Category: LTF News

From early on, Gabriel Ng had his sights set on a career in aviation. Flying was always on his mind growing up in Singapore, a global aviation powerhouse. Now 21 years old, Gabriel is the proud owner of a Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) and is enthusiastically studying Aeronautical Engineering with visions of attaining a cadetship back home to continue his journey in the world of aviation.

Beginning the RPL Journey

This is our first aviation medical examination FAQ. You should talk to your Aviation Flight School

Gabriel initially embarked on his flying journey with a few lessons in Singapore, however, the cost factor led him to explore more economical options. That’s when he discovered that Australia could provide the learning experience he was seeking at an affordable level. He began searching for providers and stumbled upon Learn To Fly. The rest, as they say, is history.

With a strong desire to kickstart my aviation career early on, Gabriel aimed to secure his pilot’s license as soon as possible, even though he was still quite young and a fair distance away from being eligible for his country’s cadetship program. Despite this, he wanted to test his abilities by attempting to obtain a pilot’s licence in a remarkably short span of 3-4 months.

Venturing Abroad

Gabriel travelled to Melbourne to begin his Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) flight training, forming a strong bond with his fellow students, instructors and Learn To Fly staff. “It felt like a close-knit family,” he said, reminiscing on his time in Melbourne. He worked hard on his studies, quickly progressing with both theory and practical skills.

All his hard work came to a head when Gabriel completed his first solo on March 23, 2023 at 7:03pm. He remembers the time exactly. “The sky still retained its brightness.” he said “Flying alone for the first time left an indelible mark, making it a truly unforgettable and cherished experience.”

Despite his resounding success at acquiring his RPL, Gabriel was not without challenges along the way. He found that undertaking a solo flight was quite anxiety-inducing, due to the need to successfully complete a meticulous check ride before gaining approval for it. Meeting the rigorous standards becomes crucial for progress, and it was disheartening for him to not meet the solo check ride criteria, leading to missed opportunities for a solo flight, particularly when weather conditions are optimal. He also found Melbourne’s persistently unfavourable weather, characterized by unending low ceiling clouds and rain, a challenge to deal with. Victorian pilots will likely know the feeling of being ready for a flight and being let down by the weather. Gabriel persisted nonetheless, keen to obtain his RPL in a short time.

Future Plans

Currently back in Singapore and serving in the Singapore Army, Gabriel is planning his return to Melbourne in May 2025 to undertake his Private Pilot Licence (PPL) with Learn To Fly. He’s excited to get into the cockpit of our Diamond DA40, and to propel his already budding aviation career even further!

What Else Should I Know?

We hope this helps you answer some FAQs about aviation medical examinations in Australia!

We’ve also compiled a few useful posts that might help you out. Where ever you are on your aviation journey, the team at Learn To Fly Melbourne are here to help. We want you to pass your exams and have an excellent career, so please reach out if we can help support you through your course and studies!

Chat with one of our flight training specialists to get your pilot training off the ground. Email [email protected] or go to https://drift.me/learntofly/meeting to book a meeting and school tour.

If you’re undertaking aviation training, you’ll soon be looking into undertaking a medical evaluation for your pilot requirements. Here, we’re answering some FAQs about aviation medical examinations in Australia. Aviation medical examinations in Australia are overseen managed through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). However, whilst CASA is the management body they are not the issuers or undertakers of aviation medical examinations. That part is up to a General Practitioner or Designated Aviation Medical Examiner. Need us to shed some more light for you? Then let’s answer some FAQs about aviation medical examinations in Australia.

What Types of Aviation Medical Examinations Exist in Australia?

This is our first aviation medical examination FAQ. You should talk to your Aviation Flight School about what aviation medical examination is best for your requirements. Aviation medical examinations in Australia can result in three different classes of medical assessment. A Class 3 is the lowest grade of medical examination for aviation. It’s a more general series of tests to ensure a person is healthy for air traffic control and flight service roles. 

Class 3 and RAMPC

There is another option to a Class 3, which is a RAMPC (Recreational Aviation Medical Practitioner’s Certificate). This is a pilot medical certificate that allows limited operations. These limitations include:

• 1500 kg MTOW
• VFR
• <10,000 feet flight ceiling
• One passenger limit
• No aerobatic flight

You can read further about these limitations, here.

If you’re aiming to become a commercial pilot licence holder, then the following aviation medical examinations are largely aimed at you throughout your training and career. 

Class 2

The second type is a Class 2 medical certificate. There are two types of Class 2. A Basic Class 2 Medical Examination can be provided by any medical practitioner who does medicals for commercial motor vehicle drivers. It allows for flying of larger aircraft, but with limitations (e.g. no aerobatics or commercial flying). A full Class 2 medical is typically issued for General Aviation Pilots with an RPL or PPL, who are flying privately with an MTOW higher than 1500kg and undertaking further privileges that the pilot licence provides. For training purposes, this can be the perfect option for pilots.

Class 1

A Class 1 medical examination is the most thorough and highest level of health and wellness scrutiny. It is required for commercial pilot licence and ATPL holders.

If you are aiming to become a commercial pilot licence holder, you should consider getting a Class 1 aviation medical examination first. Whilst a Class 2 will allow you to undertake most of your training, the Class 1 is a more thorough examination. This means that if there are any medical reasons that might impact your licence or ability to become a commercially-licenced pilot, you would find out as early as possible.

Is an Aviation Medical Examination Mandatory in Australia for Pilots?

As a pilot, you are required to be medically fit. If you’re a recreational pilot with an MTOW of 600 kg, then you can effectively self-manage your medical similar to a car driver licence. However, a pilot licence is a privilege and comes with a requirement to be medically fit to undertake the privileges and responsibilities of the licence. This is why Class 2 and Class 1 medicals exist and apply. 

If you’re undertaking the Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) then you will need a Class 1 aviation medical certificate. Talk to your flight school or instructor to ensure you have the appropriate medical requirements for your flight training in Australia.

What Do They Check in an Aviation Medical Examination in Australia?

You can expect urine and blood pressure tests, hearing tests and an overall physical examination. The medical examiner will talk to you about any existing health conditions to understand what effects and impact this might have on your ability to fly. It is important to be open, honest and transparent about your health. This means that any existing health conditions need to be declared and discussed prior to issuing a medical certificate.

What Should I Expect in an Aviation Medical Examination in Australia?

A Class 3 Medical is a basic medical without ancillary tests. For example audiogram, ECG, blood tests and referral for eye examination. A recreational aviation medical practitioner’s certificate allows appropriately licensed pilots to hold a recreational pilot’s licence (RPL) without needing to have a class 2 medical. The RPL is based on a modified unconditional driver’s licence medical certificate for a private motor vehicle.

In a Class 2 medical, applicants must have a basic medical examination but not the additional ancillary tests. For example audiogram, ECG, blood tests and referral for eye examination. 

For a Class 1 aviation medical examination, you must have basic medical and ancillary tests, such as an audiogram, ECG, blood tests for glucose and lipids.  Commercial pilots will also be provided with a referral to a Designated Aviation Eye Examiner (ophthalmologist). Depending on your age at the time of the medical, test requirements can vary.

How Long Does an Aviation Medical Certificate Last in Australia?

Each medical certificate has a different period of validity in Australia.

Class 3 Aviation Medical Certificate

This medical certificate applies to holders of an air traffic control licence or flight service officers, or recreational pilots. The Class 3 medical certificate is valid for two years. A recreational aviation medical practitioner’s certificate allows appropriately licensed pilots to hold a recreational pilot’s licence (RPL) without needing to have a class 2 medical. The RPL is based on a modified unconditional driver’s licence medical certificate for a private motor vehicle.

Class 2 Aviation Medical Certificate

A Class 2 medical standard applies to holders of a private pilot licence, commercial pilot (balloon) licence and flight radio operator licence. A Class 2 medical certificate is valid for four years for applicants less than 40 years of age on the day of issue, and in all other cases for two years.

Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate

For holders of an air transport pilot licence, commercial pilot licence, multi-crew pilot (aeroplane) licence, you will need a Class 1 medical certificate. Class 1 certificates are valid for one year.

Your flight school in Australia, and CASA, will both need copies of your valid aviation medical certificate. When you renew with another medical examination, you will need to re-supply your medical examination results and certificate with them both. Additionally, you should carry your medical certificate with you as a pilot.

When Should I Apply for my Medical Aviation Examination?

If you’re aiming to complete your Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane), aim to apply for your medical just before commencing your training. The Class 1 medical certificate is valid for 12 months, so this will give you a longer validity period whilst training. 

Additionally, by completing your medical prior to training, you will become aware of any health issues or risks before commencing training.

If you are undertaking general aviation training with an instructor, you may not need your aviation medical right away. Ask your instructor if this is the case. If so, you may be able to apply for your medical aviation examination part of the way through your training and then submit it to CASA with your licence and training documentation. Your instructor can advise you on this based on your circumstances, training and classification of medical certificate.

What Do You Need to Bring to an Aviation Medical Examination in Australia?

You should bring your Aviation Reference Number (ARN), your pilot look book and 100 points of identification. If you have prescription eye wear, bring your eye wear with you. You should bring details of any medication that you are taking, as well as any test results from eyesight, hearing or otherwise that could be relevant.

How Much Does an Aviation Medical Examination Cost in Australia?

This is a popular on our list of ‘FAQs about Aviation Medical Examinations in Australia. Depending on what doctor or clinic you visit, an aviation medical examination in Australia can typically cost between $250 and $300.

How Long is an Aviation Medical Examination Appointment in Australia?

You should expect your aviation medical examination appointment to take approximately 45 minutes to one hour. If you need additional testing, or if you incur wait times, this time allowance may increase. You can discuss your appointment time with your doctor or clinic at the time of booking.

Can A Pilot Wear Glasses in Australia and Pass an Aviation Medical Examination?

Yes. Please bring your prescription details and eye wear to your appointment. Your eyesight is part of your assessment as part of the aviation medical examination.

What Else Should I Know?

We hope this helps you answer some FAQs about aviation medical examinations in Australia!

We’ve also compiled a few useful posts that might help you out. Where ever you are on your aviation journey, the team at Learn To Fly Melbourne are here to help. We want you to pass your exams and have an excellent career, so please reach out if we can help support you through your course and studies!

Chat with one of our flight training specialists to get your pilot training off the ground. Email [email protected] or go to https://drift.me/learntofly/meeting to book a meeting and school tour.

‘Advancing Your Flight Skills: A Guide to Multi-Engine Training’ is for pilots wanting to expand their skills. You will be able to take on more complex aircraft; multi-engine flight training is the next step. Multi-engine aircraft have two or more engines. This added complexity requires specialized training to ensure the safety and proficiency of the pilot.

Multi-Engine Rating: A Whole New Aviation World

The multi-engine training path opens up a whole new range of opportunities in aviation. These skills are an essential requirement for a commercial pilot licence. Additionally, there are other benefits, such as engine redundancy and travel capability.

To start multi-engine training, you’ll need to have your Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

Multi-Engine Training – The First Step

The first step in multi-engine flight training is ground school. Here, students will learn the basic principles of multi-engine aircraft systems. This engine operation, systems, and emergency procedures. From there, students will move on to flight training in a multi-engine aircraft. This starts with basic maneuvers and gradually works up to more advanced techniques.

Principles and Techniques

An important aspect of multi-engine flight training is mastering the art of engine management. This involves learning how to operate and maintain the engines, including starting, stopping and running checks. Additionally, you’ll need to manage the effects of engine failure and learn how to respond.

Another key aspect of multi-engine flight training is mastering the systems of the aircraft. These are systems such as the electrical, fuel, and pressurization systems. These systems are critical to the safe operation of the aircraft. This means that understanding how they work is essential for maintaining control of the aircraft in different flight conditions.

The Multi-Engine Training Journey

As you progress through your multi-engine flight training, you will have the opportunity to take advanced courses. This means you can earn additional certifications, such as instructor ratings. These certifications open up a wide range of career opportunities for you. It could be flying for a major airline or working as a charter or corporate pilot.

Multi-Engine Training Challenges

Multi-engine flight training is not without its challenges. It requires a significant investment of time, money, and dedication. Additionally, there is added complexity when compared to a single-engine aircraft. This is because you need to monitor and control multiple engines and be familiar with the different systems. If you are passionate about flying, the rewards of multi-engine training are worth the effort!

What Else Should I Know?

The next step is to download the Multi-Engine Class Rating Course Guide. This has all the fundamental information you’ll need. Once you’ve read this information, get in touch with Learn To Fly Melbourne or fill out the enrolment form.

6 Reasons Private Pilots Should Get Multi-Engine Flight Training
Why private pilots should go for other endorsements and add-on ratings like instrument flight and multi-engine flight training.

1. Aviation Schools in Melbourne: Why Learn to Fly is Your Best Bet
   The aviation school you choose will make a big difference to your aviation journey. Here’s why you should learn with the best!
3. Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) versus Visual Flight Rules (VFR) – What is the Difference?
   If you have researched flying, you have likely heard the terms Instrument Flight Rules and Visual Flight Rules. Or possibly their abbreviations – IFR and VFR. Let’s look at what they mean, and what are the differences?
   

Learn To Fly: Flight Training Courses For Every Pilot
We have every aviation course you need, including recreational or commercial. This post discusses the pathways and career options for pilots operating in Australia.

Training Beyond The Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
After completing your Private Pilot Licence you might wonder, “what’s next?” As strange as it may sound, many pilots are still keen to do more training after achieving their initial goals. Realistically, if you want to fly regularly or as a job, learning is ongoing. Let’s take a look at training beyond the Private Pilot Licence.

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Pilot Licence
This post will help you get the most out of your pilot licence in easy steps.

Chat to one of our flight training specialists to get your pilot training off the ground. Email [email protected] or go to https://drift.me/learntofly/meeting to book a meeting and school tour.

Cadet pilot programs are integrated flying, flight theory, and education program and it can provide an excellent entry point into the industry. They’re designed to take trainee pilots with little to no experience and turn them into future First or Second Officer candidates. Assessing a career path is a big deal though, with is why it’s important for us to cover cadet pilot program FAQs. Let’s start answering common questions and concerns that are raised with Cadet Pilot Programs in Singapore. Once you’ve finished reading this, circle back to our Future Cadet Pilot Program course to learn about the next steps.

Which Airlines have Cadet Pilot Programs in Australia? 

Most major airlines in Singapore have some sort of cadet pilot program, from Singapore Airlines through to Scoot. Some of these programs have intakes that are partnered with flight training institutions, like Singapore Flying College. Here are a few Cadet Pilot Programs to be aware of in Singapore:

• Singapore Airlines Cadet Program
• Scoot Cadet Pilot Program

Which Cadet Pilot Program in Singapore is the Best? 

This is a very subjective question, but it’s definitely in our cadet pilot program FAQs! The truth is there isn’t necessarily one pilot cadetship that’s better than the rest. Why? It’s because everyone’s pilot journey is somewhat unique and personal, depending on what you want your career to look like. This means that you should really be asking ‘which cadet pilot program is best for me?’.

The answer to this question is still tough, though. You might find that a cadetship with an alternative to your goal airline is a great step. That’s because cadetships are about building your skills, knowledge, and experience, to make you more appealing for the bigger and better airlines.  

You should be looking to secure the best possible cadetship for the career and airline that you want to work with. If you can’t make it work for any reason, then you should seek your second ranked alternative and keep sight of your long-term goal.

Which Age is Best for Cadet Pilot Programs? 

Cadet pilot programs in Singapore generally require you to have the national service done when you commence training. This means you can actually apply after your national service. That being said, there is not really an age limit. Applicants have successfully become pilots in their 30s!

What are the eligibility requirements for Cadet Pilot Programs in Singapore?

In order to be considered as an applicant for most airline cadetships in Singapore, airlines will usually look for the following eligibility requirements:

1. Singapore citizen or permanent resident;
2. Finished the national service on commencement of training;
3. Capable of holding a CAAS Class 1 Medical Certificate;

Due to volumes of applicants, you’ll usually go through a structured screening and skills assessment process as well. The more skills, experience and preparation you have under your belt, the better. At this point in time, it can be very useful to complete a Future Cadet Pilot Program (FCPP) course.

What is the Cost of Cadet Pilot Programs? 

All cadet pilot programs and flight training in Singapore have their own costs, so you’ll need to see individual programs. To give you an indication, you might be looking at around SGD $160,000 – SGD $200,000 at airlines for academic and flying costs. These costs can change, too, so it’s important to keep an eye on them.

The airline will offer you the finance assistance. This would mean that you don’t need the money up-front to pay for your course, and you can pay of the fees once you have a sustainable income. Read the enclosed links here for further information – you should always seek clarity about your individual circumstances.

How to prepare for the Cadet Pilot Interview? 

This is a big topic when we’re faced with cadet pilot program FAQs . A Future Cadet Pilot Program (FCPP) is the best preparation you can complete for a Cadet Pilot Program. It prepares you for all flight training in Australia with a focus on cadet pilot programs everywhere in the world The Future Cadet Pilot Program provides you with the necessary tools to start your aviation journey. Once you complete the FCPP course, you’ll be ready and confident to start working your way to becoming a commercial airline pilot. 

Aviation knowledge is highly appealing to airlines recruiting for their Cadet Pilot Programs. The FCPP course syllabus features flight training and theory to make you stand out from competing applicants. It’s the perfect recipe for success! 

Within the FCPP course, you’ll receive: 

• 5 – 25 Flight training hours (dual) 
• 1 Hour Simulation Training (Boeing 737-800) 
• 2 Hours of Simulation Training (LTF Simulator) 
• Ground School and Briefings 
• Airline Interview Coaching Session 
• RPL Theory Books 
• Online RPL Theory Course 
• Online ICAO English Course and AELP Test 
• Pilot’s Logbook 
• Online Student Portal Access 

You can download the course guide here. When you’re ready, schedule a meeting with us to discuss your aviation career goals and how we can help you to get there. You can jump on the Learn To Fly website to chat online or send an enquiry, email us, or whatsapp +65 8668 0591.

What Else Should I Know?

We hope this helps you answer some Cadet Pilot Program FAQs!

We’ve also compiled a few useful posts that might help you out. Where ever you are on your aviation journey, the team at Learn To Fly Melbourne are here to help. We want you to pass your exams and have an excellent career, so please reach out if we can help support you through your course and studies!

Chat with one of our flight training specialists to get your pilot training off the ground. Email [email protected] or go to https://drift.me/learntofly/meeting to book a meeting and school tour.

There are two main reasons you might be reading this. Reason #1 is you have a navigation endorsement on your RPL, PPL or CPL. You might be looking to master the aviation navigation skillset. If so, good stuff! Reason #2 is if you’re thinking of getting your navigation endorsement. Perhaps your training is underway, and you want to be the best pilot you can possibly be. GREAT stuff! For some pilots, navigation feels like the trickiest part of aviation – but it’s not! Navigation is the most adventurous, fun, and rewarding part of being a pilot! If you’re looking to improve your navigation skills, this post will help. Read about Mastering Navigation: How to Read Maps, Use GPS and Navigate Like A Pro.

Start By Covering Aviation Navigation Basics

While examining a VTC (Visual Terminal Chart) or VNC (Visual Navigation Chart), you’ll constantly uncover novel methods for leveraging maps. Whether your maps are in paper or digital format, comprehending the intricate elements of a VTC and VNC is crucial for making optimal navigation choices. Every colour, line, word, and number is on the maps to assist your navigation decisions. Mastering your maps means that you have researched the icons, features and indications across the map. It will mean that you know what they mean and how to use them to your advantage. When training for navigation, it’s not common that every little detail on maps is thoroughly covered, as there’s a lot of additional detail beyond the essentials.

If there is anything on the map that you don’t use or don’t understand, it’s time to sit with an instructor and learn. Every road and railway indicated is a visual reference for your position and tracking. Towns are yellow and have a shape – use the shape to identify features and confirm your position and tracking, for example. You should understand the landforms and topographical features to ensure you log correct LSAs (Lowest Safe Altitudes) and track over terrain appropriately. Are you ready to master more navigation like a pro, across reading maps and GPS? Let’s go!

Amateur Versus Pro Pilots

During map-based navigation planning, novice pilots often rely on terrain, reported cloud levels, and wind conditions. While acceptable for the time being, this approach is common among many pilots. However, aspiring to become an experienced and professional pilot entails delving into deeper layers of the planning process. Remember that weather forecasts can be inaccurate! To illustrate, incorporating weather planning into your intended route would involve considering anabatic and katabatic winds across the terrain. You should also consider thermals, cloud formation, condensation, icing, and visibility concerns. Although these may not be explicitly stated in your weather report, seasoned pilots combine weather, maps, and their expertise.

Monitor Your Flight Path with Maps or GPS and Know Your Track Error Methods

If there’s one thing to take away from ‘ Mastering Navigation: How to Read Maps, Use GPS and Navigate Like A Pro’, it’s this. A good pilot will remember that they need to check their flight path regularly, but a great pilot is constantly referencing and confirming their position along the way, avoiding tracking errors where possible. Using GPS isn’t considered ‘cheating’ in aviation – it’s smart. A good pilot will make use of the tools available to them to be the best pilot they can be, and an experienced pilot also knows and practices how to fly without them!

You can input your entire route into GPS to assist you with your bearings, compass work, altitudes and tracking management. By doing this, the GPS can assist with your pilot workload and essentially make you a safer pilot. 

If you’ve found yourself flying and not making full use of your GPS, you should research tutorials on the instrument/model or ask an instructor to show you its functional capability. If you want to fly and navigate like a professional pilot, you need to know your instruments.

Don’t Be Afraid To Use Autopilot

If your aircraft has autopilot, learn its proper usage. Some pilots think they must handle navigation and control simultaneously, but it’s fine to rely on autopilot when workload affects safety and navigation. Ensure you understand its functionality if it’s installed.

Practice Implementing Diversions in Navigation Exercises

Changing your flight mid-air during navigation can be challenging. Instead of waiting for the perfect opportunity, practice and rehearse these exercises while building your flight hours. When off-track, apply methods like the 1-in-60 rule or dead reckoning for navigating a new route. Soon, you’ll effortlessly glance out the window and estimate the magnetic direction of a township you spot beside your wing.

Pick 3 Features To Confirm Your Location

Professional pilots employ various checks to verify their position, and you should have secondary checks too. For instance, you might observe a lake on the map, matching its anticipated size and shape, alongside a township with a golf course in the expected location. As secondary checks, ensure the town is approximately the anticipated size, your compass shows you’re heading towards the destination from the expected direction, and your estimated arrival time aligns with the anticipated travel distance from your last waypoint.

Aim To Get Better With Every Flight

Have you checked off everything here in ‘ Mastering Navigation: How to Read Maps, Use GPS and Navigate Like A Pro’? With every flight, you’ll learn a new lesson. As an hour-building pilot, you should be aiming to notice and absorb as many of those lessons and findings as possible. At Learn To Fly Melbourne, we have a range of online training courses and resources that are designed to help you self-study and improve as a pilot. Similarly, you can reach out to our team anytime to set up a navigation flight training session in the classroom, cockpit – or both!

What Else Should I Know?

We hope this helps you answer some FAQs about aviation medical examinations in Australia!

We’ve also compiled a few useful posts that might help you out. Where ever you are on your aviation journey, the team at Learn To Fly Melbourne are here to help. We want you to pass your exams and have an excellent career, so please reach out if we can help support you through your course and studies!

Chat with one of our flight training specialists to get your pilot training off the ground. Email [email protected] or go to https://drift.me/learntofly/meeting to book a meeting and school tour.

The sky is a constantly evolving space, with environmental conditions having a significant impact on aviation and pilot decision-making. Pilots are trained to be able to make informed decisions about their flights, avoiding dangerous weather conditions. To effectively do this, pilots need to have a clear understanding of the basics of meteorology, how to read weather maps, and how to utilise weather charts. Here, we’ll cover weather forecasting for pilots: understanding weather patterns and avoiding dangerous situations.

What Should I Be Able to Understand On A Weather Map?

You need to be able to understand the main features of a weather map, and what they mean. This includes:

Isobars

Isobars are the plain lines curving across the map. They connect points with the same mean sea level air pressure (weight per square area of air above). Some isobars have numbers on them showing this value in hectopascals (hPa).

High and Low Pressure Systems

The number shown on high and low pressure systems indicate the central mean sea level pressure. Standard pressure at sea level is defined as 1013 hPa, but there’s no specific value that defines high vs low pressure—it’s all relative to the surrounding environment. A typical high is around 1020 hPa or higher, while a shallow low is usually above 1000 hPa, a moderate low 980–1000 hPa, and a deep or intense low below 980 hPa. An intense cyclone could even have a central low pressure of around 960 hPa or lower.

Fronts

A cold front is the boundary between warm air and relatively cooler air. On the weather map it appears as a blue line with small blue triangles (originally chosen because they look like little icicles). On the weather map warm fronts appear as a red line with semi-circles (originally chosen because they look like a sun rising bringing warmth). Warm fronts progressively displace cool air with warmer air. Just like a cold front, the temperature change can be quite large once a warm front moves through, although it tends to happen more gradually than a cold front.

Troughs

A trough appears on the weather map as a dashed blue line on the chart. It is an elongated area where atmospheric pressure is low relative to its immediate surroundings. Like cold fronts, troughs separate two different air masses (usually more moist air on one side and drier air on the other).

You can read about these basics on the Bureau of Meteorology website, here.

How Do I Avoid Dangerous Weather Situations?

Weather can change quickly. This means that you should never fly in weather you’re unfamiliar with, and you should never fly unless you’re sure that it is safe to do so. To achieve this, you should always rely on as much weather information as possible. We have covered the main weather sources below for you.

Above all, however, you should always check your information and plans with a flying instructor if you have any doubts or questions at all. Similarly, in aviation you may fly through a variety of weather patterns and geographic regions in a single flight. This means it’s imperative that you have correct and current weather information, as well as a thorough understanding of the information.

Where To Access Aviation Weather Information

In order to make informed aviation weather decisions, you’ll first need to ensure you have adequate information and resources to rely upon. Here are some common sources of information that you can refer to. However, note that the most informed decisions will be founded upon multiple sources of information, rather than a singular source.

NAIPs and Airservices

The NAIPs system is overseen by Airservices Australia, the official provider of the Aeronautical Information Service in Australia. This includes the delivery of the Bureau’s aviation meteorological products. Therefore, all information for the purpose of flight planning should be obtained from Airservices Australia.

Radar, Satellite and Weather Maps

Radar, satellite imagery and weather maps are an important part of understanding weather patterns. These visualisation tools help you to understand the behaviour of weather patterns. If you use these tools, you can learn about the weather before, during and after your planned flight. By understanding the weather patterns, you are thinking beyond just the weather forecast, which means you’ll have a more informed understanding of the potential weather you’ll cross.

A mean sea-level pressure analysis, for example, will show you the highs, lows, troughs and fronts. This means you don’t just know what weather is forecast, but you’ll understand why.

Bureau of Meteorology

The Bureau of Meteorology’s Aviation Weather Service provides aviation users with meteorological information necessary for safe and efficient civil aviation operations. The service includes the provision of observations, forecasts, warnings and advisories, and is provided within the technical and regulatory framework of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Grid Point Wind and Temperature Charts

A grid-point wind and temperature (GPWT) forecast provides a text-based display of forecast wind speed and direction and temperature forecasts at specified heights above mean sea level, presented in a gridded format.

Graphical Area Forecasts (GAFs)

A Graphical Area Forecast is a combination of graphical and textual information. This replaces the ARFOR (area forecast) used previously. The graphic is divided into areas that share common weather characteristics, which are detailed in an associated table.

AWIS Services

AWIS services are available at most major airports in Australia via phone or radio. These services provide live aviation weather information and are on a monitored service. An AWIS service won’t allow you to plan very far ahead as it reports current conditions. However, it will help you confirm the weather ahead of you, particularly to assist with runway selection, visibility, and conditions for landing. You will find AWIS information in the ERSA.

Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) Resources

Your EFB, such as OzRunways or AvPlan, integrates into aviation weather data to assist with your flight planning. You should familiarise yourself with your EFB to ensure you know what information is available to you, how the visualisers work, and any limitations of the information (e.g. date and time ranges of validity).

Confirming Weather Forecasts

Any experience pilots will tell you that they always refer to more than one source of weather information. There will be times in your flying career where weather will change beyond the forecast and you may be faced with a decision to make about your planned flight. Beyond the documented weather information we’ve covered, it’s important to understand that you also have additional tools available to you to help inform your choice.

See For Yourself

Regardless of what the weather says, you should always review the live weather yourself – look out the window before flying, and always observe the weather as you fly. You may observe exactly what the weather forecast had told you. If so, that’s great! However, occasionally the weather might appear contrary to the forecast, which is why it’s important to observe yourself.

Aviation Cameras

Many Australian airports have fixed, live weather cameras in place. They are useful as a reference point. However, you should never solely rely on them for flight planning purposes. They should only ever be a secondary or tertiary tool to assist your overall weather and flight planning.

Call Ahead to Confirm

If you’re still unsure of the weather, there is no harm in jumping on the radio or phone to call someone at the destination you’re flying to. There’s not much point calling a day or two before, if you’re looking for live weather information. Again, this shouldn’t be to plan your flight, but it can be useful to confirm the decisions you are making.

Take note, however, that these tools are not official weather forecasting tools. They are merely an additional reference point to help understand the weather you’re flying into. For example, you might ‘see for yourself that your local area appears clear to fly – but if the weather reported an inbound storm, you should definitely reconsider flying.

What Else Should I Know?

We hope this helps you answer some FAQs about aviation medical examinations in Australia!

We’ve also compiled a few useful posts that might help you out. Where ever you are on your aviation journey, the team at Learn To Fly Melbourne are here to help. We want you to pass your exams and have an excellent career, so please reach out if we can help support you through your course and studies!

Chat with one of our flight training specialists to get your pilot training off the ground. Email [email protected] or go to https://drift.me/learntofly/meeting to book a meeting and school tour.

Learning to fly is extremely exciting and rewarding, but there are theory exam checkpoints along the way that are crucial to becoming a great pilot. If exams aren’t your forte, you don’t need to worry! We have summarised everything you need to know here, and we have more helpful content coming your way.

Before we get into our pilot theory exam preparation tips, there’s one key lesson that you should remember before you attempt your pilot theory exams. If you don’t pass an exam, it is not a failure. In fact, it’s an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to improve, to become a better pilot and to master the knowledge that will accelerate you into your recreational or commercial pilot career.

Many pilots will tell you about the errors that they’ve made along the way and the improvements that they caused.

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance it means that you genuinely care about your pilot theory exam results. That’s the first sign that you’re on the way to becoming a great pilot. Now, let’s get you ready for your pilot theory exam preparation.

Lesson 1: It can be done!

Many pilots have flown the skies before you. Do you know what this means? It means that the theory exams are passable, and you can do them too. The first step in exam preparation is knowing that the exams aren’t there to trip you up, but to make sure you know your stuff. If others can do it, so can you.

Setup Your Exam Preparation Timetable

Treat exam preparation like it’s your job. You can set up a weekly timetable, with daily tasks to check off. This helps you achieve a few things. Firstly, it creates a structure for your learning so that you’re not cramming everything into a last-minute panic. Secondly, it breaks things up into smaller tasks so that the study and preparation aren’t so overwhelming.

Finally, it also breaks up your study blocks into reasonable amounts of time. One or two hours of study per day will mean you are much more focused during your study, which helps with information retention. If you try to study too much, for too long, you’ll exhaust your mind and struggle to remember details.

Repetition Is Key

One of the best learning techniques is repetition, so use it to your advantage. A great way to do this in your pilot theory exam preparation is by using practice questions and exams to repeat the process of comprehending a question and forming the correct answer.

In addition to this, you should record your results on the questions and practice exams. Each time you attempt them, you’ll note your progress and improvement. You will also notice the areas where you might need more work. Identifying these areas means you can focus your time improve where you need a bit more practice.

Similarly, you should start to time yourself through the exams. You should be aiming to pass successfully within the allocated timeframe.

Know Your Exam Resources

Are you familiar with the tools and resources you can take for your exams? Do you know how to use them and find information quickly? Some exams have different tools and permitted materials. This can also change slightly if you’re undertaking an internal exam with your school, or if you’re undertaking a CASA exam.

Most pilots agree that you should pick your one set of study materials, and stick with them. Whatever the case, find out what you’re allowed to take into the exam and make sure you’re using those resources the entire way through your exam preparation.

When it comes to exam day, you will have mastered your resources and you’ll be well-positioned to find information and answer questions in a timely manner. When you can do this, it makes the exams much less stressful – you’ll know how to use your tools and equipment (such as a flight computer), and you’ll know where to look to answer your questions.

Know When To Ask For Help

If you’re finding some questions or topics difficult to master, don’t break your study streak with frustration! If you need help, you should always be ready to ask. Depending on what support you need, you have a number of options.

There might be classes at your local school that cover the topic you need help with (for example, meteorology). Or you can ask a fellow flight training student to help you out – and you might be able to help them! For lots of simple things, you can join social media groups and pages – there is a constant stream of students, and perhaps one of them has a way of learning or remembering a topic that will help you.

Another option is to arrange a private or joint tutorial with an instructor – they’re always happy to do so!

Know When To Ask For Help

The only thing as important as your pilot theory exam preparation is taking a break… from your pilot theory exam preparation. Even whilst you’re having a day off, your mind will still have flight training concepts and lessons lurking in the background. Switching off from them occasionally can help you switch them on when you need to. A fresh mind is a productive mind.

Similarly, you should be aiming to study in structured pieces of time. This is somewhat dependent on the topic you’re working on and your personal attention span. If you’re finding that after 45 minutes you’re struggling to focus, it’s time to make a cup of tea and walk outside for a moment, before getting back into the books.

How Much Study Is Enough?

There is passing your exams and really passing your exams. The best pilots always aim for the latter.

There is no minimum or maximum amount of study that is required, it’s simply the amount of time that it takes you to achieve the best that you can. Below are some indicative study time commitments that have been reported amongst some of our students. Again, this isn’t a requirement but it can help give you an indication as to what time commitments you should make if you want to become an exceptional pilot. Ultimately you will need to study for the amount of time that it takes you to achieve the level of preparation that you are comfortable with.

RPL exams – Most people pass with 26 to 50 hours of exam preparation and revision.

1. PPL Exam – Think in terms of 50 to 75 hours for class, tuition, home study and general reading for each exam.

CPL Exams – Many students report around 75 to 100 hours of class, tuition, home study and general reading for each exam.

ATPL Exam – 50 – 75 hours per subject.

ATPL Flight Planning exam – 55 – 80 hours.

How Much Study Is Enough?

Everyone can excel or struggle with different exams, strengths and weaknesses. Having said that, the exams that take more time and preparation amongst the majority of students are:

1. CPL Performance

2. IREX

3. CPL Meteorology

4. PPL

5. CPL Aircraft General Knowledge

The first two exams are particularly reported as needing more preparation – but with focus and support, you can pass!

Exam Day

Once exam day arrives, there’s only so much you can do – you’ve already done the hard work. Here’s what you should focus on:

1. 1. Get a good night’s rest.
2. 2. Have your exam materials ready to go the night before, so that all you need to do is show up.
3. 3. Eat well and stay hydrated before the exam.
4. 4. Read each question twice to ensure you understand and look for common traps.
5. 5. Mark any questions that you might stumble on. Finish everything else, then focus on the tough ones.
6. 6. Check all of your questions and answers to watch for basic errors.
7. 7. Don’t be tempted to leave early. Keep checking your work and attempting every question.
8. 8. When the exam time is over, go and do something fun to get your mind off it. It’s done. Now it’s time to wait and see!

What Else Should I Know?

We’ve compiled a few useful posts that might help you out. Where ever you are on your flight training journey, the team at Learn To Fly Melbourne are here to help. We want you to pass your exams and have an excellent career, so please reach out if we can help support you through your course and studies!

Tips On How To Pass Pilot Theory Exams
Here we give you the scoop on what to expect and provide some tips on how to pass pilot theory exams.

1. Aviation Schools in Melbourne: Why Learn to Fly is Your Best Bet
   The aviation school you choose will make a big difference in your flight training journey. Here’s why you should learn with the best!
3. Flight Schools in Australia – How Do I Choose the Right One?
   Here is a breakdown of what kinds of schools are available, and how the different environments can affect what your learning experience will be like. 
   

Learn To Fly: Flight Training Courses For Every Pilot
We have every aviation course you need, including recreational or commercial. This post discusses the pathways and career options for pilots operating in Australia.

Training Beyond The Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
After completing your Private Pilot Licence you might wonder, “what’s next?” As strange as it may sound, many pilots are still keen to do more training after achieving their initial goals. Realistically, if you want to fly regularly or as a job, learning is ongoing. Let’s take a look at training beyond the Private Pilot Licence.

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Pilot Licence
This post will help you get the most out of your pilot licence in easy steps.

Chat with one of our flight training specialists to get your pilot training off the ground. Email [email protected] or go to https://drift.me/learntofly/meeting to book a meeting and school tour.