Regarding Australian pricing, I haven't found that it is cheaper.

Australian CPL = 105hr min. Instruction requires 400hrs
US CPL = 150Hr min. Instruction Requires 200hrs.

So comparing costs, PHS is the cheapest Aus school I found with a cost of
roughly AUS$42575 to get to CPL (this is the 2001 price). Hillsboro though
quotes US$39,696.40 for it's CPL course (June 2003 price).

In the exchange rate conversion, Hillsboro looks expensive, but for the
Hillsboro price you get 200hrs and an immediate opportunity of a CFI job
whereas for PHS you only get 105hrs, no chance of instruction and little
chance of much else realistically. Plus Hillsboro gets you a CFI and IR
rating in the package too and includes theory training and so on.

Doing a 'loaded cost/hour' I found that PHS were charging around
UK£168/hour while Hillsboro came out at UK£141/hour.

Now it may well be my research hasn't been deep enough and I'm missing some
other costs in the US price or conversely underestimating the chances of
CPL non-instruction work in Aus. Do let me know if you think that is the
case.

Personally I'd prefer to train/study/work in the US, but Australian visa
requirements for the English are relatively easy to meet which is why it's
still on my list. The US on the other hand is locked down pretty tight
right now (understandably) for legitimate visa requests.

r.

ops wrote in


There have been a few who have come from the UK to Bankstown (Sydney)
gain there licenses. Better weather is there excuses. Also cheaper
with the conversion rate. ( I have not found the US cheap)

I would also make inquiries as to the license compatibility after you
have gained it - or having to be re certified back in the UK if this
makes any difference.

Locally south of Sydney. http://www.aerowasp.citysearch.com.au

Also try a post to aus.aviation they will have a better idea who to
go with and more suggestions.

http://tinyurl.com/mik1

the yellowpages