Flight Training & Joy Flights
welcome to Australian aerobatic academy
The Australian Aerobatic Academy is a CASA Part 141 flight training organisation dedicated to providing Sydney with high-quality primary flight training, aerobatic training, advanced handling and adrenaline-charged joy flights.
The Academy’s mission is to provide our customers with the best possible flight training and customer service in a fun, friendly and supportive environment. Our team of highly skilled instructors and pilots are experienced and dedicated professionals who have qualified themselves beyond the minimum required standards to provide you with a higher level of skill.
If you are looking to start your aviation journey, or continue an existing one, and you want high-quality flight training or the joy flight experience of a lifetime, look no further than the Australian Aerobatic Academy!
flight training courses
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AAA RPL Course
More DetailsFor trainee pilots serious about safety and standards.
Training safe, proficient pilots is a serious business, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun along the way! Not only will you loop and roll on your first lesson, during the course you will learn to take-off and land, to perform basic aerobatics, to spin and recover and to effectively recognise and respond to emergency situations. Learning these skills takes time, dedication and good instruction. Getting this process right the first time is essential when you learn to fly. Flying, like the sea, is unforgiving of the inattentive or foolish!
The Australian Aerobatic Academy’s Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) syllabus is NOT a minimum time, minimum cost or minimum standard learn-to-fly course. It is a comprehensive course which goes beyond the minimum CASA requirements to provide you with superior aircraft handling skills. These skills will stay with you whether you choose to become the next Red Bull Air Race pilot, fly for the airlines, or enjoy taking your family and friends away for a weekend trip as a recreational pilot.
To see just how much more you get for your money with a AAA RPL course, please look at this document: AAA RPL Syllabus Comparison.
A pilot more confident and capable in the airborne environment has a greater capacity for good aeronautical decision-making, which means a safer, more proficient aviator. If your flight training is limited to the narrow envelope of the “air transport” environment, unnecessary limitations may be formed as well as an underlying fear of situations that cannot be adequately or safely explored in “standard” training aircraft incapable of basic aerobatic flight. When basic aerobatics, upset recovery and prevention and spin training is combined as an integral part of a learn-to-fly course, the result is a pilot fully aware of an aircraft’s capability in flight. This flight training method has been used for decades by defence forces worldwide – why should civilian pilots not also benefit from this style of training? IT WORKS!
Don’t just take our word for it… Former Sydney Aerobatic School founder & CFI Noel Kruse, author of the “Fly Better” series of books, endorses the Academy’s training methods and standards in this document. Veteran US aerobatic pilot, airshow performer and flight instructor Patty Wagstaff has written a recent article on the benefits of the Academy’s style of training: Upset Recovery Vs. Aerobatics – Plane And Pilot Magazine.
The Australian Aerobatic Academy prides itself on the standard of its instruction, as well as its personalised service and tuition. Academy instructors are experienced career instructors whose role is more of a “personal trainer” and “mentor” rather than a newly-qualified instructor trained to a minimum standard with limited operational experience. As we only employ a small number of dedicated individuals, we can guarantee the personalised service and consistency of training that larger organisations may not be able to provide.
All RPL flying lessons are conducted in the Robin 2160 – a high performance dedicated training aircraft capable of aerobatic flight. Your choice of initial training aircraft is very important. Many aircraft used for training today do not have the capability to allow practice in using the full aerodynamic envelope, leaving a gap in knowledge and experience for new pilots. It is for this reason AAA use only fully aerobatic aircraft for our initial training courses. The Robin has a cruise speed of 120 kts (215 km/h), and climb rate of 1000 ft/min. Compare this to the Cessna 152 – a common “standard” trainer used by other flight training schools – which has a cruise speed of 95 kts (170 km/h) and a climb rate of 650 ft/min. This means more time is spent in the training area concentrating on learning the required skills, rather than the transit to and from the airport. Higher performance means more practice in take-offs and landings per session, which means more practice for every dollar spent!
All Sydney flying school lessons include FREE in-flight video recording facilities. Important aspects of the flight can be immediately replayed on the ground as part of the debriefing, so you don’t miss out on the vital feedback you need to improve your skills!
When making a decision on which school you choose to learn to fly with, consider this: Learning to fly is a considerable commitment in time, finances and personal effort, and one must be ultimately satisfied with the ability of the selected flight training organisation to provide the level of service & quality of the qualification they purport to provide.
After all, what is your life, and the lives of your future passengers worth?
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AAA Basic Aerobatic Course
More DetailsLearn the art of aerial precision, freedom & control!
Aerobatics is FUN! It is the only way to truly understand and enjoy the pure three dimensional freedom of controlled flight, and you don’t have to be the next “Top Gun” to do it! The ability to perform simple loops and rolls is a skill that provides a level of flying confidence and exhilaration that continues to elude “mainstream” flight training today.
The Academy’s Basic Aerobatic Course is the most comprehensive combined basic aerobatic, upset recovery and advanced flight handling skills course available in Australia.
Conducted in the Robin 2160i, the course is designed to teach licensed pilots with no previous aerobatic experience the skills and knowledge required to conduct safe, proficient aerobatic flight manoeuvres. Not only will you learn how to perform individual manoeuvres, you will learn how to fly them in sequence as well as recognise and recover from mishandled manoeuvres in safety, and have fun doing so!
The course also incorporates all components of the Academy’s Advanced Handling Skills course, designed to instill a positive, measured approach to aircraft control using the full aerodynamic envelope, as well as cope with emergency situations including upset recovery.
Upon graduation, you will qualify for CASA Part 61 Aerobatics and Spinning Flight Activity Endorsements, be able to take up passengers in the Robin, fly basic aerobatics and spins, and be confident in your ability to do so safely!
The AAA Basic Aerobatic Course includes:
- CASA Part 61 Aerobatics & Spinning Flight Activity Endorsements
- Robin 2160i / Alpha 160A type conversion
- Precision flight path & approach control techniques
- Advanced stall recognition and recovery
- Upset Prevention & Recovery Training (UPRT) incl. stall/spin awareness, rolling upsets and engine failure contingencies
- Fully developed stable, unstable & incipient spins incl. emergency spin recovery technique
- Loops
- Aileron rolls
- Wing-overs (“lazy eight”)
- Stall turns
- Hi-“G” turns (≥ +2G)
- “Falling Leaf”
Already have some aerobatic experience? If you already have some experience in aerobatics, and you are looking to expand your skills, then please look at our advanced aerobatics courses. These “post-graduate” courses will give you the skills and knowledge to progress from a “basic aerobatic endorsement” to as far you want to take your aerobatic development – all the way to Unlimited world level competition if you so desire!
The Academy can also conduct aerobatics training for owners of aerobatic-capable Experimental category aircraft subject to assessment and suitability – please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Need an Aeroplane Flight Review or thinking of converting your RA-Aus certificate to a CASA RPL? This course is a fantastic way to expand your skills and meet the relevant CASA requirements! Contact us for more details.
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PPL Navigation Course
More DetailsIt’s a big country out there…do you have the “right stuff” to navigate with confidence?
AAA’s Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Navigation Course is designed to provide recreational pilots with the skills required to navigate anywhere in the world with confidence by day in fine weather conditions.
The course concentrates on visual navigation techniques and overlays this with the use of radio and satellite navigation aids. The AAA PPL Navigation course also provides graduates with an ability to fly in and out of Controlled Aerodromes such as Canberra and Controlled Airspace which allows graduates to fly procedures such as the “Sydney Harbour Scenic.”
Successful completion of the course recommends the student for the CASA Private Pilot Licence flight test.
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Upset Prevention & Recovery Training (UPRT)
More DetailsDon’t become just another aviation safety statistic! Learn the skills to SURVIVE!
The second-highest cause of accidents in light aircraft is loss-of-control, according to continuing ATSB statistics. The primary cause remains “collision with terrain” – mostly as a result of losing control! The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), now realising the increasing impact of loss of control in-flight (LOCI) events worldwide, is committed to “...reducing LOCI <as> a global aviation safety priority.“(sic.)
Are you…..
- Uncomfortable in slow speed turning flight?
- Apprehensive near the stall or lose excessive height in recovery?
- Concerned of your chances of survival in an engine failure scenario?
- Unaware of the exact limits of your aircraft’s performance capability?
- Afraid to “cross controls” for fear of a spin?
- Doubtful about your ability to cope with a rolling upset?
- Unable to recognise an impending stall without reference to the ASI?
If the answer is “YES” to any of these questions…
YOU NEED THIS COURSE!
Too many people are killed because of a lack of understanding, recognition or recovery from impending or inadvertent loss-of-control! Don’t let THIS happen to you…
The Academy’s UPRT course is a defensive driving course for pilots! Our course consists of 5 lessons, each designed to increase your flight safety by providing a greater awareness of aircraft capability and confidence in the ability to recognise, avoid and recover if necessary from unexpected adverse aircraft control events or “upsets.”
Our comprehensive UPRT course includes:
- Confident and accurate flight path control and energy management;
- Nose high and nose low upset recovery;
- Advanced stall recognition and recovery;
- Stall / spin awareness and prevention;
- Fully-developed spin recovery; and
- Emergency scenario training.
Skills are learned in a controlled environment with strict performance parameters to maintain safety. Some aerobatic manoeuvres are used to demonstrate the full capability of an aircraft, as well as expose you to the likely adverse effects of incorrect or mishandled recovery techniques. This is backed up with comprehensive pre-flight briefings to gain greater knowledge of HOW and WHY pilots lose control.
Due to the condensed nature of the course, the aerobatic manoeuvres and spinning conducted are not available for endorsement. However, credit will be given toward the successful completion of an AAA Basic Aerobatic Course (BAC) based on competency if desired.
You don’t need to worry about how to fly a new aircraft type or learn local airport procedures! Our instructors will take care of that for you so you can concentrate on learning the techniques which may ultimately save your life!
If you are an Experimental aircraft owner, you may complete the course in YOUR aircraft! (subject to assessment and suitability) Our instructors are experienced in many different types of light aircraft including the popular Vans RV series. If you choose to use your aircraft, please note that some aspects of the course can only be completed in an aircraft with aerobatic capability. However, our instructors are available upon completion of the course to show you how your newly-learned skills apply in your regular aircraft within it’s limitations.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Learn the skills you need to fly with complete confidence TODAY!
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Spin Endorsement Training
More DetailsGiving new instructors the skills to teach with confidence.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Grade Three Flight Instructor Rating syllabus requires trainee instructors to be endorsed to conduct fully developed spins to ensure that flight instructor trainees are proficient at spin recovery techniques before teaching incipient spinning. (CASR Table 61.1235 Item 3A)
Unfortunately for most flight training organisations, finding a training aircraft with fully-developed spin recovery capability, as well as a qualified instructor experienced in such instruction, can be costly, time-consuming and not have the desired outcome! This can lead to a serious gap in confidence and awareness of stall / spin recovery for new instructors.
The Academy’s Robin 2160i is the ideal spin training aircraft. With completely predictable spin characteristics, it is similar in performance to most trainee instructor’s initial training aircraft, such as the Piper PA28 series. This is a far cry from under-powered Cessna 152 Aerobats that take an eternity to climb to height (wasting time and money), and “fire-breathing monsters” like the Pitts Special, which tend to be more intimidating than helpful in providing positive learning outcomes with inexperienced pilots.
Even if you’re a Recreational, Private or Commercial pilot, this brief course is a great asset! Previously optional under the CASA Commercial Pilot Licence syllabus, the new Part 61 Manual of Standards have now removed this requirement from CPL training completely! Under the expert guidance of experienced instructors, you will be exposed you to stall / spin recognition and emergency recovery techniques and debunk the myths and fears of the “dreaded tailspin!”
Why waste time and money? Refer your instructor trainees to the aerobatic and spin recovery experts at the Australian Aerobatic Academy! We are the preferred supplier of flight instructor spin training to a number of organisations who conduct flight instructor rating training, and can tailor a course to suit your organisation’s requirements.
Contact us for more information.
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Advanced Aerobatics Courses
More DetailsGo beyond the basics and roll with Australia’s aerobatic champions!
The Australian Aerobatic Academy’s “post-graduate” aerobatics courses are designed to expand your aerobatic repertoire and increase your skills to be capable of world-class aerobatics!
These courses build upon the AAA Basic Aerobatic Course with additional manouevres and skills. You will begin with advanced rolling manoeuvres, followed by combination manoeuvres and ultimately low level aerobatics below 3000’ AGL as your skills and experience increase.
AAA’s advanced aerobatics courses are closely aligned with the Australian Aerobatic Club competition grades to allow graduates to compete upon completion. Aerobatic competition is the best way to provide feedback on your skills and challenge you further as you strive for perfection.
Once you have mastered the basics of aerobatic capability on the Robin 2160i, AAA offers an upgrade to the ubiquitous Pitts Special S-2A—the aircraft that has made more aerobatic champions the world over than any other aircraft! The Pitts Special is an excellent aircraft to begin your transition to higher-performance aerobatic aircraft, with it’s higher roll rate, greater horsepower and capability of sustained negative G manoeuvres.
For those wanting to pursue the upper echelons of aerobatic competition, AAA is proud to offer (by invitation only) the Extra NG – the highest performance two-seat certified aerobatic aircraft in the world! This aircraft is capable of unlimited aerobatic flight and is a weapon designed for serious aerobatic competition!
With AAA’s rich competition heritage, you can be assured of being trained by Australia’s top aerobatic instructors and pilots:
Peter Townsend, AAA’s Chief Flying Instructor, has been active in competition aerobatics for over 20 years as a competitor, coach, judge, contest organiser & contest director, having won his first national championship in the Basic category in 1998.
Cassandra Moeller, co-owner of the Academy, was the 2018 Australian Unlimited Aerobatic Champion and has been instrumental in running and organising Australian Aerobatic Club events since her first competition in 2010. Cass was also the recipient of the Matt Hall Racing (MHR) Scholarship for exemplary airmanship and sportsmanship in 2013.
Peter & Cassandra are both recipients of the FAI Paul Tissandier Diploma – awarded by the World Air Sports Federation (FAI) for their commitment to the sport of Aerobatics.
AAA has fielded a team to almost EVERY Australian competition since it’s inception, with competitors in every grade from Entry to Unlimited!
Progression through our post-graduate aerobatics courses is very much as your time, funds and desires permit. Each manoeuvre includes a briefing and aircraft are charged at standard rates. Once competency is attained you can practice to your heart’s desire until you decide to add a new figure to the sequence. As such, course costs will vary between individuals.
AAA Entry Category course:
- Barrel rolls
- Inverted flight
- Slow rolls
AAA Graduate Category course:
- Competition Spins
- Half cuban eight
- Roll-off-the-top (Immelmann)
AAA Sportsman Category course:
- Humpty-bumps & “Sharpies”
- Half reverse cuban eight
- Snap (flick) rolls
- Hesitation rolls
Low level aerobatics flight activity endorsements:
For those wishing to fly competition at the state, national and even international levels, the Australian Aerobatic Academy’s Low Level Aerobatics Courses consists of a series of tutorials and flights designed to instill confidence, safety and proficiency at performing aerobatics below 3000 feet AGL. The courses concentrate on energy management, geographic positioning and low level aerobatic sequence design & flying.
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I just wanted to drop you a note to say thanks for Saturday. It was the most enjoyable days flying I have ever had. Of course the weather helped, but meeting you both, having a chat – the quality of the instruction, the planes, the process of starting with you, the formation flying and of course flying upside down for the first time –it was an absolute stand out. Which is good for me….cause that was not my flying training experience to date. I have had a big smile on my face all weekend. I cannot wait to get back there, so thanks again!
joy flights
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UFLY! AEROBATICS $419
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Learn to LOOP and ROLL a Robin 2160i aerobatic trainer over the skies of Sydney! No prior experience necessary!
Have you ever seen an aerobatic display at an airshow and thought, “WOW! I wonder if I can do that? Have you always wanted to learn how to REALLY fly?
Our AAA UFLY! Aerobatics Experience puts YOU in the pilots’ seat!
With no obligation to continue further training, you can experience the magic of pure three-dimensional aerobatic flight under the guidance and safety of one of our highly-trained and qualified instructors. After your orientation and safety briefing you will strap into the aircraft and taxi for takeoff.
Shortly after take-off, your instructor will guide you through climbs, turns and dives on the way to the training area. Once you get to altitude, your instructor will then teach you how to LOOP and ROLL!
No prior flying experience is required! You will learn everything on the day.
On the way back to Bankstown, you will have the opportunity to see what the Robin 2160 aerobatic trainer is really capable of, with your instructor demonstrating the aerobatic capability of the aircraft with speeds up to 325km/h and G forces up to +6G’s!
Experience Inclusions
The AAA UFLY! Aerobatic Experience is a 1 hour session which includes:
- 15 minute pre-flight safety & orientation briefing;
- 45 minute flight (approx.) including dual instruction in loops and rolls.
Experience Cost & Availability
- This experience is available 7 days a week (except some public holidays).
- In-flight HD video of the flight is available for separate pre-purchase online for $59.00 or $75.00 on the day of the flight.
- Participant weight limitation of 95 kg applies to this flight
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THRILLSEEKER AEROBATICS $449
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Experience the magic & the adrenaline rush of aerobatic flight aboard our Pitts Special biplane with one of Australia’s champion competition pilots!
In this 45 minute flight you will transition from basic loops and rolls to adrenaline-packed advanced aerobatic routines!
After a short pre-flight safety briefing, your pilot will strap you in and you’ll be on your way! After take-off you will take in the sights of western Sydney and the foothills of the Blue Mountains on the way to the aerobatic area.
Once in the aerobatic area, your pilot will start with the basics of the loop and roll, before moving into more complicated and dynamic aerial manoeuvres such as hesitation rolls, the “Cuban eight” and “Immelmann,”
You will then experience the true aerobatic magic of the Pitts Special with spins, snap rolls, tail-slides and advanced aerobatic routines before returning for a landing.
With speeds up to 300 kph just 500m above the ground and G-forces up to 6 G’s, it’s an experience you won’t forget!
Experience Inclusions
The AAA THRILLSEEKER Aerobatic Experience is a 1 hour session which includes:
- 15 minute pre-flight safety and orientation briefing;
- 45 minute (approx.) aerobatic flight.
Experience Cost, Restrictions & Availability
- The AAA THRILLSEEKER experience is $449.00 incl. GST.
- The experience is available 7 days a week (except some public holidays)
- In-flight HD video of the flight is available for pre-purchase at a discounted rate of $59.00, or on the day of the flight for $75.00.
- Participant weight limitation of 90 kg applies to this flight.
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SYDNEY & SURROUNDS $799 – $849
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Experience ALL the unique sights of Sydney from the air in style!
On your personalised airborne tour of Sydney you will experience the majesty and spectacle of Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains and our beautiful northern and southern beaches.
Choose between our standard flight package or indulge in a “twilight premium package” with remarkable views of Sydney at dusk and a few special surprises!
A truly remarkable gift for the discerning couple to celebrate that special occasion, or for visitors to see the remarkable sights of Sydney in one easy trip!
Experience Inclusions
The AAA SYDNEY & SURROUNDS SCENIC FLIGHT includes:
- Pre-flight safety & orientation briefing;
- Complimentary bottle of water to take on your flight;
- En-route commentary from the pilot;
- 1 hour 30 min flight (approx.) taking in the sights of:
- The Blue Mountains, Katoomba and the “Three Sisters”
- Parramatta River and Sydney Olympic Park
- Sydney’s northern beaches
- Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and Manly beach
- Sydney’s southern beaches , Sea Cliff Bridge & Illawarra escarpment
Experience Cost, Restrictions & Availability:
- This experience is available 7 days a week (except some public holidays)
- Maximum number of passengers is 3 – total passenger weight limit of 200 kg applies.
- Listed price is total experience price, not per person!
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SYDNEY HARBOUR SCENIC $499 – $549
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Tour Sydney by air in style! See the sights of Sydney Harbour, Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Manly and the iconic northern beaches by air in this 1 hour flight!
Choose our standard flight package or indulge yourself and choose our “twilight premium package” with remarkable views of Sydney at dusk and a few special surprises!
A truly remarkable gift for the discerning couple or to celebrate that special occasion.
Experience Inclusions
The AAA SYDNEY HARBOUR SCENIC FLIGHT is a 1.5 hour session which includes:
- Pre-flight safety & orientation briefing;
- Complimentary bottle of water to take on your flight;
- En-route commentary from the pilot;
- 1 hour flight (approx.) taking in the sights of:
- Parramatta River and Sydney Olympic Park,
- Sydney’s northern beaches,
- Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and Manly beach.
Experience Cost, Restrictions & Availability:
- Standard daytime package is $499.
- Twilight premium package is $549.
- This experience is available 7 days a week (except some public holidays)
- Maximum number of passengers is 3 – total passenger weight limit of 200 kg applies.
- Price is total experience price, not per person.
- Twilight package departure time varies depending on local end of daylight time.
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Location
Bankstown Airport
Hangar 600 Prentice St
Bankstown Airport, Sydney NSW 2200