Flight Training Research

So how to become a pilot?  What does it cost up front and ongoing?  How long does it take?  What can I do?  What's the return on investment?  Is it worth it?  Am I too old?  The questions go on...

The Private Pilot Licence (PPL) seems the logical pilot licence to aim for given I'm not looking to become a professional (paid) pilot... well not initially anyway, who knows what the future holds right?  One step at a time...

Pilot training and flying in general is quite expensive which I'm sure is a common reason people don't go through with it.  Through some research and talking with some people, obtaining a PPL through a Recreational Pilot certificate is the best approach to save money.   

Basically a Student Pilot Licence (SPL) is first obtained which is like a driver's Learner permit... it allows you to drive to learn.  From there you work towards a Recreational Pilot certificate through ground school theory and flight time with an instructor (and solo).  This certificate allows you to fly a particular class of aircraft called Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)... slightly smaller and less powerful than typical General Aviation (GA) aircraft, eg Cessna Skyhawk 172.  However all the hours you fly through obtaining your Recreational certificate go towards the flight hours required for a PPL, hence the cost savings  :-)  Why bypass Recreational certificate and train in a four seater C172 at a higher hourly rate when a smaller two seater LSA aircraft at a lower hourly rate will suffice?  This approach to student pilot training seems to be more popular.

Checkout this page on Rod Machado's web site which talks about Sport (Recreational) vs Private Pilot (ignore the pricing as in US$ but watch through the videos... interesting):

http://www.rodmachado.com/become_sport_pilot/why_sport_vs_private_pilot.php

Yes, Rod Machado is the voice of the Flight Simulator X lessons  :-)

This Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) web page outlines the requirements for the various pilot licences:

http://casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_90022

As I understand, the order of pilot licences are (see Pilot Licences page - menu at top of this page):

1. Student Pilot Licence
2. Recreational Pilot Certificate (optional)
3. ( General Flying Progress Test (GFPT) )
4. Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
5. Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) eg charter pilot, flight instructor
6. Air Transport Licence (ATP) eg regional airline pilot, major airline pilot, check and training captain

So what can an Australian Private Pilot do?  Basically fly anywhere in Australia under day Visual Flight Rules (VFR) solo or with passengers, however cannot fly for income or reward (although there are apparently a couple of exceptions). 

To quote the CASA web site:

"Private pilots may fly themselves or passengers anywhere in Australia for recreational purposes and do not have to obtain prior authorisation from their instructor. Private pilots may share operating expenses of the aircraft with their passengers."

With regards to the "exceptions", apparently some sky diving schools may hire Private Pilots.  In addition you can also apparently tow gliders under this licence.  I've heard CASA is currently in discussions to allow flight instructors through with a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) rather than a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) as a minimum.  Obviously a flight instructor with PPL would only be allowed to train students up to PPL level.

Besides flying friends and family down the coast for a weekend away, you can't technically earn an income on a PPL.  To do this, a CPL is the minimum requirement.  From my research, there looks to be a huge jump form Private to Commercial Pilot Licence in terms of the amount of additional theory, flight hours required and much higher standard of airmanship required. 

A Private Pilot can add endorsements to their licence for particular types or classes of aircraft, eg multi-engine endorsement.  Private Pilots can also get into Aerobatics or Formation operations. 

Private Pilots can also add additional ratings to their licence which are:

• Night VFR Rating - can fly at night in Visual Metrological Conditions (VMC)
• Command Instrument Rating - can fly in cloud day or night in Instrument Metrological Conditions (IMC) ie fly by instruments

What Does it Cost?
In terms of costs, have a look at the Pilot Training Costs page (menu at top of this page).  This outlines estimated costs from a particular Australia flight school to obtain a PPL via a recreational certificate.  Some additional costs not listed include the student pilot licence cost, Security Card and Medical examination required.  This page will be updated with costs as I progress through my flight training.

In terms of ongoing costs once a licence is obtained, I believe 3 take-offs and landings is required minimum within 90 days to carry passengers and a flight review is required every year or two I think.


How Long Does it Take?
How long is a piece of string?  I think this is dependant on how much time you can invest in both ground school theory and flight time with an instructor and solo time.  I think its best to fly once weekly or at least once fortnightly to keep the momentum going and keep those new skills and knowledge fresh.

In terms of return on investment, I'm unlikely to make my money back or make a profit with a PPL but the reward, I'm hoping will be acquiring new piloting skills and the enjoyment of being able to fly as I please to any destination.