Passion Play

Although I still had that passion for flying during my high school years, I didn’t elect to study the subjects which are looked favourably upon such as the highest-level maths as well as physics. This was mainly because I was afraid I might not be able to handle them academically. Funnily enough, after I completed Year 12 in 2003, I chose to study a Bachelor of Education, teaching mathematics and geography. As I grew older, concepts made more sense and became more understandable. As time went on, a close friend of mine pursued flying and ended up flying for QantasLink, so I decided I had to pursue aviation as my career as that’s what I was truly passionate about.

Unfortunately, I faced two issues which were time, as I really didn’t have much time to myself in my first couple of years of teaching, and finances. I’m sure most people can relate to this. I ended up taking my teaching skills into the workplace health and safety field in an education capacity where I was involved in training and upskilling staff to enable them to meet their legislative obligations. I became a safety advisor for the Spotless Group and as a result was in a much better financial position, enabling me to pursue my flying training.

I have been a club member at the Redcliffe Aero Club since 2015. I commenced flying on a regular basis in 2016 and obtained my RPL (Recreational Pilot Licence) in January 2017. I progressed to my PPL (Private Pilot Licence) CASA Syllabus training and obtained my PPL in April 2018. I was successful in passing my RPL and PPL theory exams first go all through self-study. I chose to pursue my training with RAC (Redcliffe Aero Club) as it was closer to home than other schools but mainly because it was a club and provided an atmosphere where I wasn’t pressured, and the staff were friendly and very approachable. They were also very professional in all aspects. Also, there are no landing fees and being a non- controlled aerodrome, you are not subject to ATC delays or restrictions.

My goal from when I started to fly was always to obtain my commercial pilot licence and pursue a career in aviation. At first it was going to be a challenge financially but when the club announced they would be offering full-time diploma courses under the VET (vocational education and training) student loan scheme I thought to myself “this could be my opportunity”.

Another motivating factor was that I knew the staff well from the time I’d spent on my RPL and PPL and had developed a great relationship with them during my time at the club. Even though under the VET scheme I will have a commitment at the end to repay the loan, I realised the concept was going to ease the financial burden upfront.

The club offers three courses: AVI50215 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane), AVI50415 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating), AVI50516 Diploma of Aviation (Flight Instructor).

The qualifications have current industry recommendations and benchmarks which need to be considered when enrolling. Since I had my CASA (recreational pilot licence and my CASA private pilot licence I had the required skillset so I jumped at the chance to apply for the AVI50415 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating). It would provide me with the knowledge, skills and abilities to obtain my CPL with CASA Multi-engine Command Instrument Rating) endorsement.

‘Ideally, my first job will be in charter or tourism and I’m prepared to move to where the work is’

The application process initially involved me submitting an expression of interest form followed by attendance at a two-day pre-enrolment information session that provided information to prospective students about the courses and their structure as well as the VET Student Loan scheme. An important component of that day was a language, literacy and numeracy benchmark assessment which was used to assess whether we met the minimum requirements to obtain the VET student loan as well as the minimum benchmark standards set by the club to enrol into a Diploma course. I met the requirements and benchmarks and proceeded to a pre-enrolment interview with the club to gauge my motivation for applying and provide further information about the courses and study expectations. Then came a week of angst waiting to see whether I was successful in being offered a position. Fortunately, I was accepted and was able to commence my course in September 2018. The course is divided into a number of phases and at the beginning of the course students are provided with a training plan detailing each phase, how many flying hours need to be completed, the various course components and the standard expected for each, the estimated length of time to complete and the costs allocated to the VET student loan. The course is 12 months full-time with the expectation students will attend the club on a full-time basis over the duration. A written record is kept ensuring that the student is meeting the required levels of attendance. The club provides ample study space and facilities to cater for the student’s needs. Instructors are on hand to answer questions and there are computer facilities available.

So far, my experience has been enjoyable. I have met many people who share the same passion for aviation, be they fellow students, instructors or private or commercial pilots. Although it was not strictly required, I completed all seven CPL theory subjects and passed the CASA exams before Christmas 2018. That approach has enabled me to focus solely on the practical flying this year and has eased the study pressure somewhat. I am now halfway through the course and, once again out of choice, I’m studying for the instrument rating exam (IREX) on the side to take further pressure off when it comes time to commence my instrument rating in August. On days I’m not flying, I confine myself to the study cave known as ‘The Hut’ to practise planning flights within an hour (a requirement that is intended to simulate commercial reality) or to continue with my IREX study. I’m enjoying making progress as each phase is completed knowing that the end is inching closer and enjoying the daily yarns with staff and other students. We are also given opportunities to ferry aircraft to and from Caloundra for maintenance, which really makes you feel a part of the place and provides an insight into working for a commercial operation. There are always opportunities to learn new skills such as assisting with oil and tyre changes. These are valuable skills to have when you start working for a commercial operation, particularly in more remote locations.

Probably the most difficult aspects of the course so far were completing the CPL theory, the manual pitch propeller and retractable undercarriage endorsements and planning the first CPL Navigational – for reasons such as needing to stay focused through all seven subjects, learning and becoming familiar with a more complex aircraft, and trying to plan a five-hour navigational exercise in an hour for the first time.

Once I complete my multi-engine command instrument rating, I plan to complete the seven air transport pilot licence (ATPL) theory subjects while I’m in the study routine as this is a mandatory requirement to work for the airlines. However, before I complete my course I will be working hard to expand my network and seek out potential employment opportunities for my first commercial job where I will concentrate on building my hours so I can progress to the airlines. Ideally, my first job will be in charter or tourism and I’m prepared to move to where the work is.

My advice to those who are looking at applying for diploma courses is to have a thorough understanding of what the course entails and study expectations beforehand. One of the best things I did was starting my CPL theory subjects upon completion of my PPL to take some pressure off at the start of the diploma course. Use whatever spare time you have to your advantage. I plan to have completed my course by September 2019 and hopefully it won’t be long until I can add some bars to these white shirts.