Eligibility Criteria for Flying Kickstart Program

• Must apply using the Aspiring Pilots Application form before the 8^th of March.
• Must be able to attend Aldinga Air show (April 7, 2024) where finalists and those awarded places in the program will be announced (Note: ticket costs to the Airshow apply – this is not subsidised or covered by this program).
• Must be able to commit to flying lessons (up to 20 hours) between April 7^th and the 1^st of July 2025.
• Must be between 15-21 years old (as of Dec 31st, 2024).
• Must be willing to disclose medical conditions and/or medications being taken for the duration of the program, and must meet the requirements of being deemed medically “fit to fly” as specified by RAAus (Recreational Aviation Australia) for Recreational Aviation (RA) student pilots, or CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) for General Aviation (GA) student pilots:
  • Information about RAAus Medical – https://raaus.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/raap-9-medical-guidance-for-raaus-members.pdf
  • Information about GA Medical Requirements – https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certificates/aviation-medicals-and-certificates/classes-medical-certificate#Class1medicalcertificate
• Must have capacity to study, learn & pass relevant exams
• Must be Australian Citizen / Permanent resident.
• Must be able to regularly travel to and from Aldinga Airfield to undertake training.
• Must be willing to provide media consent (Images and footage may be used in the promotion of this and other air shows in future etc.).
• Within reason, support Aldinga Airfield, Aldinga Aviation, Adelaide Biplanes, Aldinga Aero Club, Lite Air and Command Flight Training by liking our pages/profiles on social media and by sharing posts in association with the Aldinga Airshow 2024 and the Flying Kickstart Program.
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• What is the Flying Kickstart Program?

The Aldinga Air Show Organising Committee is passionate about helping to connect interested youths with pathways to learn how to become pilots. To this end, the Organising Committee has partnered with local flying schools based at Aldinga Airfield to create the Flying Kickstart Program.

• What does the program offer?

Between April 7^th 2024 and June 30^th 2025 the program will award 12 young people a chance to take to the skies and kickstart their aviation journey. The program includes:

1 x $5,000 General Aviation Flying Kickstart Training Award

1 x $5,000 Recreational Aviation Flying Kickstart Training Award

1x $5,000 General Aviation Flying Kickstart Training Award OR Recreational Aviation Flying Kickstart Training Award

3 x Kickstart First Flying Lesson (General Aviation TIF’s – Trial Introductory Flights)

3 x Kickstart First Flying Lesson (Recreational Aviation TIF’s – Trial Introductory Flights)

4 x (10%) Discounted Trial Introductory Flying Lessons

All places in the program additionally offer a free 12 month (student) membership to Aldinga Aero Club, including access to a flight simulator (Free introduction session inclusive). All places in the program (and their benefits) are valid until 30/06/2025.

Note: Additional places offered as part of this program may be announced closer to Aldinga Airshow 2024.

• What additional costs are not included as part of the Flying Kickstart Program?

The Flying Kickstart program is intended to help fund the cost of flying lessons, sadly there are additional costs that may be incurred including but not limited to:

• Expenses associated with travelling to and from Aldinga Airfield.
• Training Materials – Whether RAAus or GA, you will be required to purchase or source a number of items including books & calculator (required for tests/exams).
• RAAus Student Membership (if applicable).
• Medical examinations required as part of GA (if applicable).

• What time commitment is involved in the program?
  • The 2 x Kickstart Training Awards require an investment of between 10-20 hours of flying lessons at Aldinga Airfield (between April 7^th 2024 and June 30^th 2025) to be arranged between the award recipient and the flying school.
  • The 6 x Kickstart first flying lessons require an investment of between 1-2 hours each.
  • Self-directed learning may be requested by the flying school in addition to formal flying lessons.
• When is the Flying Kickstart Program being run?
  • The program officially runs between April 2024 and July 2025. Any flying lessons or discounts associated with the Flying Kickstart program not utilised by the 1st of July 2025 will be forfeit (i.e. no longer redeemable)
• How old do I need to be to apply?
  • The program is open for youth aged between 15-21 (as of Dec 31st, 2024).
• How far towards becoming a pilot will it help me to get…?
  • As with driving lessons – there is variation from person to person as to how many lessons are required to achieve competence, reach milestones and pass tests/exams. It is also highly dependent on whether the applicant trains for the recreational pilot’s certificate or the private pilot’s licence as the latter is more time consuming and generally more expensive. Costs also vary from flying school to flying school, and from plane to plane.
  • An average student aiming to obtain a recreational pilot’s certificate can take 20-50 hours of flying lessons (in addition to a number of hours studying the theory in their personal time) to reach competence.
  • An average student aiming to obtain a general aviation pilot’s licence is recommended to do a minimum of 40 hours, but typically requires 50-60 hours to achieve competence (in addition to a number of hours studying the theory in their personal time).
  • A typical rate for recreational flying training is around $245 per flight hour so $5,000 would provide around 20 hours of flying lessons.
  • A typical rate for private pilot flying training is around $400- per flight hour so $5,000 would provide around 12 hours of flying lessons.
• I’m under the age of 18, or an adult supporting / assisting someone under the age of 18 to apply – How do we know that the program safe for under 18’s?
  • Participating flying schools are experienced in providing flying lessons to student pilots under the age of 18.
  • Kickstart Sub-Committee have had working with children checks.
  • All parties that may receive written details, images or footage of anyone aged 17 or younger are specified in the terms and conditions – no sensitive data will be shared to any third parties not named in the terms and conditions.
  • Parental / guardians permissions are required, and supervision throughout the program is encouraged (to be discussed with Flying School).
  • Lessons can be organised outside of school hours.
• What type of aircraft will I fly?
  • That will depend on the flying school’s available aircraft and your long term objectives. Whilst you are encouraged to state preferences in your application, the Kickstart Selection committee will ultimately decide if you are awarded the opportunity to participate in the program.
  • If you are selected to participate in the program, the Kickstart Selection committee will decide what flying school you are assigned. Planes are subject to availability and vary from flying school to flying school. It may also be dependant on whether you are selected for a training award equal to $5000 worth of flying lessons, a single first flying lesson (valued between $145 and $400) or whether you receive a discount with a local flying school.
  • Typical training aircraft for recreational flying are Cruiser Aircraft Sportcruiser or similar, CubCrafters Carbon Cub.
  • Typical training aircraft for private flying are Cessna 172 and Piper Warrior.
• How does a person become a recreational pilot? (and what does that mean) RAAus Explained
  • Theory – This is a key part of your training, where you will learn and understand about aviation during your ground study.
  • Lessons – Usually the most “fun” part of your aviation journey is jumping in the left hand seat (or front depending on aircraft) and learning how to fly the aircraft.
  • Tests – Along what way you will be expected to sit a number of tests which are mostly multiple choice.
  • Pilot Certificate (issued by RAAus) – This is where you take flight on your own, you’ve earned your wings and now it’s time to soar to the next adventure.
  • More information – https://raaus.com.au/
• How does a person become a private or commercial pilot? (and what does that mean) GA Explained
  • Theory – This is a key part of your training, where you will learn and understand about aviation during your ground study.
  • Lessons – Usually the most “fun” part of your aviation journey is jumping in the left hand seat (or front depending on aircraft) and learning how to fly the aircraft.
  • Exams – Similar to RAAus, along the way you will be expected to sit a number of tests which are mostly multiple choice.
  • Pilot Licence (issued by CASA) – This is where you take flight on your own, you’ve earned your wings and now its time to soar to the next adventure.
  • More information – https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certificates/pilots/process-become-pilot/learning-fly
• What pathways exist for becoming a pilot & what do they involve? 
  • Airline Pilot – You could choose to go into the airline industry. Jet setting around Australia or even internationally, the skies are really the limit along with your learning abilities. An example may be the Qantas Pilot Academy route – https://www.qantas.com/au/en/about-us/our-company/pilot-academy.html
  • Angel Flight – A charitable organisation that helps transport patients around the country to capital cities for various medical appointments. Once you have a PPL and the minimum number of hours required, you will be eligible to help. Find out more information on their website here – https://www.angelflight.org.au/
  • RAAF (not just fighter pilot) – Want to follow in Matt Hall’s foot-steps? The RAAF is a pathway to becoming a fighter pilot and many other forms of pilots. It won’t be easy but to find out more info click here – https://airforce.adfcareers.gov.au/joining/how-to-join/entry-methods
  • RFDS – The Royal Flying Doctor Service provide a 24/7 aeromedical service for patients across the country, often saving many lives when things can be dire. Find out more info here – https://www.rfds.org.au/
• Is there a maximum weight or height to be part of Flying KickStart?
  • Depending on whether you go RAAus or GA (General Aviation), there are usually limits for the aircraft you will be learning to fly in. It is recommended for RAAus a student pilot should be under 100 kg. There may be some flexibility with GA but not significantly more. As for height, this is a similar situation, where it is critical the student can reach the pedals of the aircraft when seated. If you are unsure whether you are “too short” or “too tall” – we encourage you to apply anyway as it is largely dependent on the plane you will be learning in.
• If I have any further questions, who can I reach out to?
  • Youth Coordinator & Secretary of Aldinga Aero Club
    Blaze Pilgrim – kickstart@aldingaairshow.com.au

1. The applicants must be prepared to pay for any other costs associated to their flying journey. Refer to FAQ for potential additional costs.
2. The Flying Kickstart Program will cover the costs of tuition, fuel and aircraft time up to the value of the Kickstart Program Award – All funds will be paid directly to the flying school(s) selected by the Kickstart Program.
3. Once the Award type and flying school has been selected by the Flying Kickstart Program, the recipients must organise their own training times with the flying schools.
4.  The Flying Kickstart award recipients must be available for media interviews and coverage throughout the duration of the program, entrants not willing to provide media consent will not be eligible to participate in the program.
5. The decision of the Flying Kickstart Selection Panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The panel has the discretion to not award a placement in the program in any year.
6. Aspiring Pilot Applications to be received by Flying Kickstart by 11:59pm on 8^th of March 2024
7. The Flying Kickstart program award will be terminated and/or offered to another entrant if the recipient :
   • does not attend Aldinga Airshow (or provide another contact to attend Aldinga Airshow in their absence)
   • does not confirm acceptance by 8^th of April 2024; or
   • does not commence flying training by 30^th of June 2024; or
   • does not complete the program by 30^th of June 2025.
   • engages in any conduct deemed reckless or inappropriate during the timeframes of the program.