GFPT - General Flying Progress Test
General Flying Progress Test
(GFPT)
The GFPT (formerly known as the Restricted Pilot's Licence) is the first official recognition of your flying skills.
Holding a GFPT will permit you to fly solo with passengers within the Sydney Training Area, which extends south to Picton, west to the Burragorang and Warragamba areas, and north to Prospect Pipeline and Resevoir.
We recommend the Citabria as your basic pilot training aircraft. The Citabria is a two-seat (tandem) tailwheel aircraft that will teach you excellent stick and rudder techniques.
Alternatively, you may choose the Piper Warrior, a four seat nose-wheel aircraft. If you continue to the Private Pilot's Licence level, you will also use this aircraft for your navigation training.
The GFPT is broken into two modules:
Module one - First Solo flight
This module provides you with instruction necessary to enable you to take your first solo flight.
This module teaches you the basics of flying. You will be confident in flying straight and level, climbing, descending and turning, not to mention the all important take-off and landing.
This module comprises the following:
The Medical - Before a Student Pilot Licence may be issued, you must be certified medically fit to fly by an Aviation Medical Examiner. We can provide you with contact details of your local Medical Examiner.
Flight Training Manual - This important book outlines the fundamentals of flying an aeroplane and operating its systems. It also introduces the principles of navigation.
Briefings - Your flying instructor will provide personal tuition before and after each flight to introduce and reinforce concepts and answer any questions you may have.
Flying Training - This is the FUN part. Many students are able to fly solo after approximately
15 hours of pilot training and instruction.
Logbook - Every flight must be recorded in your personal logbook.
Module 2 - The Recreational Licence
Achieving a Recreational Licence involves passing the General Flying Progress Test (GFPT) following approximately 18 hours further training.
Advanced training in module 2 includes:
* Short Field take-offs and landings
* Crosswind Circuits
* Basic Instrument Flying
* Practiced Forced Landings
* Training Area Familiarisation
Training Area Solo
The highlight of this training module is taking to the skies on your own
into the Training Area! You may now explore an area bounded by Lake
Burragorang, Warragamba Dam, Prospect and the Thirlmere Lakes near Picton.
Basic Aeronautical Knowledge - BAK
Before taking the GFPT check flight, you will need to complete some simple
aeronautical and air-law theory, commonly known as BAK. It covers basic
aircraft systems, aerodynamics, aircraft performance and rules of the air.
The GFPT!
Now you are ready to pass the GFPT. Once completed, you may take your own
passengers to the training area!
