Overseas Learning FAQ

As an indication, if you are a non-native English Speaker the following standards of English are required.
IELTS Academic overall 6.0, no Grade lower than 6.0
TOEIC 350 listening, 300 reading, 160 speaking and 140 for writing
TOEFL IBT Grade not less than 71
TOEFL CBT not less than 197
TOEFL PB not less than 530
For those whose English is below the levels above, they should consider their decision to commence Flight Training. Effective communication is crucial on the ground and in the air. Experience has shown us that a sound English Language ability will significantly influence the cost of you obtaining your licence. Non-native English speakers generally do well with their training but it is important that you make a realistic assessment of your language ability.

As Flight Training is predominantly conducted on a one to one basis, you don’t have to wait for a course to commence. In fact, you are generally able to commence at any time throughout the year. Our theory courses run throughout the year and this ensures that a theory course will be available at a suitable time in your training. Generally, students can commence within one week of making their decision, although Students from overseas should allow time for the Visa issue and associated paperwork, which our International Student Manager will assist you with.
International Students
We understand overseas students arrival times can be influenced by many different factors. Latrobe Valley Aero Club is generally flexible around the arrival dates of international students. However, where possible, we will attempt to schedule the arrival times of two or more international students, allowing you to progress and study together.

If you are not an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident, it is extremely difficult to secure work in Australia due to the strict Immigration Department requirements, therefore jobs for overseas citizens are very difficult to obtain. It is also very difficult for an Employer to Sponsor an overseas citizen for a Work Visa in Australia.
If coming from Overseas you should plan on returning home shortly after the completion of your training. If a Company were to Sponsor you, they will have strict legal obligations to pay you a Salary that is approximately double what an equivalent Australian Pilot would earn. This acts as an impediment to Overseas Students being able to work in the Aviation Industry at the completion of their training.

Unfortunately, there are generally no scholarships available for Flight Training. Female Pilots should seriously consider joining the Australian Women Pilots Association as they do offer significant support to their members. They do also have a limited number of scholarships available.

Most students successfully combine work with learning to fly. Flight Training is predominantly delivered on a one to one basis. Each Instructor will manage a number of students. They will liaise with you to provide a timetable suitable to your needs.

International Students
Overseas Student you are permitted to work 20 hrs per week while undertaking study. Importantly, that work must not interfere with your studies.

The more frequently you fly the safer you will be, the quicker you will learn & as a bonus, the more you will save. Bear in mind you are paying about $6.00 per minute in an aeroplane. By flying regularly, you will minimise the time spent on revision on each lesson. Generally, you should aim to fly at least once a week to get the most from your training, and ideally more frequently.
International Students
If you are an Overseas Student, there are strict requirements placed on us by the Australian Government. You are required to attend classes 20 hours per week if on a Student Visa. If your attendance or progression is not satisfactory we are required to inform the Immigration Department.

Latrobe Valley Aero Club is able to recommend a number of accommodation options. Rates of course can vary from place to place. We would recommend a homestay (shared accommodation) initially, until you are able to find a place that is right for you.

We often get students from overseas come to us for a short course of training. This may be because they are trying out for an Airline Cadet Program and wish to gain some exposure to Flight Training. We regularly deliver these programs and they can be tailored to your particular needs. Similarly, some Australian Secondary School students will elect to undertake a short course during their school holidays. Prior to commencing any program, you need to consider how many flying lessons you intend to take.
If you wish to complete any Solo flying (without an instructor on board), there are significant additional requirements such as Medical, Security Checks, English Language tests etc. These require you to commence the associated Paperwork at least 2 months before you plan to commence. If this is your intention, then please contact us for further guidance. Generally, if you intend to fly solo you should plan for approximately 15 hours flight time to achieve that milestone.
The course structure would contain the following sequences with each lesson being of approximately 1.2 hours flight time.
Lesson 1 Operation and Effects of Controls
Lesson 2 Straight and Level
Lesson 3 Climbing and Descending
Lesson 4 Turning
Lesson 5 Stalling
Lesson 6 to 12 Circuits- approximately 7 X 1.2 hours flights
The cost of each lesson varies on aircraft type and can be found on our website. As a rough guide you should plan on approximately $300-$350 per hour. You can choose to do as many lessons as you want, but for the first 5 lessons we suggest limiting yourself to one lesson a day. We are open 7 days a week but in winter (June, July, and August) we can get consecutive days that may not be suitable for flying. As a guide if you were to plan on one day in Australia per flying lesson that should be sufficient, i.e. if you hope to do 7 lessons then you should allow 7 days.
The structure of each lesson would also include an extensive Pre-flight and Post Flight Briefing.
Generally, there are accommodation options available close to the airport.
For those coming to Australia from Overseas this short course could easily be completed with a straightforward Tourist Visa.

If you are considering converting your licence to an Australian one the procedure is relatively straightforward, although you should anticipate delays with processing by CASA.
CASA will issue an Australian Private Pilot Licence (PPL). The requirements being that your home countries’ pilot licence reflects whether you are permitted to operate a radio and must also indicate that you have at least Level 4 ICAO English. Please advise us if your licence does not meet those criteria and we may be able to provide further guidance.
Next step is to visit the CASA website at www.casa.gov.au and download Form 61-4A. If converting to an Australian PPL there is no requirement to complete the other form that is mentioned (61-4B)
Complete form 61-4A. Read through the instructions on the first page carefully. Accurately and clearly completed forms will help to minimise delays, although I suggest you allow at least one month for this to be completed.
Once CASA has issued your Australian Private Pilot Licence (PPL) you simply contact us for a Proficiency Check, and you are then able to access the range of Latrobe Valley Aero Club aircraft.
It may be that time frames do not permit you to complete the CASA requirements in time. On such occasions you are welcome to rent an aircraft with an Instructor to accompany you on your flight. Current rates for our fleet of Aircraft can be found on our website or by calling us.