Formal training vs fly & self study - 2010/02/01 12:23
I am trying to become either a QantasLink or JetStar / Virgin airline pilot. I am a complete newbie to flying! I am looking to get my CPL and then either instructor rating or MECIR. I am up on the Sunshine Coast and have been considering two different paths of doing this.
Path 1: Airline Acadamy of Australia (based at Archerfield Airport www.airlineacadamy.com.au) run a set Diploma or Advanced Diploma that runs for approximately 1 year that covers full ground / theory training in a classroom type setting as well as flying training (mostly done in a Cessna 172). The total cost for the CPL including Instructor Rating or MECIR is $79,000
Path 2: Studying the PPL theory by self study and doing the flying training either at a much more local school. Then doing the CPL theory through someone like Bob Tait's Aviation Theory School, for the CPL this path would cost around the $50,000 to $55,000.
Anyone have any advice as to which way is the best way to go? I'm weighing up the following issues;
A. the Archerfield School is a set course and therefore requires less discipline to keep things going. B. the Archerfield School is a Qantas recognised training organisation, not sure if this makes any difference at all? C. the Archerfield course is a massive investment and if I decide I don’t like flying half way through then it’s a big waste of money D. If I am a good pilot and complete the Instructor Rating in the top 25% or so of the class then there’s a good chance they will offer me an instructor’s position E. a couple of the schools I’m looking at are registered training organisations and therefore will provide a Certificate IV or a Diploma with the CPL. I’m not sure if this makes any difference to things down the track – it appears to be quite a useless piece of paper from what I can tell? F. Obviously Path 2 is a lot cheaper although it doesn’t include the Instructor Rating or MECIR. However I can do the Instructor Rating at Archerfield for approx. $12,000 or the MECIR at Redcliffe Aero Club for around $12,500.
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