Bankstown Airport-based flying school Sydney Aviators has completed a successful first quarter of operations.
Established as an offshoot of the highly successful Basair Aviation College and in operation since July, Sydney Aviators aims specifically to target local student pilots rather than rely on the overseas student market. The school is located in the former Red Baron Flight Training building at the end of Airport Avenue, the main street at Bankstown.
Head of School Charles Thompson says that, while Sydney Aviators does offer extended pilot training through to CPL level and instructor ratings and does currently have students training for airline careers, the school has already enjoyed a very positive response from would-be private pilots.
“Most of our students, because of our location, have been walk in the door,” Thompson explains. “They’ve driven down Airport Avenue, where we’ve put a big sign up that says, ‘Learn to fly here’, and most of our students have just walked in cold off the street.
“What I’ve tried to set up here is an aero club, but without a committee and without membership. We’re doing commercial courses and instructor ratings and all that sort of stuff as well, but most of our business happens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday – weekend guys.”
Sydney Aviators’ fleet comprises the usual suspects – Cessna 152s and 172s and Piper Warriors, Archers and an Arrow III for CPL training – but the school can also offer students access to further aircraft options through its parent company Basair.
CPL theory courses are run two nights per week, with BAK and PPL theory courses running on selected weekends.
