Cathay Touches Down at AFT :: ATPL Pilot Recruitment Information Session

We were incredibly proud to welcome Cathay Pacific to AFT today for an exclusive pilot recruitment information session, hosted by one of our very own AFT alumni, Captain Chris Andrew (Training Captain) and Stu Baker (Chief Pilot – Boeing).

There’s something special about seeing our past ATPL students return; this time, not as students, but as airline professionals sharing insights, advice, and real-world experience with the next generation of pilots. Chris, we are in awe of your career with Cathay and know every one of our students felt your passion and love for all things flying Cathay.
A huge thank you to Stu Baker for joining Chris – your depth of aviation knowledge, leadership, connection and passion is contagious. From recruitment pathways and simulator preparation to interview tips and life at Cathay, it was an invaluable opportunity for our students to hear it straight from the flight deck.
Such a valuable opportunity for our students to spend time with these legends of the skies and have all their questions answered.

Inspired by @cathaypacific, driven by dreams – our students are ready for takeoff. 🛫




ATPL(A) :: Navigation Distance Learning Course Outline

Study Material Included:

    • AFT Navigation Theory Notes, Revision Tests, Answers and Workings
    • AFT Navigation Practical Notes, Revision Tests, Answers and Workings
    • AFT Navigation Additional Revision Tests, Answers and Workings
    • AFT ANAV Practice CyberExams with 8 Standard Marking Credits
    • AFT ANAV Practice CyberExam Answers and Workings
    • AFT ANAV Random Question Generators

    Navigation includes studying the static/pitot system, gyroscopic/laser ring instruments, weather radar, radar/radio altimeters and the latest on GPS. The principles of operation of radio navigation aids and their errors and limitations, determining position by way of radio navaid information (RMI with VOR/ADF) and the use of an ERC are covered next. You will learn to plot Critical Points and the Point of Safe Diversion on ERC and how to calculate track intercepts without a chart using basic trigonometry. The subject material is covered in the classroom from Monday to Friday, with Practice CyberExams over the weekend and the Monday before the CASA ANAV PEXO Exam on the Tuesday.




ATPL(A) :: Flight Planning Distance Learning Course Outline

Study Material Included:

  • CASA B727 Performance and Operations Handbook
  • AFT Flight Planning Notes and Revision Tests
  • AFT Flight Planning Notes and Revision Tests Answers and Workings
  • AFT Flight Planning Forms
  • AFT AFPA Practice CyberExams with 8 Premium Marking Credits
  • AFT AFPA Practice CyberExam Answers and Workings
  • AFT AFPA Random Question Generators

We start with a discussion of the effects on jet engine performance and aircraft aerodynamics, of cruising at high altitude and high speed. True Air Speed to Mach Number conversions, and other important considerations when flying near the speed of sound are also explained.

Once you fully understand these concepts you are ready to start Flight Planning. This is not only the most interesting, but also the most complex and time consuming section of the CASA syllabus. Step by step you will become familiar with the Boeing 727 Handbook, so by the end of the first week you are confidently planning RPT flights, including calculation of the PNR and ETP for Normal Operations, One Engine Inoperative Flight and Depressurised Cruise.

We also cover Yaw Damper failure, Buffet Boundary considerations and Alternate aerodrome requirements. You will eventually feel confident working through challenging problems. The second week of Flight Planning is devoted to consolidation and revision with CASA style revision tests and Practice CyberExams.




ATPL(A) :: Performance and Loading Distance Learning Course Outline

Study Material Included:

  • CASA B727 Performance and Operations Handbook
  • B727 Additional Graph Copy Package
  • AFT Weight Limitations Notes, Revision Tests, Answers and Workings
  • AFT Cruise Performance Notes, Revision Tests and Answers
  • AFT Performance Aerodynamics Notes, Revision Tests and Answers
  • AFT Weight and Balance Notes, Revision Tests, Answers and Workings
  • CASA APLA Workbooklet
  • B767 Flight Study Guide
  • Part 161 and Part 121 MOS
  • Performance and Loading Revision Tests, Answers and Workings
  • AFT APLA Practice CyberExams with 8 Premium Marking Credits
  • AFT APLA Practice CyberExam Answers and Workings
  • AFT APLA Random Question Generators

This subject involves calculation of Weight and Balance for a Boeing 727, a thorough investigation of takeoff and landing performance and a detailed look at CASR 121 MOS Chapter 9, so you fully understand the reasons behind all of the operational performance standards. The first four days in class covers the course material, with revision on Friday and our Practice CyberExams completed over the weekend before the CASA APLA PEXO Exam on the Monday.




ATPL(A) :: Full-Time Ground School Course Outline

Course Outline

Our course is very intensive, however we have done everything possible to ensure adequate time is given to fully cover the full ATPL(A) Syllabus. We have found that our short course format with our constant revision tests, leads to better information retention, especially on exam day!

Please Note: There may be some slight variations to the format described below when public holidays interfere with the scheduled CASA Exams at the end of each subject.

Navigation

Navigation commences on Monday, with six days spent in the classroom and the CASA ANAV Exam scheduled for the Tuesday after class finishes.

Study Material Included:

  • AFT Navigation Theory Notes, Revision Tests, Answers and Workings
  • AFT Navigation Practical Notes, Revision Tests, Answers and Workings
  • AFT Navigation Additional Revision Tests, Answers and Workings
  • AFT ANAV Practice CyberExams with 8 Standard Marking Credits
  • AFT ANAV Practice CyberExam Answers and Workings
  • AFT ANAV Random Question Generators

Navigation includes studying the static/pitot system, gyroscopic/laser ring instruments, weather radar, radar/radio altimeters and the latest on GPS. The principles of operation of radio navigation aids and their errors and limitations, determining position by way of radio navaid information (RMI with VOR/ADF) and the use of an ERC are covered next. You will learn to plot Critical Points and the Point of Safe Diversion on ERC and how to calculate track intercepts without a chart using basic trigonometry. The subject material is covered in the classroom from Monday to Friday, with Practice CyberExams over the weekend and the Monday before the CASA ANAV PEXO Exam on the Tuesday.

Aerodynamics and Aircraft Systems

Aerodynamics and Aircraft Systems commences on a Wednesday, with seven days spent in the classroom and the CASA AASA Exam scheduled for the Friday after class finishes.

Study Material Included:

  • AFT Basic Gas Turbine Notes, Revision Tests and Answers
  • AFT Aerodynamics Notes, Revision Tests and Answers
  • AFT Aircraft System Notes, Revision Tests and Answers
  • AFT Automatic Flight and Flight Management Notes
  • AFT AASA Practice CyberExams with 8 Premium Marking Credits
  • AFT AASA Practice CyberExam Answers

The Aerodynamics and Aircraft Systems Syllabus is very broad, covering BGT (Basic Gas Turbines), EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument Systems), FMS (Flight Management Systems) and all aircraft navigation and control systems. These are all discussed in great detail. Special videos on many of the important aspects will be viewed. Aircraft Hydraulic and Electrical Systems are also topics covered during the course.

Advanced Flight Theory has an EFIS Computer Simulator, displayed via large screens. The simulator allows us to show, in real time, a complete flight using the latest in EFIS displays and FMS. Wednesday to the following Thursday are spent learning the subject material, with Practice CyberExams sat on Thursday before the CASA AASA PEXO Exam on the Friday.

Performance and Loading

Performance and Loading commences on a Monday, with five days spent in the classroom and the CASA APLA Exam scheduled for the Monday after class finishes.

Study Material Included:

  • CASA B727 Performance and Operations Handbook
  • B727 Additional Graph Copy Package
  • AFT Weight Limitations Notes, Revision Tests, Answers and Workings
  • AFT Cruise Performance Notes, Revision Tests and Answers
  • AFT Performance Aerodynamics Notes, Revision Tests and Answers
  • AFT Weight and Balance Notes, Revision Tests, Answers and Workings
  • CASA APLA Workbooklet
  • B767 Flight Study Guide
  • Part 161 and Part 121 MOS
  • Performance and Loading Revision Tests, Answers and Workings
  • AFT APLA Practice CyberExams with 8 Premium Marking Credits
  • AFT APLA Practice CyberExam Answers and Workings
  • AFT APLA Random Question Generators

This subject involves calculation of Weight and Balance for a Boeing 727, a thorough investigation of takeoff and landing performance and a detailed look at CASR 121 MOS Chapter 9, so you fully understand the reasons behind all of the operational performance standards. The first four days in class covers the course material, with revision on Friday and our Practice CyberExams completed over the weekend before the CASA APLA PEXO Exam on the Monday.

Flight Planning

Flight Planning commences on a Tuesday, with nine days spent in the classroom. No CASA Exam date is booked for Flight Planning. This allows students more time to practice and refine the techniques needed in the AFPA exam. The additional time should ensure all methods and processes are fully understood and careless errors eliminated, with the added benefit of reduced time pressure before attempting the CASA exam. The majority of our students will book the AFPA exam themselves after returning home and allowing themselves enough extra time for suitable revision and practice. We do not have any pre booked exam sessions with ASPEQ for our Flight Planning courses and encourage you to book and sit the exam when you are fully prepared.

Study Material Included:

  • CASA B727 Performance and Operations Handbook
  • AFT Flight Planning Notes and Revision Tests
  • AFT Flight Planning Notes and Revision Tests Answers and Workings
  • AFT Flight Planning Forms
  • AFT AFPA Practice CyberExams with 8 Premium Marking Credits
  • AFT AFPA Practice CyberExam Answers and Workings
  • AFT AFPA Random Question Generators

We start with a discussion of the effects on jet engine performance and aircraft aerodynamics, of cruising at high altitude and high speed. True Air Speed to Mach Number conversions, and other important considerations when flying near the speed of sound are also explained.

Once you fully understand these concepts you are ready to start Flight Planning. This is not only the most interesting, but also the most complex and time consuming section of the CASA syllabus. Step by step you will become familiar with the Boeing 727 Handbook, so by the end of the first week you are confidently planning RPT flights, including calculation of the PNR and ETP for Normal Operations, One Engine Inoperative Flight and Depressurised Cruise.

We also cover Yaw Damper failure, Buffet Boundary considerations and Alternate aerodrome requirements. You will eventually feel confident working through challenging problems. The second week of Flight Planning is devoted to consolidation and revision with CASA style revision tests and Practice CyberExams.




CPL Helicopter :: CASA Exam Information and Permitted Material

CPL(H) CASA Exam Information

There is a considerable amount of information regarding the CASA Exam system available on CASA’s CPL(H) Exams Page. 

7 Subject CPL Helicopter Examination

The CPL Helicopter Examination is made up of seven separate examinations. You can do the exams in any order:

  • Navigation (CNAV)
  • Meteorology (CMET)
  • Human Factors (CHUF)
  • Flight Rules and Air Law (CLWH)
  • Aerodynamics (CADH)
  • Aircraft General Knowledge (CSYH)
  • Operations, Performance and Planning (CFPH)

Individual Subject Credits

All CPL exams are individual examinations. Candidates may choose to sit any number of papers at any particular sitting and be credited with a pass in each examination separately. When all subjects have been passed, a candidate is awarded a pass in the CPL examination.

Perpetual Validity Period

The full CPL theory credit once issued, will remain valid indefinitely. This may be reviewed at a later date.

Two Year Time Frame

As of 1 September, 2014 a candidate has two years to pass all seven CPL examinations to be awarded an CPL theory pass.

Pass Mark Required

The pass mark for each CASA examination is 70%, except for the Air Law where the pass mark is 80%.

Exam Fees

ASPEQ has a contract for the nationwide delivery of Flight Crew licensing examinations for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). ASPEQ is responsible for the booking and delivery of the examinations through a network of examination sites, while CASA is responsible for the provisions of the examinations through their PEXO Exam System.

The fees for the examination service is split into two parts –

  • CASA Examination Fee
  • ASPEQ Examination Delivery Fee

Examination Venues

CASA Exams can be sat a many CASA authorised exam centres Australia wide.

Booking your CASA/ASPEQ Exams

All CASA Flight Crew Licencing Exams are to be booked through ASPEQ’s website.

There are two parts to the CPL Examination fees – a CASA fee and an ASPEQ fee.

The CASA examination fees are for the Exam service provided by CASA via their web-based delivery system. The ASPEQ exam delivery fees are charged for each examination subject required. The fee structure is based around the length of the examination subject as this determines the amount of computer time used to deliver the subject. Please see CASA’s website for current exam fee information for CLWH, CADH, CSYH and CFPH or CMET, CNAV and CHUF

IMPORTANT NOTE: CASA and ASPEQ fees are NOT included in our course fees for Full Time Ground School or Distance Learning Courses. If you are attending our Full Time Ground School Classes we have pre-booked CASA PEXO Exam sessions for our students at the end of each subject. If requested, we can book your exam in one of these sessions for you on your first day in class and charge the exams fees to your account. Our pre booked sessions mean you do not need to book your own CASA Exams for subjects you do in class with us. You must book your own CASA Exams for any Distance Learning subjects you study.

Before booking any CASA Exams candidates need to be sure of their eligibility and timing before making a booking.

CPL Helicopter Permitted Material

To complete your study and sit the CASA exams, additional items are required for some of the CPL(H) Exams as follows:

CASA Regulatory Documents

  • AIP Complete
  • ERSA
  • CAR 1988
  • Part 61 of CASR
  • Part 91 of CASR and Part 91 MOS
  • Part 133 of CASR and Part 133 MOS
  • CAO 48.1 Instrument 2019
  • AC 91-29

Navigation Equipment, Maps and Charts

  • Slide type Flight Computer
  • Water Soluble Pen
  • Navigation Protractor and Scale Ruler (180nm)
  • Sydney WAC chart
  • Brisbane-Sunshine Coast/Gold Coast, Hobart/Launceston VTC Charts
  • ERC Low 1/2 and ERC Low 3/4
  • Planning Chart Australia

Please see the Permitted Material page for more information.

All of these items are included in our Distance Learning Course fee, so there is no need to purchase them separately if you are studying on your own.

If you are attending our Full-time Ground School course, you will be able to purchase these items upon arrival from our Pilot Supply Shop.




ATPL(A) :: Aero and Aircraft Sys Distance Learning Course Outline

Study Material Included:

    • AFT Basic Gas Turbine Notes, Revision Tests and Answers
    • AFT Aerodynamics Notes, Revision Tests and Answers
    • AFT Aircraft System Notes, Revision Tests and Answers
    • AFT Automatic Flight and Flight Management Notes
    • AFT AASA Practice CyberExams with 8 Premium Marking Credits
    • AFT AASA Practice CyberExam Answers

    The Aerodynamics and Aircraft Systems Syllabus is very broad, covering BGT (Basic Gas Turbines), EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument Systems), FMS (Flight Management Systems) and all aircraft navigation and control systems. These are all discussed in great detail. Special videos on many of the important aspects will be viewed. Aircraft Hydraulic and Electrical Systems are also topics covered during the course.

    Advanced Flight Theory has an EFIS Computer Simulator, displayed via large screens. The simulator allows us to show, in real time, a complete flight using the latest in EFIS displays and FMS. Wednesday to the following Thursday are spent learning the subject material, with Practice CyberExams sat on Thursday before the CASA AASA PEXO Exam on the Friday.




The Little Yellow Helicopter

If learning to fly a helicopter is your ambition, you have come to the right place. Advanced Flight Theory was originally founded on specialist helicopter theory training well over 30 years ago, so we love being involved with helicopter pilots and we know a lot about what it takes for you to follow your ambition.

This little helicopter sits on an oil stained pad in outback channel country in far west QLD that’s been in use since helicopter mustering first started many years ago, and has been used by dozens of different helicopters and pilots. Over the years many of those remarkable and highly skilled bush pilots moved on to the bigger and more complex multi-engine multi-crew helicopters used in offshore oil rig operations, search and rescue operations, VIP corporate operations.

Some of those skilled mustering pilots became involved in fire fighting operations both in Australia and on annual tour overseas. One pilot who used this little pad many years ago became one of the very first civilian pilots in Australia to be trained and endorsed to fly the civilian version of the army Blackhawk helicopter now a common sight in the fire zones across VIC and NSW. That is an achievement to be very proud of.

There are many different pathways into the helicopter industry other than mustering in the outback. You simply never know just how far the decision to get started flying helicopters may take you, but always be assured wherever you path takes you we have the theory training and support you need for you entire helicopter career.