Do you currently have dreams of becoming a professional pilot for a major airline and getting paid to fly a commercial aircraft high above the clouds? Even though it is an exciting and very rewarding career, the journey to becoming a professional pilot can be a long one. The first step of this journey is choosing the right aviation school in Melbourne, and there is a lot of important information to consider when making your choice.
Can the aviation school provide the right flight courses you need? Will they be affordable and fit your budget? What are their flight facilities like? How qualified are their flight instructors? Do they possess a modern aircraft fleet?
Here are the main factors to think about when choosing a flight academy in Melbourne.
What qualifications do their flight instructors possess?
Since you will be learning and training with the aviation school’s flight instructors, it is important to know how experienced and qualified their instructors are. When browsing through a flight academy’s website, make sure they provide information on their flight instructors.
The best flight academies will have flight instructors that have a Grade 1 rating, which is the highest rating available. Their flight instructors should possess a high level of experience and come from a diverse range of aviation backgrounds.
What flight courses can they offer?
To become a commercial pilot for an airline, you will have to study and successfully complete a commercial pilot licence course. But what other types of flight courses can they offer? The best aviation academies in Melbourne provide a range of comprehensive flight courses that are tailored to the reasons students are wanting to learn to fly.
For example, a recreational pilot certificate or a private pilot licence course is ideal for those who are wanting to fly for fun or as a hobby. A diploma of aviation course is perfect for students who are seriously considering a career in aviation. An introductory flight program is great for those who have never flown before and want to get a taste of what piloting an aircraft is like before committing to enrolling into a flight course. For students that need to build up their flight hours or want to teach the next generation of pilots, a flight instructor rating course is perfect.
What aircraft fleet do they possess?
Since you will be spending a lot of your flight training in their aircraft fleet, it is important to learn as much as you can about the various types of aircraft the aviation school possesses. How modern is their aircraft fleet? Can they provide features such as glass cockpits, LCD flight instruments, leather seats, autopilot and more?
When exploring the website of your preferred aviation school in Melbourne, make sure they have a page dedicated to providing information on their aircraft fleet. They should feature a modern aircraft fleet with aeroplanes such as a Diamond DA40, Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Sling 2, Piper Seminole PA44, Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat, Diamond DA42 and more.
What flight facilities do they provide?
When you are studying a full-time course such as a commercial pilot licence course, it is vital to learn about the flight training facilities the aviation school can provide. To get the most out of your pilot training, it is important to have a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere.
An established aviation school will be equipped with flight facilities such as modern classrooms, study areas, briefing rooms, and a student lounge. They should also be equipped with advanced flight simulators like the Alsim AL42, or full motion virtual reality using the latest simulation software like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
What about once you have completed your course?
You may have successfully completed your flight training course and obtained your pilot licence, but what then? Do you simply just start applying to airline companies? Are there other aviation career options that you might not be aware of?
One of the key signs of a great aviation school is that they share the same passion for flying as their students and actively take steps to ensuring their students have the best chance at achieving their chosen careers.
The flight academy you choose should offer workshops and specialised coaching sessions with informative talks from senior captains regarding the airline interview process. This will teach aspiring pilots how to prepare their application, explain the overall airline interview process and provide a broad awareness of the aviation industry itself.
They should also offer more in-depth courses regarding the airline interview that delve into the more technical aspects such as learning meteorology, jet engine theory, airline operations and other theory modules.
In summary
Finding the right aviation school in Melbourne is crucial for giving yourself the best chance at pursuing your dream of flying. Keep these factors in mind during your search and take the first step towards your career in aviation today!
