There are a lot of things that new Members, Students and Pilots need to know. Listed below and grouped by category, are some of the more common questions that we hear:

• I'm interested in Flying, what does it take to become a Pilot?
  

• I'm hooked on flying! I'd like to start a Training Course, what do I do now?
• Which aircraft should I choose when learning to fly?

• How am I billed for each lesson?
  

• I'd like to Private hire a Club aircraft, but haven't flown with RAC before. Where do I start?

• What a lovely kitchen you have, can I use it?
  

• What refreshments do you generally offer?
  

• I've made a booking that I can no longer keep, what do I do now?

• What does it cost to become a Member of the Redcliffe Aero Club?
• What options do you offer for payment of my aircraft Hire or training?

• I need a Headset and maybe a Lifejacket, can you help?
• What is a 'Wet' Hire Rate, and what do I do if I need to refuel during my Hire?

• What are the club-specific rules regarding Hire of aircraft?

• Can I hire an aircraft after hours - say, for Night or early morning flights?

• I'd like to conduct an extended Hire of an aircraft for an upcoming trip, do you offer multi-day Hires?

• When are you open?
• I'd like to purchase a flight as a Gift for someone special, what can you offer?
• I have an RA-AUS Licence, and would now like to upgrade to a PPL or CPL, where do I start?
• I have a non Australian Licence, and would like to fly short or long term in Australia...
• Where can I find out about the happenings of the Club?

• How does the Redcliffe Aero Club conduct it's business / operations?

• I'm interested in Flying, what does it take to become a Pilot?
• There are a number of factors to consider when beginning the process of gaining a Pilot's Licence. Firstly, the type of Licence you will ultimately gain will depend on the type of flying you wish to undertake.

  Most people start out by gaining a Private Pilot's Licence, which allows them to fly during daylight hours, anywhere in Australia with passengers on board. On average, Students will gain around 75-80 hours of flying experience by the time they earn a Private Licence, and the time taken to complete this could vary from 2 months (full time training) to 12 months (1 lesson per week). After a Private Licence is gained, the option of a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is available - flying as a job. Usually, a CPL holder will gain between 150-200 hours of flying experience during their training (includes PPL course), and might spend 12 months (full time training) to 2 years (part time) gaining their Licence.

  The academic requirements of a Pilot's training course are within reach of the average person. A background in Mathematics and English will help, but a keen interest in learning both the theory and practice of flight is often all that is needed. The ideal first step is to take a Trial Introductory Flight with one of our Instructors. This will give you an opportunity to see how flying feels, have a chat about your goals and ask any questions you might have.

  
  

• I'm hooked on flying! I'd like to start a Training Course, what do I do now?
• Here is a simple list to help get you on your way to a Pilot's Licence:
  • Become a Member of the Redcliffe Aero Club - Now you can book your first lesson and begin learning to fly!
  • Complete an Aviation Medical - CASA requires you to have a checkup to ensure you're safe to fly
  • Apply for a Student Pilot Licence - CASA will issue you with an SPL for solo flying privileges during your training
  • Apply for an Aviation Reference Number - An ARN is simply a unique ID number that every Pilot has
  • Apply for an AVID or ASIC Card - An Aviation ID or Security ID is required to access some airports
  • Grab a Student Pilot Kit - A log book and 3 text books to help you through the theory side of learning to fly

  It does take time to organise the above listed applications, but that's okay. You only need to have them completed by the day we send you on your first Solo Flight - generally after 14-20 hours of flying training. Getting a head start on the theory by purchasing the Student Pilot Kit straight away is always a good idea. If you have questions regarding these processes, just drop into the Club or give us a call!

• Which aircraft should I choose when learning to fly?
• The 3 options for initial training at the Redcliffe Aero Club are the: Tecnam P2008, Cessna 152 and Cessna 172. Each have their advantages and disadvantages, but at least one will suit your specific training needs.

  The Tecnam P2008 is by far the most cost-effective aircraft to learn in, and is an ideal choice for training up the the General Flying Progress Test (GFPT) milestone. The Cessna 152 is a traditional GFPT trainer, but due to it's longer service life, carries a slightly higher training cost than the Tecnam P2008.

  Once you've completed your GFPT, you'll move onto navigation training towards your PPL where the Cessna 172 is the aircraft of choice for all Students. If your goal is to gain a Commercial Licence, or if you don't want the hassle of learning a new aircraft half way through your training, the recommendation is to conduct your training in the Cessna 172 from your first lesson.

  
  

• How am I billed for each lesson?
• Generally you will be billed for the flying time you conduct during a lesson, measured on the aircraft's VDO meter to the nearest 1/10th of an hour. Other costs may include Instructor briefing time before your flight, airport landing fees (NOT at Redcliffe, but other aerodromes during navigation training) or exam testing fees. These costs are outlined in detail on our "Course Summary Sheets" over on the training page.
  

• I'd like to Private hire a Club aircraft, but haven't flown with RAC before. Where do I start?
• 1 - Become a Member of the Club. Click here to open the membership form
  2 - Complete a satisfactory check flight with one of our Instructors on the type of aircraft you wish to hire. Depending on previous experience and recency, this could be just a few circuits, or also some exercises in the training area (stalls, steep turns etc). The aircraft rates page also offers details the minimum experience required for Hire of complex aircraft in our fleet. A NVFR or IFR check may be required to exercise such priviledges on your licence.
  3 - Your now able to Private Hire a Club aircraft.

• What a lovely kitchen you have, can I use it?
• Please feel free to use the Kitchen facilities as long as you clean up after yourself. There is a fridge - BYO lunch ;) - and microwave, along with a kettle. Members may help themselves to Tea and instant coffee, while Member's guests are asked to make a gold coin donation for tea / coffee. The fresh-ground coffee machine is also available with a gold-coin donation.

• What refreshments do you generally offer?
• Our bar is usually stocked with a range of Soft-Drinks as well as bottled water, Ginger Beer, Beer, Spirit/Cola Mixes etc. We also have nibblies such as chips available.

• I've made a booking that I can no longer keep, what do I do now?
• Just give us a call as soon as practical to either cancel or reschedule your booking. Please aware that RAC charges a 'late cancellation' fee if your Dual Training Lesson (with Instructor) is cancelled within 24 hours of the start time. This attempts to recover some of the lost revenue due to an Instructor now with an empty period during the day.

• What does it cost to become a Member of the Redcliffe Aero Club?
• Click here to visit the Membership page for current fees and other information.

• What options do you offer for payment of my aircraft Hire or training?
• Payment options include: EFTPOS, VISA, MASTERCARD, CASH, CHEQUE - we do not currently accept AMEX
  You account needs to be settled at the end of your Hire period or flight, as we do not offer a credit facility. Some Members choose to leave a pre-paid positive balance on their account and simply draw from it as they Hire, the choice is yours.

  For aircraft hire that takes place outside our Office hours, we ask that you simply give us a call when we're next open to arrange payment.

• I need a Headset and maybe a Lifejacket, can you help?
• RAC offers Students FREE access to basic Pilot headsets. Members conducting Private Hire may rent headsets for a small charge. This small charge covers the cost of maintenance and replacement. Lifejackets should be taken on all over water flights as a safety precaution and are required on some flights (Moreton Island). Our Lifejackets are regularly serviced and can be hired for a small fee.

• What is a 'Wet' Hire Rate, and what do I do if I need to refuel during my Hire?
• With each aircraft RAC offers a BP Fuel card to use at BP Bowsers across the country. If you use the card, there is no more to pay (ie: you're hiring the aircraft 'wet', no extra cost for fuel). However, if you visit an aerodrome without a BP Bowser, you can organise payment by another means and be reimbursed by RAC at the completion of your hire.

  The reimbursement value is based on the local Redcliffe Aerodrome BP fuel cost on the day. This can mean a few cents per litre discrepancy when filling up at more expensive regional locations without BP Bowsers.

  Please be absolutely sure that you retain receipts of fuel purchased (not using BP Card), as reimbursement is not possible without them.

  
  

• What are the club-specific rules regarding Hire of aircraft?
• RAC requires that Pilots have flown with the Club in the past 90 days in order to conduct a Private Hire. A recency check if needed, is a quick dual flight check only.

  Please ask for assistance if your aircraft is located inside the Hangar (Excl: VH-FRF, VH-TRE). An instructor will help you safely manoeuvre the aircraft into the open. Unless another Member is hiring immediately after you, please return FRF or TRE to their Hangars on completion of your Hire.

  Please return the aircraft with sufficient fuel for a 1 hour flight. This amount includes reserves and is approximately 50L for a C152 and 80L for a C172. Before filling the tanks completely, please check with the Office that the next booking is not weight-limited (unable to carry full fuel).

  Control Locks, Pitot Covers and Sun Visors should be fitted after shutdown

  Please use a Redcliffe Aero Club allocated Parking Space. Click here to see a map of our parking spaces

• Can I hire an aircraft after hours - say, for Night or early morning flights?
• Yes - Just give the Office a call beforehand and ensure that the aircraft and keys are positioned for your after-hours access. Payment of your Hire can be completed via phone during the next RAC opening hours.

• I'd like to conduct an extended Hire of an aircraft for an upcoming trip, do you offer multi-day Hires?
• Yes - RAC is happy to hire aircraft to Members 24hrs, 7 days a week and for multi-day bookings. Because some aircraft are heavily utilised and kept busy by our Students in training, we ask that Members conducting multi-day Hires conduct a minimum amount of flying each day. Please chat with an Instructor to determine this minimum, as it varies depending on aircraft demand.

• When are you open?
• We are open 7 days a week, from 8am to 5pm each day. We are closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday only. Instructors are also easily available for early (6am) starts and late finishes with arrangements made prior. You can Private Hire an aircraft from us any time!

• I'd like to purchase a flight as a Gift for someone special, what can you offer?
• The experience of flight, whether a Scenic, Adventure or Trial Introduction Flight Lesson, is something that will be remembered for years to come. You might be offering that little nudge to help someone pursue a passion for flying through the gift of a Trial Introductory Flight, or giving the simple thrill of taking the controls and actually flying an aircraft. Whatever the reason, we're happy to offer Gift Certificates for a range of experiences that will be remembered!

  We can immediately set up a flight time, or leave it open for the recipient to call us and make arrangements later. Give us a call on (07) 3203 1777 to inquire or purchase a Voucher today.

• I have an RA-AUS Licence, and would now like to upgrade to a PPL or CPL, where do I start?
• Redcliffe Aero Club offers conversion courses that are individually tailored to get you on track and moving towards your intended Licence. Your previous flying experience can often count towards your PPL or CPL experience minimums and our in-house Testing Officer can conduct the required flight checks before new Licence Issue. A good place to start is by reading our Conversion Summary Sheet to get an idea of the conversion process.

• I have a non Australian Licence, and would like to fly short or long term in Australia...
• Converting to an Australian Licence, or gaining permission to fly within Australian Territories is a process that begins with contacting the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) 'CLARC' Department. Click here for CASA CLARC and begin the conversion process. Once you've obtained the appropriate Licence or Approval through CASA, become a Member of our Club and conducted a general handling check ride, you can Private Hire Club aircraft.

• Where can I find out about the happenings of the Club?
• Redcliffe Aero Club uses a range of media to keep it's Members, potential Members and Clients up to date:
  The Website: http://www.redcliffeaeroclub.com.au
  The Facebook Page: http://www.facebook/redcliffeaeroclub
  The 'AirChat' Newsletter: Click here to visit the links page and view AirChat editions
  Email Subscription Mailout: Look in the top left of this page above the menu - You can subscribe there.

• How does the Redcliffe Aero Club conduct it's business / operations?
• The Redcliffe Aero Club is listed as a Not-For-Profit Entity under the Income Tax Act. As such, all RAC profits are used to maintain and update it's facilities and assets.

  Redcliffe Aero Club's Operating Purpose is to be:
  A social club for General Aviation (GA) owners, pilots, trainees and enthusiasts;
  An entity which promotes general aviation and flying in the wider Moreton Bay community;
  A professional training organisation for members only;
  A provider of aircraft hire and charter services to members and the general public; and
  A not-for-profit entity which ensures the overall benefits accruing to the Club are utilised for and in the best interests of the membership and the community.

  Given the large size of our operation, the organisation follows best practice management in that the Board appointed, full time Chief Executive Officer runs the aviation and business side of the organisation, and is a key adviser to the Board on the social and community side.

  The Board sets the annual objectives for the organisation including the financial and other delegations of the CEO. At each monthly board meeting a review is conducted of the financial and other objectives as reported by the CEO. Once each year (usually in November) the organisation hold's an Annual General Meeting (AGM). Notification of this AGM is provided by a posted written letter to each financial Member at that time and propagated on our website in compliance with ASIC requirements.

  Minutes of monthly board meetings are not available as speculative discussions about current and future commercial issues are often discussed in confidence. Similarly the organisation- Business Plan, Capital Plans, Human Resource Management Plan, Remuneration Policy, Business Management Manual have been developed, but are not publicly available due to their commercial in confidence nature.

  At the AGM both the President and Treasurer present their own reports on the previous year's operations, as well as the audited Annual Financial reports. The meeting is open to questions from the attending Members. Members are of course also most welcome to discuss ideas and questions at any time with the CEO or baord personnel. Member input is often encouraged through the website and the organisation's Airchat magazine, particularly on core issues.

  Member input is always welcome / encouraged and is most easily directed via email: