Advanced Flying Training at Airco Aviation

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

A Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is essential if you wish obtain work as a pilot.

Having said this many students with no aspirations of becoming a "commercial pilot" elect to obtain their CPL, there are a number of reasons why:

   • GST free flying up to 150 hours, including recreational flying!

   • Most of your flying as a Private Pilot can be put towards a CPL.

   • Increased flying proficiency and knowledge, making you a better pilot.

   • A number of advanced ratings can be included within the 150 hours.

   • There is no set time period to obtain a CPL, do it at your own pace.

Whatever your motivation, a Commercial Pilot Licence is definitely something worth considering.

There are two paths to obtaining a CPL:

     • 150 hour total time (70 pilot in command) – GST Free
     • 200 hour total time (100 pilot in command)

To be entitled to undertake the 150 hour course you need to inform us of your intentions to train towards a CPL in the early stages of your training.

CPL students that have obtained their private licence often build command hours by exploring the countryside with friends and family. To build total time (dual) students will often expand their options by obtaining advanced ratings including Night VFR, multi-engine, instrument and others.

There are seven theory examinations that need to be passed before you can sit your flight test. These exams are conducted by an external organisation, details can be found on the CASA web site – See Flight Crew Exam Info.

Instructor Rating

Many pilots in pursuing a career choose flight instruction either as a method of gaining experience or a career itself. You need to hold your commercial licence and have to complete a Night VFR prior to commencing the course. A further minimum of 50 additional hours flying is required and approximately 200 hours of theory.

Constant Speed Unit Endorsement

As you want to start flying larger and fast aircraft you will find most of these will have a CSU propeller system. A CSU propeller system has a variable pitch and thus provides better power management and performance.

Combine this endorsement with a retractable endorsement to save time and money, as well as expanding your options!

This endorsement is a necessity for students who wish to do a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

Retractable Undercarriage Endorsement

Most high performance aircraft utilise retractable undercarriage systems.

This endorsement teaches you about the various types of systems used in light aircraft, as well as the practical aspects of using them including emergency procedures for manual gear extension.

Night Visual Flight Rating

Why limit yourself to just daylight flying? The Night VFR Rating allows you to fly at night in good weather conditions.

Just the rating you need to get you flying before the crack of dawn for that early start to the holidays, or perhaps not having to worry as much as you might have when you've discovered that you are running out of daylight returning from that trip away.

Multi-Engine Rating

A twin endorsement is a necessity for the budding career pilot. Likewise many private pilots prefer the extra speed and security of two engines.

Part of your initial training involves flying the aircraft in the cruise, and landing it, with with simulated engine failure.

With greater speed and seats a twin rating opens up more options for a trip you may have planned.

Command Instrument Rating

Without a command instrument rating a pilot is required to remain in visual meteorological conditions at all times. Unfortunately, the weather does not always permit this, so an instrument rating may be obtained to enable a pilot to fly in less than visual conditions.

This rating is a must for pilots who wish to apply for entry in to the airlines!

Formation Rating

Enhance your precision flying skills by flying in formation. Your initial endorsement will be conducted by teaching you the fundamentals of basic pair formations.

Formation endorsement training is generally done with two pilots who seek the endorsement and two formation endorsed instructors.