Ultralight Flying Training

What does it take to learn to fly an ultralight? Here's a short answer, relating to training here. There's more info about learning on the RAA website.

The actual flying training

• At least 20 hours of instruction is required for a restricted pilot's licence. You'll fly with an Recreational Aviation Australia (RAA) qualified instructor. (Note: The Australian Ultralight Federation (AUF) changed its name to RAA in July 2004.)
  
• If you are a current glider pilot with a "C" rating, or hold a general aviation PPL or higher licence, you may qualify for your ultralight wings in 5 hours. Glider pilots will have to study the BAK theory and pass the exam.
• A useful book covering all aspects of flight training is "The Flight Training Manual", from the Aviation Theory Centre. It's available from the Airservices Publications Centre.
• Our Club training operates on Saturday and Sunday, with flying on Friday and Monday by arrangement. Flying should be booked ahead by phoning David on 041 7890 215.
• The Club encourages pilots to take the RAA training syllabus at their own pace. You decide how much time and money you can spend, and plan your flying accordingly.
  Please bear in mind that when you're learning something, you'll progress faster if you practise it regularly. We recommend you have a training session weekly, or at least every two weeks.

Other requirements

• To learn to fly, you must be aged 15 years or older, and meet the standard of medical fitness required for a driver's licence.
• You will have to join the RAA and obtain a Student Pilot Licence from them. To fly with us, you would also join the Renmark Gliding Club.
• When you start training, you'll need the following books:
  • "Ultralight Basic Aeronautical Knowledge", by Des Rycroft
  • "Ultralight Pilot Radio Handbook", by Des Rycroft
  • A pilot's logbook
• In addition to flying training, you'll also learn the theory side of aeronautics. You'll study sections of Basic Aeronautical Knowledge (BAK), flight rules and radio operations. This will be tested in a written examination with multiple choice answers.

Hire and fly: We welcome current RAA pilots who wish to "Hire and Fly" our aircraft. You'll have to show current RAA membership, hold a current pilot's certificate, and complete a satisfactory check flight. Pilots who are not members of our Club will pay $20 more per hour to fly the aircraft.

• Club members will pay $99 per hour for "hire and fly", and $129 per hour for training.
• Non club members can take a 20 minute "Trial Instructional Flight" (TIF) for $50.
• Renmark Gliding Club membership is $60 per year.
• Joining the RAA as a student pilot costs $132, including the first year's RAA membership.

These prices are correct at January 2006, but may change without notice. GST is not applicable.