LEARNING TO FLY WITH ROYAL NEWCASTLE AERO CLUB
Situated on the New England Highway Rutherford, is privately owned and has a large bitumen sealed
runways with challenging grass cross strips. Our training area covers some of the Valley’s most
beautiful bush land and countryside. It is a quiet and peaceful place where the student pilot can
focus on learning to fly.
RECREATIONAL AVIATION AUSTRALIA (RA AUS) OR GENERAL AVIATION (GA)
Today you have more choices than ever before. Here at Royal Newcastle Aero Club we have both
Recreational Aviation (RA) aircraft and General Aviation (GA) aircraft and experienced instructors
eager to assist you in your flying training.
Let’s make it simple by providing some basic information to assist you in deciding how you can learn
to fly & experience the joy of flight.
RECREATIONAL FLYING
If you want to learn to fly within Recreational Aviation — gaining a Pilot Certificate just for the fun of
it — we have aircraft available to assist you. At RNAC we have people from all walks of life, and of all
ages, who learn to fly safely, at their own pace and convenience.
STEPS IN YOUR RECREATIONAL FLYING TRAINING
Cross
Country
Passenger
Carrying
Pilot
Certificate
Trial
Instructional
Flight
Page 1 of 11
29/09/2011
Medical Requirements
You must satisfy the basic medical requirements to hold a drivers licence. This enables you to
exercise the privileges of a recreational pilot.
All aspects of your performance and progress are measured objectively, and continuously, against a
competency standard required by RA-Aus. There are only three ground examinations and one
formal flight test involved in the initial program. The first ground examination is a simple test on the
rules of the air (i.e. the traffic rules), which must be passed before your first solo flight. The second
is the RA-Aus Basic Aeronautical Knowledge (BAK) test, which must be passed before the
Recreational Aviation Australia Pilot Certificate can be issued.
Also prior to issue of a Pilot Certificate, the student pilot must pass the RA-Aus examination on
human factors, airmanship and decision-making. All written examinations are 'multiple choice’.
Your instructor will endeavour to make sure you know your subject beforehand. Also, the flight
tests are only undertaken when your instructor believes you have acquired the necessary
competencies and recommends to the Chief Flying Instructor [CFI] that you are ready, so you will not
be undertaking a flight test unless you are most likely to pass.
The flight test is conducted by the CFI to formally assess your airmanship and ability to manipulate
the aircraft safely. After success in the flight test and BAK you are qualified to fly within a radius of
25 nautical miles from the airfield. You are not yet qualified to carry passengers. There are two
other Pilot Certificate aircraft group ratings; Group F for foot-launched backpack engine-powered
parachutes and Group C for combined control (i.e. combined weight-shift and 3-axis inputs) aircraft.
If you wish to undertake flights that will take you more than 25 nautical miles from the airfield you
must get a cross country endorsement. This entails both a flight test and a written examination
covering flight planning, meteorology, navigation, and flight rules and procedures. Also you must
have accumulated a minimum 10 hours cross country navigation flight training including a minimum
two hours solo navex experience.
You can qualify for a passenger carrying endorsement to your Pilot Certificate after you have a total
of 10 hours solo (as pilot in command [PIC]), which must include two hours in a RA-Aus two-seat
aircraft. The CFI has to be convinced of your personal maturity and you also have to do a flight test
to check that you know how to look after your passenger. The pre-flight planning of fuel
requirements, passenger and baggage arrangement, assessment of runway and air density
conditions, calculation of aircraft weight and balance, and the physical pre-flight airworthiness
checking of the aircraft is emphasised, to ensure the flight will be operated safely.
At the conclusion of the basic program you, as a certificated RA-Aus pilot, will be fit to carry out the
level 1 maintenance; to check the aircraft's airworthiness by reviewing the maintenance release and
maintenance log; to do the daily and pre-flight inspections of the aircraft. If you also have the cross
Page 2 of 11
29/09/2011
country endorsement then you can also fly — in daylight and reasonable weather under the visual
flight rules [VFR] — anywhere within Australia. Generally you will be restricted to fly below 10,000
feet above mean sea level, to stay within Class G airspace unless you fulfil some specific
requirements of Airservices Australia (the air traffic management organisation), and not fly over
towns in some ultralight categories, or designated remote areas, or other prohibited or restricted
areas.
GENERAL AVIATION (GA)
Should you decide to learn to fly GA aircraft you will receive credits from your RA flying towards your
GA qualifications by satisfying all the requirements of the day VFR syllabus, obtaining a Class 2
Medical and passing all the PPL exams including 5 hours general flying (refer Civil Aviation Regulation
5.84 for more details).
STEPS IN YOUR GENERAL AVIATION FLYING TRAINING
First Area
Solo
General
Flying
Progress Test
Private Pilot
Licence
First Solo
Trial
Instructional
Flight
Page 3 of 11
29/09/2011
What Educational Qualifications do I need?
CASA does not require any person undertaking an Australian pilot's licence to hold formal
educational qualifications. The education level required to pass the Private Pilot's licence exam is
well within the scope of the average person.
Medical and Other Requirements
After enrolling, CASA will issue your Student Pilot Licence. However, before a licence is issued, a
medical examination is required – the examination will be with an approved medical examiner at
Maitland or one in your area (please refer to the list of designated aviation medical examiners –
DAME – for class 1 and class 2 medicals).
Class 1
This medical standard is applicable to all professional technical aircrew of powered aircraft, and is
required to exercise the privileges of Airline Transport Pilot Licence, Commercial Pilot Licence, Flight
Engineer or Flight Navigator Licences.
Class 2
This medical standard is applicable to Student Pilot, Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot Balloons and
Flight Radio Operator Licences.
Flying training phases
The process of gaining your private pilot licence involves four phases of training. Each phase of
training involves a combination of dual instruction (with instructor) and solo practice as well as a
theory component. As you progress through each phase of your training and gain more skills, you
also gain more privileges, until ultimately you achieve your Private Pilot Licence, allowing you to fly
with passengers anywhere in Australia.
Phase One –Solo
The solo phase covers all the basic skills required to fly an aircraft. You will learn how to take-off,
climb, fly straight & level, descend, approach and land the aeroplane. At the completion of this
phase, you will be capable of flying the aeroplane solo within the local aerodrome circuit pattern. To
complete this stage and fly your 1st solo, you must reach the appropriate flying standard and
achieve a pass in a brief multi-choice written exam. Hours required to reach the standard will vary
between individuals but typically between 10 and 20 hours are necessary.
Phase Two – Area Solo
After completing your 1st solo in the circuit pattern, you will begin training towards your 1st area
solo flight. Your area solo flight will allow you to fly the aeroplane solo in the flying training area to
the south of the aerodrome. During this phase you will complete both dual flying training as well as
solo consolidation of what you have learned. Again, to complete your area solo phase, you must
achieve the required flying standard and pass a multi-choice exam. Between 8 and 10 hours of flying
are typically required in this phase.
Page 4 of 11
29/09/2011
Phase Three – General Flying Progress Test (GFPT)
The third phase of your training gives you the skills to fly on your own with passengers in the local
training area. Training in this phase involves some more advanced manoeuvres together with more
solo practice. You will be required to pass a multi-choice exam (BAK) then pass your first flight test,
the General Flying Progress Test (GFPT) conducted by one of our Civil Aviation Safety Authority
(CASA) approved testing officers, as well as a multi-choice written exam. Approximately 10 to 15
hours are required at this phase. Once complete, you are free to hire aeroplanes and take friends
and family flying in the local training area.
Phase Four – Private Pilots Licence (PPL)
After completing your GFPT, you will be well equipped to safely operate an aeroplane in a variety of
situations with passengers. Phase four introduces you to the larger aircraft and teaches you the
navigation skills required to allow you to safely pilot an aeroplane between aerodromes. During this
phase you will complete cross-country navigation exercises to aerodromes such as Tamworth,
Bankstown, Coffs Harbour etc. Again, a pass in a theory exam is required as is a flight test with one
of our testing officers. Once you have passed your test you may hire an aircraft and fly with
passengers to any aerodrome in Australia. Normally about 25 hours of training is required during
this phase.
The minimum number of hours required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for the issue of
a Private Pilots Licence is 40 hours but as you can see, to reach the required standard, the typical
student will take around 60 hours.
Advanced Training - Once you have completed your PPL, Royal Newcastle Aero Club can provide
more advanced training for night flying, commercial pilot’s licence, instructor & instrument ratings,
multi-engine & tail-wheel endorsements as well as formation and aerobatic flying.
Advanced Flight Training
The following advanced courses are available:Formation Flying Endorsement
This endorsement is not for all, however, flying in formation within a team group is a very special
experience shared by those who must work as one. The requirements to commence training are a
current Private Pilot Licence or equivalent PPL and it is generally done with two pilots who seek the
endorsement, two formation endorsed instructors and obviously two aircraft. Flight time is made up
of around 10 hours - 5 hrs as leader and 5 hrs maintaining/changing station on the leader. As with
all training, theory and whiteboard work is an essential inclusion in both the training phase and a
pre-flight brief forms a mandatory element of any formation flight.
Page 5 of 11
29/09/2011
Night VFR
This offers a quantum leap up in the use of navigation aids that allows a pilot to fly at night in visual
conditions. The inclusions in the course are ground theory, nav-aid training, night circuits and two
cross country navigational exercises.
These ratings allow the pilot to enjoy the magic of night flight and remove the stress of meeting the
end of day requirements (subject to safe flight planning and suitable conditions).
Multi – Engine Endorsement
A Twin Endorsement is the next step for those who wish to gain the advantages of two engines; at
RNAC several aircraft types are available on request.
Emergency Manoeuvre Training (EMT)
Emergency Manoeuvre Training can be taken as a separate stand-alone course and is of great value
to any pilot (GA, Ultralight, or Glider). The course is mandatory before commencing formal
aerobatics training. The course aims to prevent the same old accidents happening time after time.
The course is very practical and as with the aerobatic syllabus, it is tailored to suit each pilot's
individual requirements including aircraft mishandling, inadvertent loss or partial loss of control,
understanding stalling, dynamic stalling, mishandling at or near stall, emergency spin recovery and
defensive flying.
Aerobatic Flying
The aerobatic syllabus is designed to be tailored to your personal experience, learning speed and
goals. We can offer you a basic recreational aerobatic rating through to National Championship
Levels. All training is carried out in a Pitts S-2A right from the beginning and no prior tail wheel
experience is required. The Pitts S-1 is available to allow for progression to more advanced levels.
Commercial Pilot Licence/ Multi Engine Command Instrument Rating
Becoming a Commercial Pilot or gaining additional ratings continues your aviation training and
opens up more opportunities.
Other Endorsements and Ratings
Please feel free to discuss any of the following with the RNAC Chief Flying Instructor: CSU Endorsement.
 Retractable Endorsement.
 Private Pilot IFR
 Single Engine/Multi Engine Command Instrument Rating.
 Instructor Rating.
Page 6 of 11
29/09/2011
TRAINING OUTLINE
An average student will generally qualify for a private pilots licence after approximately 55-60 hours
(including dual and solo).
At RNAC your instructor will make every effort to keep your budget on track with regular progress
reports to project expected outcomes.
Royal Newcastle Aero Club operates 7 days per week and the reception desk is staffed between
8:00am and 4:00pm Monday to Friday and 8:30am to 5pm Saturdays and Sundays, flying training is
conducted outside of these hours where necessary. The administrative staff are present between
the above hours with a reduced service provided on public holidays.
Introduction to RNAC & flying training
Like many you have looked to the sky with the dream to fly. As a first step RNAC encourages, no
matter whether for a career or just for pleasure, you to undertake a Trial Instructional Flight (TIF).
This trial flight allows the instructor to deliver a basic need to know briefing allowing a progressive
hand over of the various controls; you will likely conduct up to 90% of the approximate flight time of
30 minutes.
These flights will only be conducted in good flying conditions and along with further lessons you
should be able to decide whether you want to continue your flying training. Your instructor will also
be able to make an assessment of your potential to handle an aircraft.
Requirements for the issue of a Student Pilot Licence – General Aviation
The first step is to apply to CASA for an Aviation Reference Number (ARN) which will include
supplying a photograph and identification documentation, and complete a security check. Before
you can fly solo, you will need to pass the required medical checks, pass an examination in Air Law
and be issued with a Student Pilot Licence (STUDENT). To be issued the SPL, you must be at least 16
years of age and be capable of reading, writing, speaking and understanding the English language.
All necessary study text books and theory workbooks are available from the Club’s Pilot Shop.
If you have set your sights on a career in aviation then it is recommended that you book a free
period to this aim with the RNAC Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) to advise you of the options for
commercial training.
Advice will include that you undertake the required medical checks which are more exacting for
professional pilots to make sure you can satisfy the medical standards before outlaying considerable
sums of money on flying training. Making this choice early may deliver a considerable cost saving by
qualifying such aims with a GST exemption offered by the Australian Tax Office.
Page 7 of 11
29/09/2011
Applying for an ASIC or AVID
ASICs (Aviation Security Identification Cards) and AVIDs (Aviation Identification) show that the holder
has a current security check but only an ASIC can be used at security controlled airports. ASICs are
normally valid for up to 2 years and AVIDs are normally valid for up to 5 years.
While an AVID and an ASIC are both evidence that background checks have been undertaken, the
background checks for the AVID are not equivalent to the checks for the ASIC. At a minimum, all
pilots 18 or over must undergo the background checks for an AVID. Only those pilots who require
access to a secure area of a security controlled airport will need to undergo the more robust
background checks for an ASIC.
To streamline processes and remove any duplication, pilots who undergo the background checking
for an ASIC do not have to undergo the background checking for an AVID.
If you plan to fly into a security controlled airport that has regular public transport (RPT) services you
will need to have an ASIC.
Price Lists for Training
Price list:
 Pre Solo Exam - $16.50
 Pre Area Solo Exam- $16.50
 Practice Cyber Exam- $11
 Basic Aeronautical Knowledge (BAK) exam- $33
 Private Pilots Licence (PPL) exam- $125
 Text Books - Bob Tait - BAK - $105
 Text Books - Bob Tait – PPL - $105
 Headset (PA11-60T) - $185
 Cessna 152/172 Manual - $35
 Pilot Log Book - $25.35
 Student Membership - $80
 Full Membership - $160
 Member Joining Fee - $27.50
Page 8 of 11
29/09/2011
Location
The Royal Newcastle Aero Club owned and operated aerodrome is situated on the New England
Highway Rutherford, just to the west of Maitland. It is easily accessed from Newcastle by either car
or public transport. Maitland City is well serviced by rail from Newcastle. (see map below).
From a training perspective, Maitland is arguably the best-located aerodrome in Australia. The
aerodrome is privately owned and located immediately adjacent to a designated flying training area.
This means your time in the aircraft is spent learning rather than taxiing or travelling to and from the
training area. The aerodrome is serviced by its own instrument approach and is surrounded by
numerous navigation aids, making our location ideal for the more advanced instrument training too.
ROYAL NEWCASTLE AERO CLUB
604 NEW ENGLAND HIGHWAY
RUTHERFORD NSW 2320
PH: 02 4932 8888
Email: rnacoffice@westnet.com.au
WEB: www.rnac.com.au
Page 9 of 11
29/09/2011
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN FLYING
List of career opportunities in flying:
 Flying Instructor
 Commercial Airline Pilot – within Australia
 Commercial Airline Pilot – Overseas
 Commercial Pilot with RAAF
 Chief Pilot
 CASA – various positions
RNAC Graduates
RNAC has been training pilots since 1935 and as a graduate of Australia's longest established pilot
training school, you'll join a remarkable fraternity of pilots who have gone on to enjoy great careers
and incredible experiences around the world in both military and general aviation!
Here are a few words from some present day graduates and how training at RNAC has changed their
lives:
“I remember flying to Port Macquarie for the weekend, Coffs Harbour for Lunch, the museums in
outback Longreach, camping on Fraser Island, and flying to the Avalon Air Show in Melbourne as
some of the many adventures had by fellow students and myself. I believe that the skills and
experiences from RNAC made me more competitive for entry into Qantas as a commercial level
cadet in 2001. I am now flying the B767, and can remember the great times learning at RNAC like
they were yesterday. ” DAN HUEY - QANTAS COMMERCIAL PILOT”
“I found my training to become a Private Pilot at RNAC exciting, challenging and very rewarding. The
sense of freedom and the rush you experience always gives me a real buzz! Throughout my Private
Pilot training course I had the support of highly skilled Instructors. Even the most experienced Airline
Captains with years of flying can recall their PPL training because it's such an important foundation
for your flying, whether it be for private or commercial purposes. There is definitely a sense of
achievement as you command an aircraft around the skies unaccompanied. These foundations and
dedication to aviation have assisted me in obtaining an airline career today. ” MICHAEL QUINN - REX
AIRLINES COMMERCIAL PILOT
NOTE: RNAC trains students to the highest possible standard, which has allowed a number of
trainees to gain a position at the Club, several of whom have since moved onto the airlines.
Notwithstanding the RNAC accepts no responsibility should a graduate be unsuccessful in gaining
employment after completing the course however RNAC continues to encourage trainees to apply for
any vacant positions for which they are qualified.
Page 10 of 11
29/09/2011
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much will it cost to gain a Private Pilots Licence?
Because the hours to reach the necessary standards between individuals can vary so greatly, so can
the cost. Based on the hours detailed above, the cost for a typical student to reach PPL would be
around $12,500 - $14,000. This cost is generally spread over 12-18 months depending on how often
you fly and is based on a program of approximately 65 flying hours however, should the student
reach the required standard more quickly, a PPL can be legally issued after 40 hours of training,
therefore reducing the cost.
What other costs are involved?
You will need to pay for an aviation medical, purchase various maps & ERSA, personal head set
(optional), text books, exam fees both internal and external e.g. CASA, landing fees away from
Maitland.
Do I have to pay up front?
No. Royal Newcastle Aero Club does not require any upfront payment. You simply pay as you go i.e.
per lesson.
What does a flying lesson involve?
A flying lesson at RNAC involves booking an aircraft and an instructor for around one and a half
hours. You will receive a pre fight briefing from your instructor outlining what to expect during the
flight followed by an in-flight lesson of about 1 hour duration.
How often should I have a lesson?
To maintain consistency and to progress as quickly as possible, try to manage one lesson per week.
However, if you wish to progress at a faster or slower rate, you’re flying training program can be
tailored to suit.
I wear glasses. Can I still learn to fly?
In most cases yes. Glasses or contact lenses may be worn to meet the vision requirements of your
medical examination.
What do I do next?
If you are interested in learning to fly with us, please call the Club on 02 4932 8888 to book a trial
instructional flight (TIF) or to talk to one of our experienced instructors. Our Trial Instructional
Flights are an obligation free, half hour flight where you are encouraged to fly the aeroplane under
the supervision of an instructor. This will also allow you the opportunity to ask any further questions
you may have about flying training. The cost for this flight is only $95.
*Please note that information contained in this document is subject to change without notice*
Page 11 of 11
29/09/2011