So you want to be a pilot?

Well you're not alone! Many people harbour long-held dreams of becoming a pilot. Some of us learned to fly and then put that dream on hold whilst university, work, mortgage, children and all those other demands took priority.

But of course the dream keeps recurring! Well there's good news. It's not hard to learn; it's not as expensive as you might think; and with attention to your training and to on-going currency and advanced training it is a safe and rewarding activity.

Medical & Age Requirements

If you are fit to hold an Australian drivers' license then you are fit to hold a Recreational Pilots' Certificate. Whether you are 15 years old or 80 years old. If you are healthy then you can work towards your Pilot's Certificate. Read the material in this section for tips and guides to being a safe pilot.

Recreational Aviation Australia

Recreational Aviation in Australia is governed by Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus). They are responsible for governing the recreational flying movement.

So what's Recreational Flying? It's the "light" end of aviation. Recreational Pilots are qualified to fly 2 seat aircraft, registered with RAAus and with a Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) of up to 600kg.

First Steps

If you want to learn to fly as a Recreational Pilot, there are some easy first steps:

1. Go to the Recreational Aviation Australia - Flight Training Facilities page and find a facility near you;
2. Call the flying school and have a chat to one of the instructors. Ask them about learning to fly;
3. Book a Trial Instructional Flight - a TIF. This is usually the first instructional flight that a prospective pilot takes;

When you turn up for your TIF the instructor will take you for a short instructional flight, just as if you are a student. The flight normally lasts for 20-30 minutes. You will get to use the aircraft controls and will be introduced to the aircraft and the process of learning to fly.

When you come back from your TIF ask the instructor to tell you in detail about the process and the costs of learning to fly. Remember that before you make any commitments you need to feel comfortable with the school and the instructor. You need to feel that this is a business and people that can help you learn a new skill, quickly, easily and in a friendly but professional way. If you don't feel comfortable then go and have a TIF at another facility.

Your Training

Once you have settled on a school then you will want to get a Sudent Pilot Certificate. That process and indeed the whole process of learning to fly is detailed on the Recreational Aviation Australia - Learning to Fly pages.

The short story is:

• You must complete at least 20 hours flying time of which at least 5 hours must be solo (pilot in command). Most people take around 50% more time than this;
• You must pass various written exams including Basic Aeronautical Knowledge, Flight Radio Operators, Air Law and Human Factors;
• You must pass a flight test with a Chief Flying Instructor.

Endorsements

Once you have your Pilot Certificate you can fly within 25 nautical miles of the airfield from which you first took off, but you cannot carry passengers. Most pilots complete two further training steps:

1. Cross Country endorsement. This endorsement involves both solo and dual navigation exercises and classroom training. Once you have completed the required training you will undertake a flight test and if successful you will then be able to fly cross country to any destination in Australia, outside of controlled airspace. The training requirements are 10 hours cross country flight training including 2 hours solo;
2. Passenger Endorsement. Once you have completed at least 10 hours solo (pilot in command) and at least 2 hours solo in a 2 seat RAAus aircraft then you can undertake a flight test with a CFI and if successful you will receive an endorsement that allows you to carry passengers.

Ongoing Training & Development

Remember that whilst learning to fly is fun you must always be striving to achieve high personal standards. You should expect that your instructors will focus on the development, not only of flying skills, but also airmanship and an in-built culture of safety and situational awareness.

Good pilots continue to learn and develop their skills throughout their flying life. They are never happy with their own performance and continue to strive to always improve.

Recreational flying is rewarding, whatever your age or personal background.