GFPT = general flying progress test. It is like an enhanced solo
endorsement. It allows you to carry passengers within the training area.


"Peter Duniho" wrote in
:

"mommers" wrote in message
...
I'm a student pilot about to go solo and hoping to go GFPT in a few
months.

Please define "GFPT". It's not something that looks like a common
aviation abbreviation. We can try to guess what you mean, but it'll
be better if you just clarify yourself.

Also, it looks like you're posting from Australia, so I assume that
"GFPT" refers to something specific to Australia. In addition, I
don't know the regulations in Australia, but I do know the regulations
in the US. I suspect they are similar, so I'm going ahead and
answering your question as if you were asking about the US
regulations. (Some parts of my answer don't depend on the
regulations anyway, so they are relevant to you regardless).

Ive been reading how to expand you flying options and different
ratings you can get.
I want to really aim to go for a Constant Speed and Retractable
Landing Gear rating.

You'll learn more about this as you get into the specific regulations
during your training. However, short answer is that there are two
*endorsements* (different from a rating): one for "complex" aircraft;
and one for "high performance" aircraft.

The "complex" endorsement is for airplanes with a constant speed prop,
retractable landing gear, and flaps (all three on one plane). The
"high performance" endorsement is for airplanes with an engine having
more than 200 hp.

To receive the endorsement, you simply need to fly with an instructor
until he is satisfied you're competent to receive the endorsement. No
written or oral exam, no practical test.

Question is, how much is it rougly to get one of these ratings and
how many hours do you need and how many hrs training do you need
before you get your rating.

It depends, but generally you ought to be able to complete the
necessary training in five hours, give or take. Cost will simply be
the instructor plus airplane; what that actually is depends on where
you get your training, of course.

In theory, you can jump right into the high performance/complex
endorsements (commonly, you'd wind up training in an airplane that
qualifies for both, and obtain both endorsements at the same time).
There's no regulatory prerequisite. In practice, it's a good idea to
get some hours under your belt before moving up to the higher
performance airplanes.

I'd say it'd be a good idea to get at least 25-50 hours in before
looking to get those endorsements, with a decent mix of
cross-country/local and towered/non-towered airports.

PS: One last thing ive been wondering, If i get my license and go
GFPT in a Cessna 172 for example can i go and fly a Piper Archer or
Cherokee without any training and is it just a matter of reading the
operating books. TO cut to the chase can I go from high wing to low
wing without any training?

Legally, yes. Practically speaking, you ought to at least get a
checkout with an instructor familiar in the type of airplane you
indeed to move over to. In addition, if you're renting, the FBO will
generally have some minimum time and training requirements for you to
meet, often based on their insurance policy.

Pete