Flight Training

IMPORTANT: You must be a member of Busselton Aero Club and RA AUS to commence flight training. This ensures you are covered by the relevant insurances. You can do so via the links below:

There are two main categories of licensing: RA (Recreational Aviation), and GA (General Aviation).

Recreational Aviation

The Busselton Aero Club conducts light sport aircraft flight training under the auspices of Recreation Aviation Australia (RAAus). RAAus is the governing body authorised to self-administer ultralight, recreational, and light sport aircraft operations. Recreational flying is the most affordable way to commence your flying career.

Aspiring aviators wishing to obtain their Pilot’s Certificate will need to complete a minimum of 20 hours flying experience including 5 hours in command (solo). That equates to approximately $8,000 including flying hours and ground briefings. This is the minimum requirement, but based on our experience, most students will normally take a little longer depending how frequently they fly.

A Recreational Pilots Certificate (RPC)allows pilots to fly single engine, two seater aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 600kg during daylight hours.

Having obtained your Pilot’s Certificate, there are a number of endorsements that will expand your flying experience, including: passenger carrying, cross country, low level, tail wheel and formation.

Further details of the rights and privileges of recreational pilots, as well as many additional endorsements, can be found on the RAAus website at the following link: https://raaus.com.au/

General Aviation

Beyond recreational flying, there a multiple career and experience paths open to pilots in the General Aviation (GA) sector managed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). General Aviation pilots enjoy additional privileges including but not limited to the following:

  • larger and heavier aircraft

  • commercial flying

  • instrument ratings

  • night flying

  • multi-engine endorsements

  • aerobatics

Importantly for pilots seeking to advance their aviation training or career, all hours logged as an RAAus pilot are counted if you choose to transition to any of the following GA licence types;

Recreational Private Licence (RPL), Private Pilot Licence (PPL), or Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) in General Aviation.

However an RAAus Pilot’s Certificate still remains the most cost effective way to commence your aviation journey.

Trial Instructional Flight

An RAAus Trial Instructional Flight (TIF) is the usual way most student pilots commence their flying training. Under an experienced instructor guidance you will sit in the left hand pilot’s seat, get your hands on the dual controls and fly the aircraft, practice the basic manoeuvres, and begin to better understand the simple joy of flying. A TIF typically includes an initial briefing, followed by approximately 40 minutes of flying, and a debrief after the flight.

Should you continue your flying training this TIF is counted toward your flying hours.