Opinion: Breaking Barriers Early in Pilot Training

The openness of the industry falls in a large part to flight training providers to increase accessibility and ease the burden of getting started. This can be done by making information clear and easy to access to potential students and supporting initiatives that streamline the process and promote diversity. The messaging must be clear that anyone with the aptitude, willingness to learn and ability to meet the standards can become a pilot regardless of their gender or background. 

Sydney Flight College (SFC) has been working, along with our partners such as the Australian Women Pilots Association (AWPA), to promote diversity from a grassroots level through the many career exhibitions we attend, social media awareness and supporting anyone with an interest to book an appointment with the team to discuss the next steps to become a pilot. SFC students’ past and present are the true testament to our safety culture, welcoming environment, and professional flight training successes. The work is far from done; we will continue doing our best to promote diversity in the air. 

For many, the biggest barrier to flight training whether it be for recreation, or a professional career, is the cost. We are fortunate in Australia that the VET Student Loan scheme can cover a majority of the fees however this is only an avenue for Australian citizens and specifically those conducting the full-time diploma programs – clearly this is not suitable for all. SFC has been working to help increase accessibility via a range of flight training scholarships and financing solutions to help kickstart careers. These scholarships include the Women in Aviation Scholarship, Indigenous Australian Scholarship and the Flight Training Scholarship sponsored by our ambassador and Red Bull Air Race Champion, Matt Hall. 

In our experience running the club, gaining new members and students in the past had been challenging when showcasing the fleet. Jumping out of a modern car into a vintage GA aircraft had always created a mismatch in expectations – especially when the hourly rate far exceeded their vehicle’s weekly lease payment. 

SFC has been actively renewing the fleet with G1000 equipped Cessna 182s, Diamond DA42s and more recently the Piper Archer TX that have been delivered from the USA over the last six months. We are the only organisation in Australia actively buying brand new aircraft for primary flight training use. 

Our aim is to continue delivering high standards of training and a more comfortable experience for our students and club members. This will also help shift the perception that to learn to fly you must fly aircraft built last century to a more technology forward view. Industry trends are steadily shifting towards glass avionic suites given their depth of capabilities, reliability, and ease of use. These avionics introduce airliner level functions and amenities to general aviation. Students training in these aircraft will be better prepared for a future where older airframes are retrofitted with new avionics and have the experience to utilise those capabilities up to the newest Airbus and Boeing jets. 

The past two years have presented many challenges however we truly believe the industry is on the uptick now in Australia and around the world. As a not-for-profit SFC is uniquely positioned to take a genuine and thoughtful approach to grow and contribute to Australian aviation. That’s why we are investing in new aircraft, initiatives, and partners. Aviation should not be perceived as a closely guarded industry that is unwelcome to those who wish to enter. Let the standards, personal skills and merit dictate a pilot’s success.