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Student Pilots Licence

 

The first pilot licence that must be gained is the Student Pilot Licence (SPL). To be issued with the SPL, you must be at least 16 years of age, pass the required medical checks (a Class 2 medical examination) and be capable of reading, writing and speaking the English language. If you have your sights set on a career in aviation then you will also be required to satisfy the medical standards for a Class I medical examination. The SPL must be obtained before you can fly any aircraft solo.

First Solo

During the initial stages of flight instruction, you will always be flying with a flight instructor. You will be taught the basics of flight, including the operation of the controls, cruising level, circling, descending, turning, stalling and take off and landings within a circuit pattern. You will be asked to carry out numerous emergency procedures and actions. During this time you will be both consolidating your training and building experience in preparation for your first solo flight. It is likely that you will be ready to fly your first solo after approximately 10-20 hours of instruction. However, you will first be required to pass an examination in air law.

Your first solo flight will involve taking off, climbing to circuit altitude, then flying the circuit and conducting an approach and landing. On completion of this first major goal in your training you will be given a certificate to mark your excellent achievement.

When your flying has reached a certain level of consistency, the next step is to consolidate and build upon your confidence by gaining more solo experience. From this point you will focus on preparing for your first area solo, where your ability to fly solo outside the aerodrome circuit area will be demonstrated. You will, however, remain within the training area (usually a ten nautical mile area around the aerodrome).

First Area Solo

Before going solo within the training area, you will be instructed on conducting a forced landing during simulated engine failure exercises. Your instructor will familiarize you with the training area and its boundaries by conducting a short navigation exercise in order to demonstrate some basic chart reading skills. (Moorabbin Training Area)

After your forced landing training, you will then demonstrate to the instructor your ability to find the aerodrome, and your ability to join the circuit in the appropriate manner. You must demonstrate adequate separation from other traffic and correct landing techniques. Most students are ready to attempt their first area solo after attaining 15-20 hours experience. Before you can do so, you will be required to pass an examination on flight procedures pertaining to the training area.

On your first solo within the training area, you will practice the newly learned forced landing, as well as a variety of normal and emergency maneuvers that you have learned throughout your training. This should prove to be a rewarding experience, as you will exercise your own judgment and make your own radio calls. At this point in your training, it will be time to prepare for the General Flying Progress Test by learning to fly the aircraft in a variety of situations.

The Student Pilot's Licence is approximately the halfway mark to obtaining a GFPT.