Category: fly

Back from a break for pre-solo check This flight was my first one back after a 10 day break. 10 days doesn’t sound like much, and I didn’t think it would affect my performance that badly, but it did. I couldn’t even start the engine properly. Ouch. Something so basic, yet I fumbled it. It…

Sitting in my instructor’s office for circuit lesson 6 debrief. My instructor, all casual goes, “You ready for your first solo tomorrow?” like they’re asking what’s for dinner. “No, i’m not ready” I snap We keep talking, but my result in the RT listening test held back any solo plans. They look at my exam…

That morning’s flight still haunts me. After 2 circuits on 03R, my instructor asked, “Do you want to make this a full stop?” “Yeah…yes please.” I replied My head just wasn’t in it. It wasn’t like one big screw up. It was a bunch of tiny mistakes piling up before we even left the ground.…

I’ve finally sussed the taxiing on a DA40 which honestly is a real pain compared to Cessna 172 (and i already can’t taxi that thing properly either) There was one time on taxiway bravo, a long straight stretch, i was pedalling like a snake. My instructor, absolutely dripping with sarcasm and disbelief at how shockingly…

Yet another blue sky day at Parafield, I went to grab the aircraft for the lesson while my instructor nipped to the mess for a bite. All I had to do was text my instructor where the plane was parked: edge of the FTA apron, UniSA side. Easy peasy. Except I sent, “All the way…

As a VET (private) student, sweating it out with Starlux cadets for the same CASA CPL. Their relentless hustle sparks something in me, but I’m learning to balance that fire with a dose of chill. After 6 weeks of ground school, 3 external exams, here’s how it went. Ground School Grind Phase 1 ground school…

Two month into FTA’s campus life. One of the reasons i chose FTA for its on-campus setup, no cooking, no commuting, just full-on student mode. My unit is a 3 minute walk to the apron so making those 7am flights a breeze. Food The mess feeds us 3 times a day, and it’s a mixed…

Let’s talk about the financial aspect. While some costs like course fees and accommodation are fixed, many others are based on my estimates. For detailed breakdown, you can refer to this google sheet. Pre-Courses Expenses Training & Living Budgeting I’ve included a 10% buffer on the total to account for unexpected expenses and price fluctuations.…