Q: Who is membership open to and what are the requirements?
    A: Membership is open to all Katherine and Tindal locals and ADF members - without restriction. Currently there are no membership fees or requirements however we intend on creating a formal constitution in the near future which will have formal requirements and a membership fee.

Q: Where will the club operate from?
    A: Currently we have permission to be operating from the Katherine Airport Terminal (Civilian Side)

Q: What is RA (Recreational Aviation) Training and why is it different?
    A: Have a quick look at the information page on this website (link below) and then visit the official website: http://www.auf.asn.au
        In essence it is flying with a lot less paperwork and administration = cheaper. It is designed for people who want to fly as a hobby and for fun, due to restrictions on the size of the aircraft allowed, the weather conditions for flying and on issues such as flying for profit. This style of training/flying is most suited to those people who would love to fly for fun, without spending the $15,000 to $20,000 required to gain a normal 'General Aviation' CASA license. By the time the Tindal Flying Club is in full swing, we hope to be providing full RA licenses, allowing private flight in light sports aircraft across Australia with passengers for around $5,000 total.
        Planes will either be RA registred or VH registered, that is, RA pilots can only fly RA planes, VH (GA) pilots can fly either, as long as they follow the steps below.
        RA registered 'planes' vary from powered gliders and parachutes, to the Light Sports Aircraft Category such as Jabiru or Tecnams.

Q: What is GA (General Aviation) Training?
    A: This is probably what most people think of when they think of getting a pilot's license. See http://www.mfs.com.au/MFS_PPL.htm for the normal pathway. These are the lessons, typically in a Cessna 172, or 152 or similar and students progress                 through various stages such as GFPT, PPL, CPL, NVFR, IFR, ATPL etc. ANYONE planning on flying for hire or reward or as a career would need to go through this pathway. GA training is required if you want to fly anything larger than a Light                      Sports Aircraft, such as a Cessna, Piper, Yak 52 etc.

Q: I have an expired OR current GA license PPL or above, and/or a military flying license - how can I get involved in flying the RA planes?
    A: This is actually rather simple now
            Step 1) Download an application form for a 'Students Pilots License' from the RA website http://www.auf.asn.au, currently $160
            Step 2) You will need to bring your logbook, student pilots license, and sign a declaration saying that you are of a medical fitness suitable enough for driving a private car (no medical required)
            Step 3) 'Check Ride' with the instructor and CFI - this may take 2 or more hours, as the Light Sports Aircraft are a low inertia aircraft with very different handling characteristics.
            Step 4) Once 'checked', the CFI can sign you off and you can privately hire same day (you MUST have the student license first for insurance reasons)
            Step 5) The CFI will look at your GA endorsements and sign you off for similar endorsements in the RA license if appropriate

Q: I have a current military flying license - how can I get my GA license?
    A: Go to the CASA website http://www.casa.gov.au/fcl/milrecog.htm and fill out the required paperwork. A civilian CASA medical will also be required (see your friendly AVMO!).

Q: How will RA logged flying hours contribute to the advancement of my GA training - for instance GFPT to PPL, PPL to CPL etc?
    A: RA-AUS flying hours in our RA-Registered club aircraft count 1 for 1 with GA flying hours in the standard GA logbook. This includes logging hours for CPL. Students who progress from no experience to their full license with RA-AUS in the club aircraft, can convert to a GA license (PPL) with a few extra exams, navigation and controlled airspace exercises in a GA training school later. 

Q: How do I find out more?    
    A: For any club matters or enquiries (offers of help also appreciated, and thanks to those who already have!) please email the club on tindalflyingclub@gmail.com
        For any questions relating to licensing or RA training, please contact the Top End Flying Club Chief Flying Instructor who is helping create this club, Phil Rolfe, on philr@ozemail.com.au