Goulburn Aviation has come to the aid of Canberra-based pilots by opening a new flying school in our capital city following the closure of Canberra’s sole remaining school in mid-2010.
Regional carrier Brindabella Airlines closed its flying training arm in April last year, leaving student pilots in the ACT without a single local flying school.
Now Goulburn Aviation, which has been operating for 18 years and has been the closest option for student pilots whose training had been halted by Brindabella’s closure, has come to the rescue with the opening of Canberra Aviation.
Effectively a satellite base for Goulburn Aviation, the new school will operate out of Canberra Aero Club and provide training up to PPL level (with theory) including the various endorsements and ratings.
Owner and CFI of Goulburn Aviation, Teraya Miller, told Australian Flying that her plans to eventually open a base in Canberra were accelerated with the help of Canberra Aero Club following the closure of Brindabella.
“The aero club wanted someone they could do training with, but not based on a commercial aspect,” Miller explains. “We had this joint view, so I amended my operations manual and Air Operator’s Certificate for a secondary base in Canberra.
“The aero club has been very supportive – they’ve provided facilities and aircraft that I can access. We’ll focus on the private pilot, especially those who fly for recreation.”
While for the time being the flying school will only offer part-time training on weekends, Miller says should demand and student load increase then that could be expanded.
Canberra Aviation got off on the right foot with a well-attended official opening at Canberra Aero Club on February 6.
Addressing attendees, President of the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia (RFACA) Marj Davis, said, “Not having a flying training organisation in our capital city has been a big concern to all of us. I urge the Canberra aviation community to support Teraya’s endeavours.”
And for her part, Miller intends to make Canberra Aviation very hospitable.
“I like students to be able to sit around and talk and it’s not like, ‘This is your time for your lesson, you’ve got to get out at this time’,” she stresses. “I always allow two hours for a one-hour lesson, so there’s plenty of time for students to ask questions and discuss things.
“It’s not a big commercial venture – I’m trying to get that aero club feel back into the aviation commmunity and hopefully it can keep going for a good while.”
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