Take Flight, at SMGS!
The main emphasis of the program is founded on the premise that a good decision can only be made with sound and comprehensive information. As such, the program provides students with knowledge and experiences, often not readily available in the public domain, that will facilitate their decision-making with respect to aviation. Such decisions may include the consideration of aviation as a career path, a recreational endeavour or as a way of expanding a general interest in the aviation industry.
In addition, the theory component of each course provides relevance to their normal academic subjects such as Science, Geography, Maths, PDHPE and Design & Technology.
Course Objectives
- To provide students with enough information, much of which is not readily available in the public domain, to make an informed decision regarding a possible career in the aviation industry.
- To provide students with the opportunity to gain full commercial qualifications either as an RA-Aus pilot and/or as a commercial RPA (drone) pilot.
- To provide students with the opportunity to gain a competitive advantage when applying for post-school positions within the aviation industry.
- To provide students with the opportunity to further explore their interest in aviation.
Courses Offered
Course 1:
RA-Aus Pilot Certificate
(Pilot-Manned Aircraft)
Course length:
Approximately 3 school terms
Cohort:
Year 9-12 students
Course 2:
RA-Aus Cross-Country and Passenger Carrying Endorsement
(Pilot-Manned Aircraft)
Course length:
Approximately 3 school terms.
Cohort:
Year 10-12 students.
Course 3:
RPA Professional Pilot Preparation 1 Certificate
(Remote Piloted Aircraft – drone)
Course length:
Approximately 3 school terms.
Cohort:
Year 10-12 students.
Course 4:
RPA Professional Pilot Preparation 2 Certificate
(Remote Piloted Aircraft – drone)
Course length:
Approximately 3 school terms.
Cohort:
Year 10-12 students.
Course 5:
RPA (RePL) Licence Course
(Remote Piloted Aircraft – drone)
Course length:
Approximately 2 weeks (1 week of online training and one week in Canberra.
Cohort:
Year 10-12 students.
SMGS Aviation Program Record
To date, our success rate for transitioning students from SMGS into the aviation industry includes students who are presently flying:
- 787 Dreamliner – Qantas
- C-17A Globemaster III – Royal Australian Airforce
- FA18 Hornet – Royal Australian Airforce
- Cessna Conquest – Sharp Airlines
- Airbus A320 – Air Arabia
- Airbus A320 – Jetstar
In addition, we have student/s involved in the following:
- Aeronautical Engineering Degree at ADFA and is now undertaking RAAF pilot training.
- Pilot cadetship with Torres Strait Air (multiple aircraft)
- RePL (drone) Licence (12 students have already gained their RePL)
- Employment with CASA
- Ground operations at Canberra Airport
Instructor Profiles
Phil Ryrie – SMGS
The SMGS Aviation Program and all associated school-based learning is facilitated by Mr Phil Ryrie. Mr Ryrie is a passionate aviation enthusiast and is the Head of the SMGS School of Aviation. Mr Ryrie has had considerable experience and exposure to both commercial and general aviation training environments. He is a qualified RePL instructor and assessor.
Martin Hughes – Alpine Aviation Australia
Mr Martin Hughes is the owner/operator of Alpine Aviation Australia, a Recreational Aviation Australia flight training facility based at Jindabyne airfield, and the school’s Chief Flying Instructor. Mr Hughes is a former RAF pilot and flying instructor with over 4000 hours of flying experience. Alpine Aviation Australia offers flying instruction for beginners of all ages, conversions from general aviation or type, flight reviews, instructor training and Recreational Aviation Australia endorsements.
John Fleming – FPV Australia
Mr John Fleming is the CEO and Chief Instructor of FPV Australia. Mr Fleming’s company has manufactured custom-built drones since the early 2000s, and is a pioneer and leader within the industry. He is dedicated to providing safety-focused, quality training. Mr Fleming trains RPA pilots for both public and private organisations. FPV provides SMGS students with both the RePL and Aeronautical Radio Operators certifications.
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