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Latest Achievements
25 OCT 2011 Dave Harrison 30 OCT 2011 Jason Sondergeld 13 NOV 2011 Scott Suitor 18 DEC 2011 Hamish Withington
13 DEC 2011 Jason Sondergeld
11 SEP Steve Everett 15 OCT 2011 Craig Mills 21 NOV 2011 Renee Battson
26 OCT 2011 Harry Stanhope 27 OCT 2011 Tristan Ten-Lohuis
27 OCT 2011 Tristan Ten-Lohuis TAC is the flying school at Townsville Airport. Professional pilot flight training. PPL, CPL, NVFR, endorsements. Airline Pilot Course. Certificate IV in Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence), Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Flight Operations). VET Help Government Funding Scheme. We also offer charter flights from Townsville to anywhere in Queensland! Palm Island, Collinsville, Proserpine, Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour, Whitsundays, Hamilton Island, Ayr, Bowen, Ravenswood, Cairns, Innisfail, Ingham, Cooktown, Dunk Island, Hughenden, Richmond, Reedy Springs, Lassie Creek, Julia Creek, Karumba, Normanton, Mornington Island, Conclurry, Mount Isa, etc. Come and check out our brand new aeroplanes! Our professional pilots are qualified flying instructors with flight experience ranging from 900 hours to 9,000 hours in a range of different aircraft.
More BIG News!
Information about Airline Pilot Program and ATPL
Latest Achievements
26 MAY 2011 Alison Kirkwood 23 JUN 2011 Hamish Withington 05 JUL 2011 Jason Sondergeld 20 JUL 2011 Dave Harrison 06 AUG 2011 Scott Suitor
26 JUL 2011 Steve Everett 02 AUG 2011 Tim Kirkwood 03 AUG 2011 Alison Kirkwood 27 AUG 2011 Kristian Reid 28 AUG 2011 Craig Mills
16 JUN 2011 Vincent Munnik 28 JUN 2011 Frank Bosca 21 SEP 2011 Chris Woods
01 JUL 2011 Harry Stanhope TAC is the flying school at Townsville Airport. Professional pilot flight training. PPL, CPL, NVFR, endorsements. Airline Pilot Course. Certificate IV in Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence), Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Flight Operations). VET Help Government Funding Scheme. We also offer charter flights from Townsville to anywhere in Queensland! Palm Island, Collinsville, Proserpine, Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour, Whitsundays, Hamilton Island, Ayr, Bowen, Ravenswood, Cairns, Innisfail, Ingham, Cooktown, Dunk Island, Hughenden, Richmond, Reedy Springs, Lassie Creek, Julia Creek, Karumba, Normanton, Mornington Island, Conclurry, Mount Isa, etc. Come and check out our brand new aeroplanes! Our professional pilots are qualified flying instructors with flight experience ranging from 900 hours to 9,000 hours in a range of different aircraft.
  
Townsville Careers Expo We would love you to visit us at the Townsville Careers Expo at the Murray Sports Complex (RSL Stadium) on the 8th of August 2011.
New dates for Aviation Career Workshops anounced Check out the new Flyer here... and tell your friends! Also become a fan of our Facebook and Twitter and pages! Townsville Aviation Centre, flying school at Townsville Airport. Professional pilot training. PPL, CPL and NVFR.We also do scenic flights around Townsville, Magnetic Island, the Great Barrier Reef, Burdekin Falls Dam, or anywhere you like!
Latest Achievements
It's been a long while since we published our students' achievements and it's about time that we put together a list of our students' accomplishments:
15 SEP 2010 Harry Stanhope 25 SEP 2010 Brenton Walsh 22 OCT 2010 Chris Woods 04 NOV 2010 Tristan Ten-Lohuis 17 NOV 2010 Frank Bosca 04 MAR 2011 Craig Mills 16 MAR 2011 Steve Everett 11 APR 2011 Kristian Reid 23 APR 2011 Vincent Munnik
25 OCT 2010 Harry Stanhope 09 NOV 2010 Tristan Ten-Lohuis 22 FEB 2011 Brenton Walsh 22 FEB 2011 Frank Bosca
22 FEB 2011 Harry Stanhope 23 FEB 2011 Tristan Ten-Lohuis
TAC is the flying school at Townsville Airport. Professional pilot flight training. PPL, CPL, NVFR, endorsements. We also offer charter flights from Townsville to anywhere in Queensland! Palm Island, Collinsville, Proserpine, Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour, Whitsundays, Hamilton Island, Ayr, Bowen, Ravenswood, Cairns, Innisfail, Ingham, Cooktown, Dunk Island, Hughenden, Richmond, Reedy Springs, Lassie Creek, Julia Creek, Karumba, Normanton, Mornington Island, Conclurry, Mount Isa, etc. Come and check out our brand new aeroplanes! Our professional pilots are qualified flying instructors with flight experience ranging from 900 hours to 9,000 hours in a range of different aircraft.
Full Time Commercial Pilots' Course Announced Today! Townsville Aviation Centre has today announced that it will run a full-time course for individuals wishing to achieve their Commercial Pilot's Licence. The Course will commence on Monday the 29th of November, thus allowing School Leavers, and others, the option of participation. The first question asked of us usually revolves around the financial aspects of the goal. Unlike most Schools in the south of the country, Townsville Aviation Centre does not request full payment in advance for such a Course. Instead we prefer to offer a Course for a modest down payment followed by Milestone payments as significant Milestones are achieved in the pupil's progress towards obtaining their commercial licence. The options are flexible and can be adjusted to suit your requirements. By the way, we only have five places available on our next Workshop, held 30 Oct 2010. The Workshop offers a perfect opportunity to attend and research employment within the aviation industry. If you are interested in researching your options further, please do not hesitate to give us a call. There is no obligation - just friendly advice over a coffee. Please understand that we run Private Pilot Courses at all times. In addition we offer Night VFR (Fly at Night), G1000 Glass Cockpit Training, Private Hire and Biennial Flight Reviews (Proficiency Checks). Even if you have your licence and you would simply like to get some pointers in a particular area - let us know. Our Instructors can provide you with a safe environment to practice those elements of aviation that you don't get to practice as often as you may like, and we can do so in your own aircraft if you prefer.
Townsville Aviation Centre helps commemorate the Battle of Britain - 75th Anniversary Townsville Aviation Centre proudly launched three aircraft to lead a larger formation in a celebration of the Battle of Britain. The event was a huge success with RAAF involvement, a Military Band and cooked breakfast for the participants upon the completion.
Did you know that we can teach you how to fly in formation? Limited Full-Time Commercial Pilot's Licence Courses available now! Townsville Aviation Centre has now been approved as a Commercial Flight School. It means that we can now offer Commercial Pilot's Licence Courses and train a new pilot from 'Day1' right through to their application for their first job in the industry. It is an honour that comes with a huge responsibility; Townsville Aviation Centre is proud but also cognisant of the responsible role we now play in producing the commercial pilot's of the future. There are a limited number of Full-Time Commmercial Pilot's Licence positions available, with several already filled. If this sounds like something you've been waiting for, give us a call, come in and have a chat - we can discuss the possibilities with you. Airline Pilot Course. Next Aviation Career Workshop is 30 Oct 2010 Were you one of the unfortunate few that missed out on our last Aviation Career Workshop? As promised, we are hosting an extra Workshop on 30 Oct 2010. The Flyer (see link below) doesn't mention the 30th October because we have been pleasantly surprised by the popularity of these events. The 30th is an 'extra' Workshop to accomodate those that may otherwise miss out. We limit the numbers so as to provide the best environment for discussion and explanation. Having said that, we already have ten confirmed on the next Workshop, so get in quickly. As mentioned, we shall be running more of these as they have proven extremely popular. If you can't make it, let us know and we can keep you informed as future Workshops are organised. For those otherwise unaware, the Workshop involves a day of briefings and open panel discussion with experts in the field, designed to give you the best possible introduction to Flying as a Career - be it Airlines, Bush or Military, we have answers for you. The day costs only the price of the TIF (Trial Instructional Flight), and you fly the TIF at the end of they day! How good! Check out the Flyer here... Congratulations to Harry, Alice and Brenton
First Solo is a huge achievement. The aircraft is a good deal lighter and fairly leaps off the ground, then climbs like the proverbial rocket. Prior to First Solo the students have been taught over many sorties, and ultimately assessed as 'Safe' before being released upon the circuit. There is more kudos again when you consider these students are flying their first solos within controlled airspace - so they have to be sharp; and they were... Again, well done. First Solo is a day in your aviation career that you never forget ;-)
A Classy Destination in the Bush?
The Opera is on again in Undara, 07th to 10th October, 2010. With the increasing exposure that this world class event has enjoyed (for good reason), you owe it to yourself to make the most of this opportunity. Where in the world can you travel to a stunning Bush setting, view sunken lava tubes in the desert, native wildlife, enjoy extraordinary guided bush walks; then return to a true aussie meal, a cool drink or two - THEN change into your evening wear for a 'Black Tie' evening of outdoor Opera, with world class performers? It's hard to explain this concert to someone who has never been. The sheer isolation lends a personal engagement to the performances that would simply not be possible in a city or town. It feels like a 'family' performance, and it is a unique experience in that sense alone. We can fly you there, and back. We also conduct scenic flights over the area during the day so that you can appreciate the grandeur and scale of the surrounds. It will leave you speechless.
Contact Undara at www.undara.com.au for details and to book your accomodation.
Contact us if you would like to travel by Air. You would be surprised at how economical a trip by air can be ;-)
A Busy time at Townsville Aviation Centre - and the efforts, rewarded... Wow! What a time we've had! We have been incredibly busy with Ratings, renewals and Flight Tests. The result? All passed, and a LOT of happy smiles around the School. The Results Board looks this;
Gair has also been awarded his Cert IV in Training and Assessment; a sought after qualification and a ' feather in the cap' for the School too. Well Done Everyone! There has been a phenominal outlay in effort and determination to achieve the abovementioned qualifications. The results are outstanding and all deserve to take a well earned bow. First Career Workshop a Huge Success Townsville Aviation Centre has hosted its first Career Workshop. Five budding Aviators, three Instructors and a Classroom made for a casual, informative and enormously enjoyable introduction to aviation as a Career for the uninitiated. Ordinarily a would-be pilot would walk off the street and kick off with a TIF, or Trial Instructional Flight. The Full Day Aviation Career Workshop is conducted for the cost of the TIF only, and culminates in a TIF in any case. We also provide the first theory lesson, Effects of Controls, at no additional cost because it helps a student to get even more out their TIF. The program starts at 10:00am on a Saturday and covers the School, the aircraft we use for training, Stages of Training, Course Structure, Career Path options, Licences, Endorsements, Ratings and even Finance Options. Since our first in a planned, ongoing series of such workshops, the Australian Defence Force has expressed a desire to attend future workshops, explaining the aviation-related career path options available within the Defence Force. Our next workshop is scheduled for 02 Oct 2010. With ten postions available we only have four vacancies as of 4:40pm today - so be quick! CASA AvSafety Seminar to be hosted by Townsville Aviation Centre Keep the 15th of September free in your calenders - the CASA AvSafety Seminar will be hosted by Townsville Aviation Centre at 6:30pm on Wednesday the 15th of September. Please call and let us know that you wish to attend. We shall cater accordingly. Take Care and Fly Safe. The Team at TAC.
Have you seen this Flyer? There were 4500 hand-delivered around Townsville by Townsville Aviation Centre Staff over the past two days. But Townsville Aviation Centre is a lot more than Joyflights! With brand new aircraft and experienced pilots, Townsville Aviation Centre can get you where you need to go - to and/or from any destination around Queensland. We specialize in providing a professional, corporate-style service, and, subject to weather, we are never late! We have links with a number of exciting and romantic tourist destinations that offer an extremely varied range of experiences. With the distances involved, an aircraft makes perfect sense. A new aircraft, with professional pilots, bespoke service, moving map displays and punctuality you can depend upon - makes even more sense. Drop us a line.
Another very busy week here at Townsville Aviation Centre, With another 64 Trial Introductory Flights over the weekend, and four flight tests during the week. Congratulations to all those who took part as everybody (Students and Instructors alike) emerged from the experience with huge smiles on their faces. Congratulations also to our three pilots who passed their flight tests. They are Ryan Krause (GFPT), Brendan Beauchamp (GFPT) and Luke Kingston Murphy (GFPT). The coming weeks are promising to be just as busy with more students commencing their training and more flight tests planned. Over the weekend of the V8 supercars, we are offering thirty minute joy flights around Magnetic Island and Townsville for $60 per person (3 passengers per flight) or one hour flights also including the surrounding Northern Beaches for $100. It would be advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment. These flights are also available all year around. Technology and your Flying Training There are a number of technology options that can assist you greatly in your Flight Training. What's more, our Instructors are very well versed in the Pro's/Con's and Cost/Benefit of these various options. An obvious example is Microsoft Flight Simulation. We have experience in this product that dates back 26 years. In fact, the very first Flight Simulation Program marketed by Microsoft kicked off the entire Flight Career of one of our Pilots! There is a huge variety of Home Simulation Set-ups that can assist you greatly in your 'rehersals' of flights, "between Flights". Come and speak with us or get in touch. We can offer you tailored advice. The following screen shots have been taken directly from Microsoft FSX on Final Approach for Runway 01, practicing a (very) bad weather approach in Townsville.
Another, less obvious tool is Google Earth. The freeware, downloadable program offers a 'Flight Simulator Mode'. Whilst it lacks heading information, a Navigation Course can be overlayed and preflown. This is an excellent tool for Navigation Workshops. You can practice your map reading skills and preview new airfield environments before flying to them for the first time. There are some tweaks, and there are 'ways' of using this technology to your advantage. There are also, like most tools, some downsides and bad habit formation that we can mitigate by talking you through it first. Drop us a line. Our advice is free ;-) A screenshot of what's possible in Google Earth is presented below.
Well, that's it for another News Brief. With the V8's in Town for the Townsville 400, remember that our Scenic Flights take in the Townsville Track Action from the air and include a Tour of Magnetic Island. At $60 per seat for 30min, we are told that it represents excellent value. Give us a call for details - and Take Care.
Exciting News is on the Horizon! Tony Beauchamp, our Chief Pilot, explains... Here at Townsville Aviation Centre it has been very busy for our
We welcome applications from any aspiring pilots that can see themselves with a career in flying. The full details will be discussed as applications are received. The next few weeks will see a number of our first students completing their training to various stages, and we wish them well in their flight tests. Exciting futures lie ahead for all concerned. Townsville Aviation Centre is teaming with the staff at Undara to promote the Undara Lava Tubes as a great destination for a romantic getaway. Undara is little known in Townsville even though it is only 138 nautical miles to our north-west. It is a little over an hours flight away, and is a great destination to spend a few days in the outback. Included on our web site is a link to “The Undara Experience”. Additional destinations will be added soon so keep in touch with our newsletters. Cheers
It's here at last! Finally, the AOC (Air Operator's Certificate) has landed (the piece of paper from CASA that allows us to finally get underway). Welcome to another update for the Townsville Aviation Centre! It's been an incredibly busy couple of weeks. The TAC Team has been painstakingly dotting the 'i's' and crossing the 't's' ready for this week; Preparation of Presentation and Training Materials, a new classroom for the students, all of the paperwork completed for three C172SP aircraft on the 'ramp', right down to signage and furniture re-arrangement. It's been huge, and now we're ready...
The AOC has Landed
The AOC is a Certificate from CASA, the governing body for Aviation in Australia. It is the authority for Townsville Aviaton Centre to conduct business as both a Flight Training School and an Aviation Charter organisation - and it has just arrived! It represents an enormous effort from everyone in the Team and we couldn't be more proud of the effort that all of the Team Members have put in to ensure that this principal goal become a reality. For you, this means that the newest Flight Training Centre in Townsville, with the newest Fleet and the best instructors (our opinion ;-), just opened its doors. If you have ever thought of Learning to Fly, trying a flight (a Trial Introductory Flight, or TIF) to see what it's like or even wish to pursue a career in aviation, let us know. Surprisingly perhaps, word-of-mouth has been at work in Townsville and we already have quite a number of students. In fact, this weekend alone we shall be conducting 96, half-hour, TIFs. Why not give us a call? I'm sure we'll find a slot times that meet your requirements. Even better, why not drop in for a chat? We would love to discuss your Flight Goals. In addition, the Charter Flight aspect of Townsville Aviation Centre allows us to further develop our network of Packages and wonderful, exciting, adventurous locations scattered throughout the Region. How about an overnight trip to the Lava Tubes of Undara; or the Beef Station at Cobbold Gorge? Why not fly to Dunk Island for weekend, or visit Hamilton Island for something completely different? One thing is for sure. You will not find better Service than the Team at Townsville Aviation Centre. New aircraft, friendly and highly profficient pilots, a host of options; give us a call and let us surprise you with exciting, affordable options. Three Aircraft on the 'Ramp' Townsville Aviation Centre has now completed the paperwork to secure three aircraft on our Flight Line. They are;
VH-PFT, a Cessna C172SP with G1000 Cockpit
VH-PFU, as above, they followed each other through the Factory in the States, with one serial number separating them...
VH-ADX, a C172SP with Analogue Gauges, made available for Private Airwork and Charter.
Ground School Development Ground School is an area of constant development for Townsville Aviation Centre, and shall remain an area of constant development. The better the presentation of ideas, the better they 'stick' and the better pilot's we produce, at less cost to the individual.
We are also working to develop a conversion/type course for the C172SP. Whilst far deeper than that required by CASA, the Course will provide an excellent insight and foundation for students moving on to bigger, faster and more complicated aircraft in the future. Below there is an example of the Fuel System from the Pilot's point of view. Orienting systems relative to the pilot is just one of the techniques we have employed to facilitate the process of learning and understanding aircraft systems.
There is a lot more to come; and remember that this is all developed in-house, by our own Team!
Well, that about wraps it up for now... Keep in mind that you are ALWAYS welcome to drop by and say hi. Obviously the message is getting out given the number of folk who have done exactly that over the past couple of weeks. Remember, dropping in to say hi is not a commitment to spending thousands of dollars. If you enjoy aviation, where better to be then around the bunch of like-minded, friendly individuals that make up the Townsville Aviation Centre Team? See you soon.
Welcome to the first edition of the Townsville Aviation News; the landing zone for all of the latest news and events at the Townsville Aviation Centre. Please feel free to visit our homepage at any time for more in-depth information regards Flight Training, Scenic Flights and the Charter Flight opportunities on offer. You can learn more about the Company, the Staff and find some great links too if you wish. In the meantime, what’s been happening? Well, it sure has been busy. With the final paperwork coming to a head with CASA, there has been a great opportunity to further develop some of the Courseware for our Flight Training School. With full PowerPoint and Flash Animations at the fore, it sure does make learning the trade that much more enjoyable; and fruitful.
We have gone to great lengths to develop teaching methodologies that are readily understood, harnessing everyday experiences as analogies where possible. It represents literally hundreds of hours of dedicated work – but it’s worth it. Why? It saves you money if you learn more effectively and more quickly. It is also more enjoyable to teach and learn using materials that present accurate information in a way that is clear, informative and engaging Our current full time students have had a sneak peak and are all keen to revisit many past subjects with the new material available. Whilst we shall strive for continual development of the courseware materials, the initial development of PPL and CPL materials is certainly time consuming, yet extremely rewarding by all counts to date. You are welcome to drop in to Townsville Aviation Centre and have peak over a cup of coffee any time you like. You may even choose to book a TIF (Trial Introductory Flight), or simply discuss your Townsville based Flight Training requirements. The Newest Flight Training Facility in Townsville, takes to the Skies! TAC is due to commence Townsville based Flight Training shortly before the end of May (2010 ;-). If you’ve considered learning to fly, then now would be an excellent time to come and have a chat over a coffee. Those considering a Private or Commercial Licence (PPL or CPL) will no doubt be full to the brim with questions. The Team at Townsville Aviation Centre was in your shoes at one stage too. We shall include a FAQ Section in the Flight Training Pages of the Website. Whilst the FAQ will be good as a ‘first pass’, please feel free to call, email or visit us with your questions. Flight Training is not, and should not be, something that you enter into lightly. There are limited Flight Training options within the Townsville region and we should take great pride in ensuring that our students, and potential students alike, are kept well informed, happy and motivated at every stage of their Flying. Townsville Aviation Centre buys a second C172 with the G1000
Our premier equipped C172, registered as VH-PFU is now joined by her sister, VH-PFT. These aircraft literally came off the Cessna assembly line, one behind the other - a single digit in the serial number between them. They are identically equipped, both featuring the G1000 Cockpit System that will be common to all of our future aircraft. What does this mean to you? Good question. Apart from the fact that we now have a redundant machine to further facilitate operations during maintenance tasks, the availability of our second aircraft enables a doubling of effort in Flight Training, Charter Flights and Scenic Adventure Flights. It is extremely exciting! Why not pop in for a coffee and a 'sniff'; there is nothing quite like the smell of a new aircraft. While you're here we could even show you through some of our latest training materials. You will be impressed. Learning to fly has never been this exciting before, and there is nothing like this available in the Townsville Region. Undara Weekend a HUGE success
Unfortunately, the neccessary CASA paperwork could not be arranged in time, but we still went. We managed to take all of the staff and Musicians for a fly around the resort and National Park - for free. It was absolutely our pleasure as, given how much we all enjoyed the festival, it seemed the very least we could do.
If you have never been, Undara is a well kept secret - at least in Townsville. National and International Tourists find their way there from Cairns, but, until now, there has been no easy way to get there from Townsville. THAT, is about to change. We are honoured to announce our new and close association with the Undara Crew. Instead of spending 5.5hrs on rough roads, competing with Road Trains and road-side cattle, why not Charter a Flight with Townsville Aviation Centre. We can have you there in a little over an hour! You can go there anytime, or you can call to discuss packages for major events - like the Outback Opera . Spread over four days from the 07-10 October inclusive, the accomodation will fill quickly. Make your plans today, and, if you like, we can fly you both ways. 'Til next time... ...add this page to your bookmarks and check back as often as you wish for all the latest news and events. From the Team at TAC, Take Care, Fly Safe and feel free to drop in any time ;-) Cheers |
All three students have passed their BAK (Basic Aeronautical Knowledge) tests and are now progressing further with their training. Brenton and Alice are close to their GFPTs. In addition, both Harry and Brenton have achieved their First Solo flights. Well done guys!!
first weeks of operation. Training has commenced for our Private Pilot Licence and Night Visual Flight Rules students. Our first weekend of operation included 84 Trial introductory Flights, each of half hour duration, with the operation running very smoothly. At the end of the weekend, all those who took part, both students and instructors had a huge smile on their faces.
We have been developing our Ground School Packages to be accurate, current, informative and engaging. There is lot's of custom animation and analagous approaches to the historically challenging concepts. 
We can discuss what’s required, how we would anticipate moulding a course to your budget, experience, expectations and available time. Equally as important, you would get an opportunity to come and see what we’re like. Perhaps we have two heads, and slur our words after 10am? – and perhaps not; but I promise we won’t bite...
That's right! We are very pleased, (well, ...thrilled actually) to be able to announce that the sister ship to our C172, has joined the stable at Townsville Aviation Centre. 
