General Flying Progress Test - GFPT - ( Stages 1 - 3)
What's involved in getting a Basic Pilot's Licence with Barrier Aviation?
Education Requirements
Age RequirementsThere is no age restriction on when you can commence your flying lessons, but you must have reached 16 years of age before you can complete your first Solo flight. Furthermore, you must be 17 years old before you may hold the Private Pilots Licence.Medical RequirementsBefore your student licence is issued you must undergo a medical examination by an approved CASA medical examiner, which will grant you a Class 2 medical certificate. The Class 2 examination is basically a general physical check-up. If you believe at this stage that you want to continue through to a Commercial pilots licence we strongly recommend that you obtain a Class 1 Medical Certificate at the beginning. All sorts of medical irregularities are permissible, provided that you are in generally good health. We recommend that you complete the medical early in your training so that it won't delay later solo training sequences. People in wheelchairs hold Pilot licences and colour blindness is usually acceptable after individual consultation. On completion of the medical examination, the results are sent to the CASA Medical Branch in Canberra for the issue of a Medical Certificate. The Medical Certificate (Minimum class 2) is required as part of the application for a Student Pilot Licence.
The Steps to FreedomGetting your PPL can generally be broken down into a number of steps:-
You're now the holder of a restricted Pilot's Licence! You can carry passengers on your own, within the confines of the training area. Only three more steps to your unrestricted licence!
Once you've successfully passed the PPL theory and flight tests, you will be issued with a Private Pilot's Licence and the sky's the limit! Please examine each of these points below and contact us should you require further explanations. Remember, aviation theory is not demanding... all the exams are multiple-choice and no mathematics or science qualifications are required or expected. Calculators are permitted during exams. The Road to GFPTPassing your GFPT allows you to fly within the confines of the training area with passengers. It's the first stepping-stone towards your Private Pilot's Licence. Step 1: Trial Instructional FlightGetting Started: Stop Dreaming and Start Flying! Your first step towards becoming a pilot could not be easier. Just take an obligation free Trial Instructional Flight (T.I.F) with Barrier flying school and experience the actual thrill of flying with an Instructor. You will sit in the Pilot's seat and be given the opportunity to operate the controls throughout most of the flight, while basic aircraft control will be demonstrated and discussed - you'll even have certain features and landmarks pointed out to you! Let us show you how easy it really is to fly a modern light aircraft. Total cost of this flight is approximately $149.00 for approximately 20 minutes in the air. You are under no obligation after this flight to continue with flying lessons. Note, this flight will also count towards your training hour requirements. Barrier Aviation Flying School operates seven days a week and we can normally accommodate your T.I.F on short notice, usually on the same day.
Step 2: Issue of Your Student Pilot's LicenceThe student licence is issued by the CASA once your security check has been cleared by the A.F.P and ASIO. The student licence and medical must both be issued before your first SOLO flight but is not necessary to commence your training.
Step 3: The Medical AssessmentAnyone with good health can fly. This assessment can only be completed by certain Doctors who are trained and approved by CASA. This is a necessary formality for the issue of your Student Licence.
Step 4: Instigate a Flying ProgramYou are the customer and as such we will always try to fit in with you. You can fly as often as you wish and book your lessons anytime; 7 days a week. It is recommended each flying lesson should take between 60 to 90 minutes which will minimise air time in and out of the schools training area. Before each flight you will be given a briefing on the sequences to be expected and after landing, a debrief will be available as required. These briefings are included as part of the lesson and are not charged separately.
Step 5: Commence Theory TrainingTime to purchase textbooks and pilot log books (both available in Cairns or an on line pilot shop). Barrier Aviation operates ground school classes. A very reasonable fee is charged for this service. Alternatively you can complete all the study at home. However, having said that, we generally find that the pass rates from taking the classes compared to home self-study is three times higher. The ground school classes will also give you the opportunity to meet and converse with other students who are also keen to get their wings In total there are 4 exams which must passed:
The ground theory work is not difficult and most students will pass all exams on their first attempt. Pre Solo, Pre Area Solo and BAK Exams The first three exams are set internally by Barrier Aviation. These exams are 20-30 multiple-choice questions with no time limits for completion. The Pre Solo exam must be passed before you can undertake your first solo flight, while the Pre Area Solo exam must be passed before you can be sent solo in the training area. You must pass the first three exams before you can complete your GFPT and carry passengers. Step 6: Pass the Pre Solo ExamAs indicated before, this is an exam comprising of 20-30 multiple-choice questions with no time limits for completion. The Pre Solo exam must be passed before you can undertake your first solo flight. Step 7: Your First Solo FlightThe BIG moment. This is when you’ll be sent out to fly the aeroplane on your own - for the first time - SOLO! You will be surprised how quickly this solo flight can be achieved. A day to be relived and remembered forever! Step 8: Pass the Pre Area Solo ExamAs with the Pre Solo exam, this exam is comprised of 20-30 multiple-choice questions with no time limits for completion. The Pre Area Solo exam must be passed before you can be sent solo in the training area. Step 9: Pass the BAK ExamThis simple exam covers the principles of flight, engines and systems, aerodynamics and aircraft performance. Sample exam papers are supplied when you purchase your textbooks and our instructors are always available to assist with any questions. Step 10: The GFPT Flight TestYour final evaluation flight, the General Flying Progress Test. Note, the minimum flying time for the GFPT as stipulated by CASA is a total time of 20 flying hours. Of the 20 hours, a minimum of five must be flown as pilot-in-command. Obviously, the actual time taken to reach the standards required to pass the GFPT varies from pilot to pilot. In most cases it does take more than the minimum to reach the required standard. Obvious factors that influence this include aptitude, motivation, consistency of training and finances. From experience it is found that the average pilot will fly somewhere around 30 to 35 hours to reach GFPT standard. You are now a Pilot. A qualification for life which you can share with your friends; the Freedom of Flight. You've made the grade.... Congratulations! THE NEXT STEPS.... With some further training ....Australia awaits you !!! After successfully completing the above 10 steps, you will have satisfied the requirements for the G.F.P.T General Flying Progress Test. You will now be able to carry passengers, but you must stay inside the Cairns Training Area. The Next step is to continue towards your PPL. Roy Kelly - rkelly@barrieraviation.com
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There is no formal education requirement to commence flying lessons, however you must be able to read, write and speak English.