We're offering Recreational Pilot Certificate training for high school students under our FLYNOW program. 

Included in the learn to fly package are all texts and pilot gear, as well as flight instruction to gain a Recreational Pilot Certificate.

The aim of this program is to give high school students a chance to kick start a possible aviation career while at school. To foster this, we are offering substantial discounts to high school students. We currently have students from most local area high schools enrolled and learning to fly.

Student Pilots can fly solo and gain a Recreational Pilot Certificate at 15 years, but can commence training before then if they wish at 14 and a half years. Applicants must join Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus). We are accepting students for FLYNOW training at any time. 

When you register with us, you will receive a listing of all costs for the package (which includes flying, pre and post flight briefings and all resources needed - log book, text books, map etc). In preference to a bulk up front payment which most people find difficult to manage, payment can be made on a "pay as you fly" basis after an initial $400 deposit. The average cost of a lesson is about $130, and one lesson a fortnight is generally accepted as providing continuity without excessive cost burden. 

The FLYNOW program is broken into 3 phases, the first two each with about 15 lessons and 12 hours minimum flying involved, the third (cross country) with 6 lessons and 12 hours flying, a total of 36 hours minimum flying altogether. Five theory subjects (Radio procedures, Air Law, Basic Aeronautical Knowledge and Human Factors, Navigation/Meteorology) need to be completed, with exams that need to be passed at key points during the program. 

Flying lessons are conducted generally after school hours and on weekends. If your school is willing to release students during school hours, lessons can be conducted then. 

We also conduct a weekly theory class for FLYNOW students, 4-5pm on Wednesdays during term time. There is a small additional fee for this to cover incidentals. This class allows students to keep moving ahead with their theory requirements and complete the theory subject tests. Students who wish to sit for their PPL exams at the same time may do so (additional external fees will apply).

We also include use of the flight simulator to enhance the students learning process.

Phase 1 takes the student from initial aircraft familiarisation to first solo flight. We currently (at Dec 2011) have 5 15-16yr old high schoolers who have flown solo and completed phase 1.

Phase 2 continues basic training at a more advanced level and takes the student through to Recreational Pilot Certificate flight test. Once gained, the pilot can fly within 25 miles of the base aerodrome.

Phase 3 is mainly conducting cross-country navigation exercises and once completed, the pilot is able to fly anywhere in Australia (except major city towered airports).

Recreational aviation permits pilots to operate one and two seater aircraft registered under RAAus (includes homebuilts and other types of ultrallight and microlight aircraft) privately. Once you have gained a Recreational Pilot Certificate, you can continue to train to gain a Private and Commercial Pilot Licence using the hours you have already gained.

Meet our staff and view our facilities on the STAFF and FACILITIES links above.

Interested students should contact their school office for an application if it is advertised at their school, or email us through the CONTACTS page link, or call Coffs Coast Aviation Centre on 02 6699 2523. Full package cost details will be provided on request.

 Flightscope Pty Ltd, trading as Coffs Coast Aviation Centre - Flying at a higher level