Kangawallafox Flight School

There is no minimum age for a student pilot to start training, though solo flight is not permitted under age 15.

A student pilot can have free temporary membership with RAAus, which is valid for up to 3hrs of training in a 3-month period. RAAus membership is then required to continue training. To apply for membership with RAAus click here

The minimum flight experience required to attempt the RPC flight test is 20hrs.

Multiple-choice theory exams will be completed during the flight training process. These exams are required before a student can attempt the RPC flight test.

RPC holders can act as pilot-in-command (PIC) of a recreational aircraft within a 25NM radius of the departure field (46km). A passenger endorsement is required to carry a passenger. RPC holders can apply for a passenger endorsement once they have accrued 10hrs solo flight time.

A cross-country endorsement is required to fly further than 25NM from the departure field. Training time for this endorsement is additional to the initial RPC training time. The minimum flight training required for the endorsement is 12hrs. A cross-country flight test can then be completed, which is typically 2hrs.

There are no minimum hours that must be flown each year to hold an RPC. An RPC holder is required to complete a Biennial Flight Review (BFR) every 2 years, to continue to utilise the privileges of their RPC. A BFR is completed with a flight instructor, to ensure the pilot is continuing to fly safely.

The trial flight lesson is a 1-hour booking slot, which includes a 1/2-hour flight. This lesson is provided for people not sure if flying is for them but would like to experience being in a light aircraft. 

Each flight training lesson is a 2-hour booking slot, which includes a 1-hour flight.

Yes, payment is not required in advance. Students are charged per lesson, with payment required at the completion of each lesson.

Many students complete the first 3 training lessons, then decide if they’d like to continue. This way they don’t have to pay for RAAus membership until they’ve decided to progress with the training. Some students like to complete 2 training lessons per day and can be finished in a few weeks; others complete 1 training lesson per week and complete the training over a few months. There is no time limit, fly when it suits you.

Every individual learns at a different pace and the training is competency based. Students that grasp the concepts to schedule will be ready for the flight test after 20 hours of training. Some students may require additional training to refine their skills.

 Yes, RAAus is entry level and many people that wish to fly larger aircraft convert over to RPL and their RAAus experience makes the transition cheaper, as they don’t need to complete as many hours in a more expensive GA aircraft. 

Here's an example:

Complete RPL and cross-country endorsement in GA

• RPL training - $15,000
• RPL cross-country endorsement - $10,000
• TOTAL - $25,000

Start with RAAus then convert to RPL

• RPC training - $8,218
• RPC cross-country endorsement - $5,040
• RPC to RPL conversion - $4,400
• TOTAL - $17,658

*These prices are a guide only*

The biggest cost in flight training is paying for aircraft hire. RAAus aircraft generally use premium unleaded fuel (MOGAS) and consume 18-20L/hr. GA training aircraft generally use AVGAS and consume 32-38L/hr. AVGAS is more expensive than MOGAS. The higher fuel price combined with the increased consumption makes the cost to operate GA aircraft higher.

The training plane used at Kangawallafox Flight School is available for private hire. Training flights take priority over private hire, but essentially if it’s not booked for a training flight then it can be hired for private use.

Yes, the training aircraft has a maximum take-off weight limit of 600kg. Adding the weight of the plane, plus fuel and instructor weight, this generally leaves around 120kg for the student.

Additional medical requirements are involved at age 75.

Controlled airspace surrounds large airports and military bases around Australia. An RAAus pilot is not currently permitted to enter this airspace (except for special situations), though this may change in the future. Majority of airports in Australia are not subject to controlled airspace. As an example, an RAAus pilot can land at Toowoomba; Caboolture; Redcliffe; Caloundra; Hervey Bay; Bundaberg; Gladstone; Proserpine - but is not currently able to land at Archerfield; Gold Coast; Maroochydore; Rockhampton; Mackay.

A cancellation fee may apply if a booking is cancelled with less than 24-hours notice. This fee covers the cost of instructor wages. If we can find another student to take the cancelled booking, then no cancellation fee will be payable.