How it all works


Reach for the sky

All great things start with a great dream,

NSW Air Flight Training Pty Ltd is a small highly professional flight training organisation operating from the Illawarra Regional Airport at Albion Park just 15 mins South of Wollongong City.

NSW Air Flight Training Pty Ltd is the Premier Flight Training Organisation on the NSW South Coast. We cater for the training needs of individuals who aspire to a commercial aviation career in its many different facets and also for the training and advancement of private pilots seeking the enjoyment of aviation as a recreation or as a business tool.We provide all flight and ground training components associated with the issue of a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and/or the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

We also cater for advance flight training such as the Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating (MECIR), Private Instrument Rating (PIFR), Night VFR (NVFR) Rating.There is an excellent selection of navigation training aids within easy flying time from Shellharbour, such as Nowra with an ILS to the south and the Sydney primary control zone to the North.The Illawarra basin provides a spectacular backdrop for flight training with spectacular views of the escarpment and fantastic coastline.

Trial Instructional Flight


This is where the journey begins

Why not try a short Trial Instruction Flight (TIF), with you at the controls? It’s yours any time you like. Your instructor will show you many of the basics, and you can enjoy the view at the same time.

  • Trial Instructional Flight Packages (40 minutes , or 60 minutes in either a Piper Archer or Piper Cherokee (Mini brief, pre-flight aircraft safety check, flight and head set hire also included in package). This flight can be logged and goes towards  your overall flight hours.

After the TIF, if you decide you wish to continue flying training, there are a few things which we recommend you do. They are as follows:

  • Aviation Medical Check with Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (www.casa.gov.au/aviationmedicine)
  • Apply for Aviation Reference Number (ARN) and Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC).
  • Pilot Log Book which can be purchased from NSW Air.
  • Basic Aeronautical Knowledge Textbook for self study, NSW AIR carries stock of these.

Recreational Pilots Licence


Your first licence

The Basic Flying Training programme will take you from your first lesson through to your Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL). This is a passenger carrying endorsement on your Student Licence and will allow you to take family and friends flying in the local flying training area.

This training is usually undertaken in either a Piper Archer or Piper Warrior.

Phase 1 – Training to First Solo

Flying Training– Effects of controls, straight and level, climbing, descending, turning, stalling, circuits, circuit emergencies. Typically 10 hour’s dual instruction.

Theory Training – Training to pass ‘PRE FIRST SOLO AERONAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE’ examination. Either private study, TAFE or NSW Air ground school

First Circuit Solo Flight – In circuit area, you’ll never forget this one!

6Phase II – Training to First Area Solo

Flying Training – Circuit solo consolidation, training area familiarisation, emergency landing procedures, advanced turning – 6 hours dual instruction & 4 hours solo flight

Theory Training – Training to pass ‘PRE AREA SOLO AERONAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE’ examination. Either private study, TAFE or NSW Air ground school

First Area Solo Flight – in training area and you will find your own way home!

 Phase III – Training to the RPL test

Flying Training – Advanced circuits, introductory instrument flying, bad visibility procedures, advanced emergency procedures. 9 hours dual instruction & 1 hour solo flight

 Theory Training – Training to pass ‘BASIC AERONAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE’ examination. Either private study, TAFE College or NSW Air ground school

 RPL (Flight Test)

Approximate Training to RPL

Pre Flight briefings – 12 

Flight Training – 25 hrs dual 

5 hrs solo 

Written Exams x 3 

Flight Test Aircraft hire 1.2 hr 

Plus Flight Test Fee = Price on Application

*Prices are subject to change. This is estimate on the minimum hours as per CASA licence requirements. The training times can vary depending on each student’s individual needs.

Private Pilots Licence


With this licence you can go almost anywhere

CROSS COUNTRY NAVIGATIONAL TRAINING (BLOCK 2)

Phase IV – Private Pilot Licence

This phase of flying training consists of nine cross country flights including two of which are done solo. During this phase, you will learn now to plan and execute a cross country navigation exercise over different terrain and airspace.

This is designed to prepare you for the Private Pilot Licence which will allow you to fly anywhere in the country and even overseas if the flight is done in an Australian Registered aircraft.

Flying Training

Mix of short and longer flights. Check the weather, the best route, visual navigation, track keeping and radio procedures, fuel and load planning. It’ll all fall into place!

Theory Training –

Gaining the theory knowledge required to pass the CASA private pilots examination (PPLA). Completed as either private study, TAFE or NSW Air ground school. Also study to pass Flight Radiotelephone Operator’s Licence Exam.

PPL Flight test – 2.5 hours dual cross-country.

Approximate Costs from RPL to PPL

Theory Briefing 

Training in a Piper Archer

21 hrs dual 

5 hrs solo 

Navigation briefing 3 hours 

BIF Training 2hr SIM 

PPL PEXO exam  CASA fee included

Flight Test Aircraft hire 2.5 hrs 

PLUS – Flight Test Fee = Price on Application

*Prices are subject to change. This is estimate on the minimum hours as per CASA licence requirements. The training time can vary depending on each student’s individual needs.

Commercial Pilots Licence


Where you become a true artist of the air

Phase V – Commercial Pilot Licence.

The Commercial Pilot Training is designed to consolidate what you’ve learnt during the PPL cross country phase but to a higher level of accuracy, professionalism and broader range of skills.

Once you are qualified as a Commercial Pilot, your first job could be anything from Aerial Photography, Freight, Scenic Flights, Charter Flights and even flying instruction upon completion of a Flight Instructors course. The CPL syllabus is designed to prepare you for this.

The Commercial Pilot Course requires a Minimum of 150 hrs if enrolled in the CASA approved 150 hr CPL Syllabus otherwise a minimum of 200 hrs is required prior to completing the flight test.

During this time, you can complete a number of endorsements or ratings to count towards the 150 or 200 hr syllabus. These include but not restricted to a Night VFR Rating, Initial Multi Engine endorsement, Aerobatics.

For more information and to help you design your 150/200 hr syllabus, please contact us on 02 4256 1001 or send an email to enquiry@nswair.com.au

Approximate training PPL to CPL (150 hr course)

CPL with Manual Propeller Pitch Control and retractable undercarriage, including Single Engine Night VFR

Flight Training

Instrument Training Synthetic Trainer PFC CAT III 5.0 hrs 

Manual Pitch Propeller/Retractable Undercarriage Endorsement

Cessna 182 2.0 hrs + Landing fees extra

Night VFR Training – dual 10.0hrs 

Night VFR Training – solo 2.0hrs 

Night VFR Test Flight Test – 2hrs aircraft hire 

PLUS Test Flight Fee = Price on Application.

Commercial Navigation/General Handling Training 13 hrs 

Solo Cross Country/General Handling 70 hrs Piper Archer 

CPL Flight Test 3.5 hrs Cessna 182 + Landing fees 

PLUS – Test Flight fee = Price on Application

For average costs for 200 hr CPL syllabus, please contact NSW AIR Flight Training.

*Prices are subject to change. This is estimate on the minimum hours as per CASA licence requirements. The training time can vary depending on each student’s individual needs.

Design Feature Training


CSU and Retractable

Manual Pitch Propeller / Retractable Undercarriage

These are really two separate design features found on most high performance aircraft. Aircraft like the Cessna 182 RG, they are slightly more complex than the Piper Archer or Piper Warrior and provide an excellent step-up in performance.

The endorsement includes briefing and training in use of the propeller pitch lever and the retractable undercarriage. These feature endorsements are valid across aircraft types, but you will need a thorough check out onto any new type you encounter.

 Approximate Training  in Cessna 182

Brief – 2 

Approx. 6.0 hrs 

*Prices are subject to change. This is an estimate on the minimum hours as per CASA licence requirements. The training can vary depending on each student’s individual needs.

 

Multi Engine

Initial Multi-Engine Endorsement

The Initial Multi Engine Endorsement teaches you to operate an aircraft with two engines. You will learn how to operate it with both engines operating normally and also how to deal with ‘Asymmetric’ or Single Engine operations.

Ideally, you would’ve already achieved the Manual Pitch Propeller and Retractable Undercarriage endorsements prior to commencing your initial twin. However, these two endorsements can be combined with your initial multi engine endorsement. Allow an extra hour to the below training costs.

NSW AIR has a curriculum of training of 10 hours dual for initial twin endorsement on the Beechcraft Duchess (BE76). Duchess conversions are available if you are endorsed on another twin.

 Approximate Training  in Beechcraft Duchess BE-76

10.0 hrs 

Flight Test  –  plus aircraft hire

*Prices are subject to change. This is an estimate on the minimum hours as per CASA licence requirements. The training time can vary depending on each student’s individual needs.

Ratings and Endorsements


Multi-Engine Aeroplane Instrument Rating (MEAIR)

The Instrument Rating (single or multi) is a professional qualification. You must obtain this rating if you wish to fly in Instrument Meteorological Conditions IMC for a living.

You will cover tracking and holding patterns on the Non Directional Beacon (NDB) and VHF Omni Range (VOR) as well as Approaches on NDB and VOR and the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Localiser (LLZ). In addition, training in GPS (RNAV) approaches is covered. Part of the training for an Instrument Rating is conducted in the simulator but most if it is in the aircraft.

You will need to hold at least a Private Pilot Licence or greater to undertake a IR course and by the time you are ready for the flight test you will have at least:

 50 hours cross-country flight time as pilot in command, 40 hours instrument time, not less than 20 of which are cross country 10 hours dual instrument flight time 10 hours night flight time of which at least 5 are as pilot in command.

In addition to the above flying hours, you must also pass the Instrument Rating theory Exam (IREX).

Training can be conducted in either our Piper Warrior (single engine CIR) or Beechcraft Duchess BE76 (multi-engine CIR)

Approximate training for the ME Aeroplane Instrument Rating is as follows:

Based on CASA minimum requirements i.e. 40 hrs Instrument Time:

24 hrs approx on BE76 Duchess 

20 hrs on PFC CAT III Synthetic Trainer 

1 hour solo night BE 76  

Flight Test 2.5 hrs 

PLUS – Flight ATO Test Fee = Price on Application

*Prices are subject to change. This is estimate on the minimum hours as per CASA licence requirements. The training time can vary depending on each student’s individual needs.

Instrument Rating at Shellharbour

Shellharbour Airport is within 30 miles of an ILS (NOWRA) which is a great location as it gives Student exposure to Class C airspace and operations within a Military Control Zone.

Very rarely do you experience delays or unnecessary holding whilst operating into Nowra. Remember delays = fuel = added expense. Shellharbour has its own NDB (Non Directional Beacon) approach, DGA (DME GPS Arrivals) and two GNSS (RNAV) approaches.As the airport is a Non Controlled aerodrome, this gives students plenty of exposure to CTAF procedures in IMC and the majority of airports in Australia served by instrument approaches are Non Controlled.

Night VFR Rating (NVFR)

Night VFR Rating

This rating allows you to extend your flight into the night if you are running late or have unplanned diversions etc. Although this rating allows for flights wholly at night, this is not recommended and allows for late arrivals from a cross-country trip.

The training consists of Navaid tracking and intercepts and night circuits. You will also conduct several Night cross country navigational exercises prior to attempting the Night VFR Rating test.

Approximate training of Night VFR 

Flight Training – Piper Archer 12 hours dual 

4 hours simulator 

Flight Test for Night VFR 2hrs Aircraft hire 

Plus Flight Test Fee = Price on Application

*Prices are subject to change. This is estimate on the minimum hours as per CASA licence requirements. The training time can vary depending on each student’s individual needs.

*Please contact us for further information on (02 42561001) or email: enquiry@nswair.com.au