What can I expect at the start of my training?
Getting started can be as simple as booking a Trial Introductory Flight and showing up with a willingness to learn.
You will get an idea of lesson structure including your theory and pre-flight briefing, pre-flight inspection of the aircraft and the practical lesson
As your lessons progress there will be some paperwork to complete, and you will need to prepare for your study.
The Paperwork
You need to register and identify yourself with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and obtain an Aviation Reference Number (ARN). You will need to provide identity documents and there is no cost involved. You can find more information here:
Individual aviation reference numbers | Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Once you have your ARN, you can apply for an aviation medical certificate. The type of medical depends on your licence. A medical is required before your first solo flight. It will need to be current for your flight test and to exercise the privileges of your licence. Your instructor can provide more guidance, and you can find more information here:
Aviation medicals | Civil Aviation Safety Authority
You must pass an English Language Proficiency Test to fly solo as a student and to obtain your licence.
English language standards for flight crew | Civil Aviation Safety Authority
An Aviation Security Identity Card is required for the issue of your licence. More information here:
Security requirements for pilots | Civil Aviation Safety Authority
The Study
Any candidate for a CASA Licence (and most Ratings) is required to successfully complete the appropriate CASA written exam before they are eligible to sit a flight test. Study will be required for exam preparation.
Everybody learns at a different pace and in different ways. Some students like to prepare for these exams by self-study supplemented with private tuition where needed; others prefer group learning and structured courses.
We can help you prepare for your exams and tailor tuition to your needs, giving you as much assistance as you need during your study.
From time to time, we offer weekend or evening courses on different topics, and we can easily arrange small group tuition or courses for you and your friends.
You can find study resources here:
Pilot exam study materials | Civil Aviation Safety Authority
The Exams
The CASA written exams are set and operated by CASA using online exam delivery. The RPL and PPL exam can be sat at Western Flight Training. CPL exams must be sat at an authorised CASA Examination Centre.
The RPL Exam duration is 2.5 hours and covers the following subjects:
Air Law
Aerodynamics
Aeroplane General Knowledge (engines, systems, instruments)
Aircraft Loading and Performance
Human Factors
Meterology
The PPL Exam duration is 2.5 hours and covers the RPL topics and adds Navigation to the list.
There are 7 CPL Exams that are to be sat individually. They are mostly 2 hours in length and cover each of the preceding topics in greater detail.
You can find more information on the CASA Exam system here:
Pilot and flight crew exams | Civil Aviation Safety Authority