think career opportunities in aviation exist only with the major airlines. However, by far the largest segment of flying is carried out in the general aviation area, which includes flight training, commuter services, charter operations and various other types of aerial work, like aerial agriculture. The various types of licences, with the CASA mandated aeronautical experience, are:

STEP 1: STUDENT PILOT LICENCE (SPL)
An SPL candidate must be at least 16 years of age and be capable of reading, writing, speaking and understanding the English language. An examination by a doctor approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (Australia) to carry out flight crew medical tests is required before a student pilot may fly solo.

STEP 2: GENERAL FLYING PROGRESS TEST (GFPT)
The General Flying Progress Test allows a student pilot to carry passengers within a limited geographical area.
A person may undertake the General Flying Progress Test when:

     A. He/ she has passed the Basic Aeronautical Knowledge (BAK) theory examination and an examination relating to the flight procedures pertaining to the     "training area" used by the flying school;

     B. He/ she has aeronautical experience consisting of at least 20 hours flight time in a registered powered aeroplane that includes:
         i. at least 5 hours of flight time as pilot in command (solo); and
         ii. at least 2 hours of instrument time, of which at least one hour must be instrument flight time.

Student Pilots who have passed the General Flying Progress Test are allowed to carry passengers - but NOT for hire or reward -and only within a ten-mile radius of the training aerodrome or any approved flight training area associated with that aerodrome. A flight instructor must approve each and every flight.

STEP 3: PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE (PPL)
A person is allowed to undertake the Private Pilot Licence Flight Test once he or she:
     A. is at 17 years of age;

     B. passes the Private Pilot Licence Theory examination; and

     C. has aeronautical experience consisting of at least 40 hours of flight time as a pilot that includes:
         i. at least 5 hours of general flight time as pilot in command; and
         ii. at least 5 hours of cross country flight time as pilot in command; and
        iii. at least 1 hour of instrument flight time in dual flying.

STEP 4: COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE (CPL)
An applicant is allowed to undertake the Commercial Pilot Licence Flight Test when he or she is at least 18 years of age and has passed a more stringent medical examination.

The applicant must pass the Commercial Pilot Licence Theory Examination and have the aeronautical experience set out below:
     A. If the person has completed an approved commercial pilot (aeroplane) licence training course - 150 hours of flight time flown as a pilot during that training course, being flight time that includes:
         i. at least 70 hours of flight time as pilot in command of which at least 20 hours must be cross country flight time as pilot in command; and
         ii. at least 10 hours of instrument flight time; and

     B. In any other case - 200 hours of flight time as a pilot, being flight time that includes:
         i. at least 100 hours of flight time as pilot in command of which at least 20 hours must be cross country flight time as pilot in command; and
         ii. at least 10 hours of instrument flight time.

A Commercial Pilot Licence entitles the holder to carry passengers for hire or reward, in association with a licensed air service operator.

STEP 5: AIR TRANSPORT PILOT LICENCE (ATPL) - (Please note: Sydney Aerobatic School does not currently provide ATPL training)
Applicants for the ATPL must hold a Commercial Pilot Licence and pass the Air Transport Pilot Theory examination. They must also hold a current Command Multi-Engine Instrument Rating. Further theory and flight training, and passing a written examination and flight-test in a multi-engine aeroplane, is required for the instrument rating.

In addition, a minimum of 1500 hours aeronautical experience is required with specified time requirements in night flying and instrument time.
The holder of an Air Transport Pilot Licence may command large airline aircraft. .

HELICOPTER PILOT LICENCE (HPL) - (Please note: Red Baron Flight Training does not offer helicopter training)
A prospective helicopter pilot can train for a helicopter licence following a similarly structured step-by-step flight training syllabus as for fixed wing aircraft pilots or by obtaining an aeroplane licence first and then converting to helicopter later. In each case, appropriate flight training and theory examinations relating specifically to helicopter operations have to be undertaken as follows: 1. A minimum of 50 hours is required for a Private Helicopter Pilot Licence; 2. A further 90 hours for a Commercial Helicopter Pilot Licence although the latter may be reduced if the final 30 hours of the approved flight instruction is completed within a period of three calendar months. 1 Please note: Sydney Aerobatic School does not currently provide ATPL training.

AVIATION SECURITY AND IDENTIFICATION CARDS

Security at most Australian Airports has increased markedly in the last few years. As of 31 December 2005, pilots need to hold a licence issued by CASA and have a current AVID or ASIC (or have applied for an aviation security status check) to operate an aircraft in Australian Territory.

Aviation Identification (AVID)
AVID cards have been issued to pilots who have undergone a security check since 10 March 2005 as part of the process of issuing a photo licence. An AVID card is valid for five years before being renewed.

Aviation Security Identity Card (ASIC)
Pilots need a valid ASIC to access the secure area of a security controlled airport that has Regular Public Transport (RPT) operations. An ASIC card is valid for two years before being renewed.

Fees apply for both ASIC and AVIDs.
For more information, please refer to the CASA website at www.casa.gov.au/fcl/licence/index.htm

MEDICAL CERTIFICATES

A medical certificate is not required to begin student flight training. It is, however, necessary to have a valid Medical Certificate before undertaking any flight-testing. Pilots are required to undergo regular medical examinations and maintain a current Medical Certificate. Medical Certificates can only be obtained from Designated Aviation Medical Examiners (DAMEs).

Medical requirements are divided into Class 1, for commercial (except balloon), air transport and flight engineer licences, and Class 2, for all commercial balloon, private pilot and student licences. The difference between Class 1 and Class 2 examinations is in the level of detail. The Class 2 is primarily a physical examination, whereas in a Class 1 examination, an ECG, audiogram, blood lipids test and specialist eye examination are also undertaken. In both classes, medical exams usually become more exacting as you grow older. Once you have your medical certificate, you must notify CASA if there are any changes in your medical condition.

For more information about the medical requirements, call CASA's national telephone number 131 757 (toll free) and ask for the Aviation Medicine Section in Canberra.

A list of DAMEs is available at the CASA website at www.casa.gov.au/avmed/search.htm

OVERVIEW OF COURSES

GENERAL FLIGHT PROGRESS TEST (GFPT)
The Red Baron Flight Training GFPT course is a high-performance training course designed to teach you superior flying skills. Pilots graduate with an ability to operate an aircraft in three dimensions, to fly aerobatics, to spin and recover, to fly all 'normal' manoeuvres to a high standard and to carry passengers whilst doing it.

In addition to practical flight training, students will be required to pass a series of theory exams. To enable this, Red Baron Flight Training provides students with a number of tutorial sessions at strategic intervals throughout the course, in addition to the extensive pre-flight and post-flight briefings associated with each flight, which are an integral part of learning to fly properly.

More information about our GFPT course is provided in later sections.

PRIVATE PILOT NAVIGATION COURSE - PPL
Australia is a very large country with every conceivable type of terrain, weather conditions and airways procedures. Because of this, the Red Baron Flight Training Private Pilot Navigation Course is designed to maximise your capacity as a pilot to navigate unfamiliar terrain confidently.

Before commencing navigation training, it is necessary to study Flight Rules and Procedures and Meteorology and Navigation Theory, and pass a written PPL exam. Red Baron Flight Training conducts full time courses in each of these subjects and can facilitate the exam.

With the attainment of your PPL, you will be able to navigate around Australia with confidence.

More information about our PPL course is provided in later sections.

COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENSE - CPL
To charge a fee for flight services, you must hold a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

To obtain a CPL, you need at least 150 hours of flying experience with a minimum of 70 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC/solo), at least 20 hours of cross country flight and at least 10 hours of instrument flying.

The Red Baron Flight Training CPL course includes the GFPT and PPL courses, as well as a Night VFR rating, Instrument flying and an optional Multi Engine Endorsement. This course will equip you with the skills you need to begin your career in Aviation.

More information about our CPL course is provided in later sections.

AEROBATICS
Red Baron Flight Training School is Sydney's premier aerobatic training institution. Many of Australia's best-known aerobatic champions are graduates.

Prior to undertaking postgraduate aerobatic training, students must have completed either the Red Baron Flight Training GFPT course or our Advanced Aircraft Control Course. These entry-level courses provide all pilots with the handling skills necessary to begin serious aerobatic training.

Aerobatic training is conducted in phases. Our GFPT or AACC course constitutes Phase One. Phase Two includes stall turns and advanced rolling techniques. Phase Three consolidates skills learned into combination manoeuvres and Phase Four concentrates on low level aerobatics. Phases One to Four are conducted in the Robin 2160.

Once you have successfully gained these endorsements, you may wish to upgrade to the Pitts S2A aerobatic bi-plane, learn more complicated competition manoeuvres and routines, and train in formation aerobatics. Red Baron Flight Training encourages students to compete in both our in-house competitions and those conducted at the regional, state and national level by the Australian Aerobatic Club.

More information about our Aerobatic Courses is provided in later sections.

MILITARY FLIGHT SCREENING PREPARATION (CRAM)
If you are interested in an aviation career in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) but have never flown an aircraft before, it is highly recommended you do the Red Baron Flight Training Cram Course. Although hands- on flight experience is not a pre-requisite for an application to the ADF, being prepared for flight screening by having a few hours flying time under your belt will give you a competitive advantage over other applicants. The school has access to a number of current serving RAAF Pilot's. Much info can be provided to give you the best shot at being selected.

More information about our Cram courses is provided in later sections.

EMERGENCY HANDLING AND ADVANCED AIRCRAFT CONTROL
If you already have your pilot license but would like to upgrade your skills, you may wish to consider doing an Emergency Manoeuvre Training Course or an Advanced Aircraft Control course.

Flight safety begins and ends with the pilot - YOU! If you cannot confidently handle your aircraft in all situations, you may not be enjoying your flying as much as you would like to. Furthermore, if you hope for the best or just pray the worst does not happen, the risk of an accident increases.
Ask yourself this…

      - Could you recover from a fully developed spin?
     - Could you recover from an approach configuration stall whilst turning finals, without hitting the ground?
     - Do you feel confident of your chances of walking away from a forced landing after an engine failure?
     - Can you recognise impending loss of control situations and react to them instinctively?
     - Are you getting the fun and enjoyment from your flying you originally dreamed you would?

If the answer is NO to ANY of these questions, one of these courses may help!

EMERGENCY MANOEUVRE TRAINING COURSE (EMT)
The Emergency Manoeuvre Training course is designed to expose you, the pilot, to the most common mishandling situations, so you know where you're personal limits lie and how to go beyond those limits in an emergency. This course will allow you to experience extreme and unusual attitudes in a controlled environment, giving you greater confidence in your ability as a pilot and building your awareness of potential dangers BEFORE they happen.

ADVANCED AIRCRAFT CONTROL COURSE (AAC)
If you seek to improve your flying, enter the sport of aerobatics or simply enjoy your flying with greater confidence, the Red Baron Flight Training Advanced Aircraft Control Course is what you need.

The AAC Course is a prerequisite for pilots who wish to undertake further aerobatic training as it lays the foundation of understanding about how planes really fly and how to control them. The Red Baron Flight Training GFPT training course incorporates the AACC as part of the syllabus. At the end of the course, you will have a full understanding of the aircraft performance parameters and the confidence and ability to control it in any situation.

More information about the EMT and AAC are provided in later sections..

FLIGHT TRAINING

The first stage of any Pilot’s License is the General Flight Progress Test, or GFPT. The Red Baron GFPT course differs from that at most other flying schools in that Red Baron Flight Training (Red Baron Flight Training) incorporates aerobatics into the ab-initio component of flight training. Graduates of Red Baron Flight Training GFPT course also graduate with an Aeros 1 Endorsement. Once you have graduated with your GFPT from Red Baron Flight Training you will have a proven ability to operate an aircraft in three dimensions, to fly aerobatics, to spin and recover, to fly all ‘normal’ manoeuvres to a high standard and to confidently carry passengers whilst doing so.

For more information on all the courses available at Red Baron Flight Training click here.
To enquire about a course click here.