Civil's 10 Easy Steps To Your Private License

Take control of either a Cessna 152 or Piper Warrior and, under the guidance of one of our fully qualified flight instructors, find out for yourself what flying really feels like. We'll take pleasure in showing you how the controls work and what all those dials, gauges and instruments do. More importantly, your instructor will show you how much fun flying can be by demonstrating a few simple manoeuvres. We'll then encourage you to try your hand. By the end of this forty-five minute flight around the local area, you'll be able to decide, based on your own experience whether or not flying is for you. If the answer is "yes", then all you have to do is move on to step two.

All that's required is the ability to communicate in English and to have passed an Aviation Medical Examination. There's nothing complicated about passing this examination. Civil will provide you with a list of doctors who have been approved to conduct these checks and you can arrange an appointment with a doctor in your area. Your Student Licence will be issued by Civil on behalf of CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority).

For less than $20, you will need to purchase your own Pilot Log Book - something that will become a proud possession for years to come. All your future flights (including your Trial Instructional Flight) will be logged so you can keep track of every flight you ever participate in.

Civil takes great pride in catering to the individual. Our instructors will be happy to organise bookings around your schedule and your time. Whether it's a lesson every fortnight or full time, we're open seven days a week. Most initial lessons will require approximately three hours of your time. We'll explain what's involved in each lesson before we get airborne. The flight will last approximately an hour, where the emphasis will be on both enjoyment and safety. Once we've landed, we'll discuss what you learned and what you can look forward to in the next lesson. It is Civil's policy that the customer pays for the flight time only. Pre-flight and post-flight briefings are complimentary.

After a considerable amount of practice with your instructor sitting beside you, the day will come where you'll be able to safely take to the sky by yourself. The aircraft will feel slightly lighter and you'll find yourself feeling an immense sense of achievement. Every pilot remembers this day forever.

BAK (Basic Aeronautical Knowledge) is an introduction to aviation theory and includes interesting subjects such as aerodynamics, engines & systems and aircraft performance.The academic side may appear daunting to some. However, via our sister company, The Australian College of Aviation, we believe we have set the standard for theory and even provide text books to over 150 schools. We offer both full-time and part time courses as well as the facilities and fully qualified commercial pilots with ground instructional experience to make it easy and fun.

Passing the GFPT (General Flying Progress Test) will earn you the privilege of being able to take passengers within Moorabbin's local "training area". All that's involved is a short flight where you will demonstrate your proficiency to one of our friendly testing officers. By flying with Civil, you'll feel as though you were taught to fly at a much higher standard than the bare minimum standard required to pass a test.

Four new subjects will be learned at this stage. Meteorology, Navigation, Flight Rules and Human Performance. Once again, Civil has the courses and facilities to make it a breeze.

We've taught you how to fly. Now it's time to teach you how to navigate ! This will require a schedule of cross country navigation exercises, where you'll learn how to successfully find your way around the Victorian countryside. Pack some sandwiches and a cool drink and, together with your instructor, you'll travel to previously unknown townships as well as see the familiar sights of St.Kilda, the MCG, Albert Park Lake, The Dandenongs and Port Phillip Bay from a totally new perspective. The first four exercises will be designed to teach you the fundamentals. New challenges and more difficult navigation routes will be encountered towards the end of the schedule. As your experience and expertise grow you'll be required to fly in and out of controlled airspace where you'll find yourself flying within close proximity of the commercial airliners whilst transmitting on the same radio frequencies. Upon successful completion of this navigation phase you'll be capable of navigating anywhere in Australia.

Just as with your GFPT, you'll be more than ready to show off your skills. Having demonstrated your proficiency, you'll be licenced to carry family and friends anywhere in Australian airspace. You may even find yourself in the position of wanting to add to your qualifications. Civil is happy to provide training for a Night or Instrument Rating. We can also conduct endorsements for Aerobatics, Formation, Tail Wheel and Multi-Engine.

Finally … Civil encourages the enjoyment of the social side of flying. Our club runs regular social activities including barbecues, fly-aways and expeditions. Why not consider joining in?