Kestrel Aviation - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I go about learning to fly?
What is the difference between a Private and a Commercial licence?
What is the average age of students at Kestrel Aviation?
I wasn't very academic at school do I need to have attained certain educational levels to get my licence?
When can I commence my flying training?
Must I pay for my training in one lump sum, up-front?
Is it possible to do theory components by correspondence?
How long will it take me from start to finish to get my licence if I complete my training in one block?
If I plan to study full-time will I be eligible for Austudy?
I am not from Australia, what entry qualifications must I satisfy to enable me to fly at Kestrel Aviation College?
How do I go about converting my overseas licence to an Australian licence?
Do you provide any accommodation?
How do I get indepndent information about the qualifications and experience of Kestrel Aviation?

Answers

How do I go about learning to fly?
The best place to start is to make a time to visit our facilities and talk to the Instructors. They will be able to answer any questions you may have, and to offer advice where needed. For those who have not been in a helicopter or aeroplane before, it may be a good start to have a Trial Instructional Flight (TIF). This will allow you the opportunity to fly the aircraft yourself and also learn a little more about the instruments and controls in the cockpit. These flights last around 30 minutes at a cost of $220.00 (helicopters) or $90.00 (aeroplanes) GST inclusive, which includes a briefing from your Instructor. Obviously with many students coming from interstate or overseas, this may not be possible.

For those people, we encourage you to look carefully through our website where we hope that most of your questions will be answered. Further questions can be directed by emails or you may wich to call and speak to one of the staff about your queries. Alternatively, you can simply ring up and book your first lesson. Prior to your lesson, your instructor will go over the course and explain any expectations we have of you, and answering further questions. You will be issued with your textbooks and equipment and will be ready to start it is as simple as that!

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What is the difference between a Private and a Commercial licence?
A private pilot licence enables the pilot to fly anywhere outside restricted airspaces, solo or with passengers, so long as the private pilot licence holder is not receiving any remuneration for his/her flying. A commercial pilot licence on the other hand is necessary if considering a career as a pilot. A commercial pilot can be paid for their flying.

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What is the average age of students at Kestrel Aviation?
The average age of Kestrel Students is 25-37 for commercial helicopter students, and 17-30 for commercial aeroplane students. A Student Licence can be obtained from the age of 16. A Private Pilot Licence from the age of 17, and a Commercial Pilot Licence after your 18th birthday. There is no upper age limit as long as the candidate can meet the required medical standards. In general the helicopter industry is more suited to older candidates. Those pilots aspiring to enter the airlines on the other hand need to hold a commercial licence by their early 20's.

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I wasn't very academic at school do I need to have attained certain educational levels to get my licence?
While there is no formal educational requirement, a good understanding of reading, writing and mathematics is important. We understand that some students have not studied mathematics or physics at a higher level, and consequently our courses are structured to provide full explanation. Students who obtain their commercial licence, also obtain a certificate IV qualification, which is the equivalent to the same level as a VCE or school learning level.

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When can I commence my flying training?
Courses are conducted all year round. Subjects are taught on a rotational basis, with a new subject starting approximately every two weeks. Due to this flexibility, students are able to commence their course at a time convenient to them.

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Must I pay for my training in one lump sum, up-front?
Some schools offer discounts for lump sum payments, however at Kestrel we manage our cash flow in such a way that there is no benefit in obtaining large lump sum from students. Consequently our rates are discounted simply by payment on the day or in a small weekly payment. In addition we feel that the only benefit to be gained from lump sum payments is to be able to lock students into a commitment to Kestrel which we do not feel comfortable with. Basically if a student is not happy with any aspect of their training at Kestrel, they are able to withdraw from the course at any time without financial penalty. Consequently students are not required to complete any binding agreement with Kestrel Aviation College.

Australian students need only stay in credit, which means that for students flying on a part time basis, they are able to pay as they go. For students training on a full-time basis it may be more practical to pay a lump sum each fortnight depending on how much they are likely to fly. For example, if students are in a theory phase no payment may be necessary, however if students are flying an average of 2 hours every day, approximately $3,550 will be required for 1 week of training. For overseas students payment of course fees is by installments and students must abide by the following schedule of payments: $5,000 payable upon application $5,000 payable upon arrival in Australia $5,000 30 days after arrival Further payments of $5,000 should be paid monthly until full course fees have been paid for.

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Is it possible to do theory components by correspondence?
It is possible to complete the theory components of a private or commercial licence by correspondence. Reducing the cost is the main advantage of completing your theory by correspondence. Study can be completed at home, at students own pace. Private tuition is also available at a cost of $44 /hr, offering a cost effective way to concentrate on problem areas. Advanced Flight Theory have developed a series of text books and study notes for the purpose of studying by correspondence. AFT have designed a course to suit Kestrel Aviation College students and can be ordered through Kestrel. Please contact Kestrel Aviation College or AFT directly for more information. Advanced Flight Theory (07) 5448 7770.

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How long will it take me from start to finish to get my licence if I complete my training in one block?
Private Fixed/Rotary Wing courses will take approximately 8-10 weeks of full-time study to complete. Commercial Fixed/Rotary Wing courses will take approximately 26 weeks of full time study to complete. Assuming that exams are passed on the first attempt.

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If I plan to study full-time will I be eligible for Austudy?
As a Registered Training Organisation Australian students to Kestrel Aviation College Pty Ltd may be eligible to claim Austudy/Youth Allowance payments for full time study. Please contact Kestrel Aviation College or Centrelink for detailed information on entitlements.

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I am not from Australia, what entry qualifications must I satisfy to enable me to fly at Kestrel Aviation College?
Minimum educational standard is a good command of spoken English, with a good understanding of Reading, Writing and Mathematics. A higher level of education is desirable for those seeking employment in the Airline field. If English is not your first language, you may need to provide evidence that you have the required level of English proficiency. This will depend on the country you are from, and your country's assessment level.

Please see www.immi.gov.au (Australian Department of Immigration) for further information regarding Visas and your country's assessment level. A minimum of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 530 and TWE (Test of Written English) of 5.5, or an IELTS (International English Language Test System) overall band score of 5.0 may be necessary to gain admission to the course. As confirmation of enrolment overseas students must maintain an approved account level at all times, and adhere to the Kestrel payment schedule.

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How do I go about converting my overseas licence to an Australian licence?
People wishing to convert their foreign licences should first contact Civil Aviation Safety Authority licencing branch to discuss your current qualifications and your ambitions for flying in Australia. (ph: 131757). CASA may ask to see certified copies of your logbook(s), any licences held, medical certificate etc., and will advise you accordingly as to what the requirements are for your particular case.

Conversions to a CPL licence (for overseas CPL holders) In order to convert an overseas licence to a CASA Commercial Pilots Licence, the candidate needs to pass the overseas conversion examination, and a flight test. Costs can vary depending on candidate's experience, recency and endorsements already held. For Fixed Wing Pilots the conversion examination is a 2 hour paper, which examines the candidate's knowledge of Flight Rules and Procedures in Australia. This exam is conducted at a specified exam centre.

For Rotary Wing Pilots he conversion examination is a 3 hour paper, which examines the candidate's knowledge of Flight Rules and Procedures in Australia. This exam is conducted at a specified exam centre. If the candidate is not R22 endorsed, the minimum hours required are 3 hours, or 5 hours for pilots who do not hold any piston engine type endorsements. This can be incorporated as part of the general training. Other aircraft types are available, prices upon application.

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Do you provide any accommodation?
Accommodation is provided in serviced units at the airport. Each unit has 4 furnished bedrooms, 2 showers, a lounge/sitting area and kitchen equipped with cooking facilities. The units are fully air-conditioned/heated and are cleaned weekly. All linen is supplied. All units are non-smoking. The cost per room is $25.00 per night, or $120.00 per week. Married quarters and cabin accommodation are available at $35.00 per night, or $155.00 per week (per couple). All prices are GST inclusive.

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Indenpendent information about Kestrel Information?
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the regulaotry body in Australia for all flying training orgainsations. CASA have a website with a list of all Authorised Testing Officers (ATO's) in Australia, which is a good way to confirm the capabilities of a flying school. At Kestel Aviation we have 3 ATO's on staff:
Ray Cronin- Managing Director and Chief Flying Instructor (Helicopters)
Anthony 'Tony' Smith- Chief Flying Instructor (Aeroplanes)
Darren Sommers- Deputy Chief Flying Instructor (Helicopters)

For more information please visit http://ioa.casa.au/scripts/ATO.asp

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