Question 1

Where do I start if I want to become a pilot?

Accepted Answer

We recommend conducting a Trial Instructional Flight (TIF) as an introduction to life as a pilot. When you decide you would like to begin your lessons, simply contact us to schedule your first lesson!

For more information on a Trial Instruction Flight with SFT head to our TIF page.

Question 2

What type of pilot's licence should I obtain?

Accepted Answer

The Recreational Pilot’s Licence is the first class of licence, and once obtained allows you to fly within 25nm of your departure aerodrome with passengers. Departing from Bankstown, this would allow you to fly North to Barrenjoey Headland, South to Seacliff Bridge, and West to Warragamba Dam.

The Private Pilot’s Licence allows you to fly anywhere in Australia with passengers. You can also gain endorsements on your licence such as Night VFR, Aerobatics Rating, and Multi-Engine Class Rating.

If you wish to work in Australia as a pilot, you will need to gain your Commercial Pilot’s Licence.

Question 3

How much does it cost to get a pilot's licence?

Accepted Answer

The total approximate cost to gain your Recreational Pilot’s Licence is approximately $15,000 - $20,000. This includes 30 hours flight time (25 hours dual, 5 hours solo), resource costs such as textbooks, logbook, headset, maps and charts, medical expenses, and an Aviation Security Card.

If you wish to continue through to the Private Pilot’s Licence, it would be an addition of approximately $10,000 - $15,000.

Read our guide to the real cost of becoming a pilot from our Head of Operations

Question 4

How long will it take to get my Recreational Pilot's Licence?

Accepted Answer

If you fly once a week and follow the syllabus hours closely, with some allowance for sickness and weather, it will take approximately 9 months to complete.

For more details head to our RPL course page or download the SFT RPL Brochure

Question 5

How long will it take to get my Private Pilot's Licence?

Accepted Answer

Once you have your Recreational Pilot’s Licence, if you continue to fly once per week, it will take approximately 3 additional months.

Click here for more details on our PPL course or download our PPL Brochure.

Question 6

Are there any pre-requisites for me to begin my training?

Accepted Answer

Sydney Flight Training is a Part 141 operator, catering to private clientele who wish to fly as much or little as they would like. There are no pre-requisites to beginning your flight training with us, but we recommend obtaining your Class 2 medical certificate (Class 1 if you wish to pursue a Commercial Pilot’s Licence) as soon as possible to ensure there is nothing that may prevent you from continuing your training.

To find our more about obtaining an aviation medical, head to the CASA website

Question 7

Can I take my family/friends with me on my trial flight or flying lessons?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no, as these initial lessons are all Instructional, only the student and instructor can be on board the aircraft. Once you gain your Recreational Pilot’s Licence, you are eligible to take passengers and fly within 25nm of your departure aerodrome.

Question 8

Do you offer Theory courses?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we periodically offer theory courses for RPL, PPL, and IREX. Please head over to our theory course page for more information.

Question 9

What kind of aircraft do you have?

Accepted Answer

Single-Engine and Multi-Engine aircraft ideal for initial flight training. Head over to our Fleet page for more information regarding aircraft type, callsigns, and pricing.

Question 10

Do you offer simulator training?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have an Elite CASA approved trainer we use for Instrument Training, as well as a Garmin Task Trainer and Cirrus Task trainer we use for initial flight training.

For more information on our Simulator training click here.

Question 11

What events do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer events such as Flyaways, Saturday BBQ’s, Air Traffic Control visits, and other community events. Visit our Events page for more.

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Question 12

Can I hire an aircraft and take passengers?

Accepted Answer

We hire our aircraft to licenced pilots. Please head over to our Aircraft Hire page for more information regarding available aircraft, rates and our Terms & Conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions