Choose your own adventure!
Welcoming aspiring pilots of all ages and backgrounds to personalised, professional flight training in a relaxed and friendly environment. Whether you’re pursuing a long-term goal or a career in aviation, our tailored RPL, PPL and CPL programmes help you to get airborne with confidence.
We help aspiring pilots achieve their goals and navigate their aviation journey with confidence
Our difference lies in combining a warm, welcoming approach with professional, CASA-approved training standards. We tailor our lessons to fit your pace, enabling you to master the skills while balancing aviation goals with the realities of work and family life.
Why choose Parafield Flying Centre?
Welcoming and relaxed environment
We create a friendly and comfortable atmosphere where trainees of all ages and backgrounds feel comfortable and supported as they learn to fly.
Competitive pricing with no hidden costs
Our affordable pricing structure, including pay-as-you-go, and reasonably priced trial flights, ensures you can pursue your aviation goals without financial stress.
Professional, CASA-approved training
All training is delivered to the highest standards in accordance with our CASA-approved syllabus, giving you the confidence and skills you need to fly safely and professionally.
Train at your own pace
With no deadlines or rigid schedules, you have the flexibility to fit flight training and study around your work, family, and life commitments—on your own terms.
Real-world airspace experience from day one
Training begins at a controlled aerodrome in controlled airspace, ensuring you gain valuable experience with procedures and radio communications from your very first lesson.
Experienced and dedicated instructors
Our instructors are experienced career professionals dedicated to your success, and offering personalised guidance every step of the way.
You can’t be what you can’t see
Ladies will be delighted to be part of an organisation where capable and experienced women pilots are visible and in leadership roles.
Flexible, no-contract learning
With no up-front payments or contracts, you can pay as you go, giving you complete control over your training and financial investment.
Achieve your aviation goals with our range of certifications, licenses and endorsements
The advantage of the 200 hour* self-paced non-integrated competency-based course is the fact that you achieve the PPL on the way, which means you are a licenced pilot after only 40 hours*. You can then gain independent operational experience by flying further afield with your friends and family, and at a lower cost (hire & fly). By the time you gain your CPL, you will be capable and confident, and very industry ready! You will also have plenty of Cessna time if you train here, which is what future employers are looking for.
Flight test required. Exams required.
*Minimum, and all previous flight time and experience counts
We offer the 40 hour* self-paced non-integrated competency-based course, in accordance with our CASA-approved syllabus. This course is only offered at Parafield, as it requires flying in controlled airspace and operating at a controlled aerodrome. All solo flights are supervised and authorised by the instructor.
Flight test required. Exam required.
*Minimum, and all previous flight time and experience counts
This 25 hour* self-paced competency-based course is available at all of our sites. Trainees who complete this course at Parafield also graduate with the Controlled Aerodrome and Radio endorsements. All solo flights are supervised and authorised by the instructor.
Flight test required. Exam required.
*Minimum, and all previous flight time and experience counts
We assist applicants with the credentials transfer paperwork required by CASA, and a gap-analysis is conducted to identify any areas for learning or development. We offer additional training or theory tuition as required to address any gaps. Once the RPL is received by the applicant, the licence is activated by means of a Flight Review (no flight test required).
This service is available at all of our training sites.
An in-house exam is required, but your instructor can sign you off for this qual – no flight test required. Available at all of our sites, but only available to RPL holders or trainees, as this training is already an integral part the PPL syllabus and the CPL syllabus. For RPL holders who wish to fly beyond 25nm of the aerodrome of departure, this is an essential qualification.
Exam required, but no flight test – your instructor can sign you off as competent.
This is an essential qualification for RPL holders from out of town who want to fly in and out of Parafield. It is only offered at Parafield, and is not required by PPL or CPL trainees, as it is an integral part of their courses.
In-house exam required, and your instructor can sign off – no flight test required.
This is an essential qualification for RPL-holders who wish to transit Class C or Military airspace en-route. It is not required by PPL or CPL trainees, as it is an integral part of their courses. This course is only offered at Parafield.
No flight test required, instructor sign-off. In-house exam.
We currently offer the Manual Propellor Pitch Control (aka “Variable Pitch Prop”) endorsement, which is available to RPL and PPL holders, but is embedded in CPL training. This course is available at Parafield, or at any of our sites for pilots wishing to complete this qualification their own aircraft.
Instructor sign-off.
This course is available to PPL holders and can also be conducted as part of the CPL training course. Available at all of our sites, but some experience at night in controlled airspace is highly recommended.
Flight test and exam required (in-house).
Will be available to all licence-holders, but conducted only at Parafield in the C152A Aerobat.
Flight test required; also in-house exam.
*Note: These are aeronautical experience minima, required by CASA in order to be eligible for the flight test. Training is competency-based, and trainees must also achieve the required competency standards in order to be eligible for the flight test.
Train at our satellite locations across South Australia
Our business centre and main operation, with our cheery and welcoming office and classroom, is at Parafield Airport.
This is a busy aerodrome, so keeping a good lookout for other traffic becomes second nature here.
Also a towered aerodrome and Class D airspace, with adjacent Class C and military airspace, this is the ideal location to train for the Private Pilot Licence, Commercial Pilot Licence, Night Rating, or the Controlled Aerodrome and Controlled Airspace endorsements attached to the Recreational Pilot Licence.
All communication at Parafield Airport is through Air Traffic Control, so radio phraseology and procedures are taught from Lesson 1.
Located right in the centre of the Eyre Peninsula, our Wudinna operation is accessible to trainees from places as far away as Ceduna, Streaky Bay, Kimba, and Cummins.
With a sealed main runway and a gravel secondary runway, trainees here get the best of both worlds.
The training aircraft, Cessna 172N VH-TOH, is owned and operated by the Wudinna Flying Club, which is always delighted to welcome new members.
While Wudinna is a non-towered aerodrome in Glass G airspace, it is frequented by a variety of traffic, including the RFDS and freight operators, so trainees learn and utilise the relevant traffic procedures during their training.
Located on the picturesque Franklin Bay near the top of the gulf, this is a very scenic place to train, ideal for those who live on or near the East coast of the Eyre Peninsula.
Cowell airfield has three runways, two grass and one gravel, which is ideal for those pilots who might one day be operating from runways on their own properties.
The training aircraft, Cessna 172M VH-TIF, is privately owned by a local farmer who is keen to support local aviation and has kindly made his aircraft available for training.
Port Lincoln offers all the advantages of being the largest centre on the Eyre Peninsula, and it is also a really lovely spot!
Our training operation is provided in co-operation with the Port Lincoln Flying Club, a large group of pilots with varying backgrounds and experience levels. Trainees here benefit from the knowledge and experience of Club members, and are quickly made welcome by this hospitable group.
We utilise the Club rooms for briefing and ground school and the Club aircraft, PA-28 Archer VH-DRG, for flight training.
Port Lincoln is a non-towered aerodrome in Class G airspace, so trainees here gain experience dealing with a variety of circuit traffic, including passenger transport, charter, local industry, medical flights, and recreational. Looking out for other aircraft and communicating with other pilots rapidly becomes familiar here, as do the non-towered aerodrome procedures and regulations.
Port Lincoln airport has three runways, one sealed and two gravel, for a comprehensive training experience.
Training here is provided in cooperation with the Port Pirie Flying Group, in the Cessna 172N and 182Q Aircraft.
The instructor-in-residence, Neil Baker, is highly experienced and is also a Flight Examiner, so you will be in very capable hands throughout your training.
Meet your new side-kick!
Siân Zimmer
Learn more about me
Siân brings an unusual background with her into aviation, having previously worked more than two decades as a social worker and counsellor in health settings.
Teaching solid foundational flying skills is Siân’s particular interest – attitude, power, trim, and encouraging trainees to get their eyes out of the cockpit and on the horizon. She enjoys seeing trainees learn to fly intuitively – seeing, hearing, and feeling what the plane is giving them.
Siân also enjoys helping folks overcome flying anxiety, a spinoff from her previous career, and she has had some success in this area. In her secret other life she is a musician, and the proud owner of two delightful Greyhounds.
Leading a team of absolute champions is what gets Siân out of bed each day, as well as relishing the challenges of real flying, such as landing Cessnas in crosswinds on dirt runways in out-of-the-way places. She also reckons that the view from the office window is pretty good and never gets old.
Beverley Roediger
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Bev is a career instructor, and was also the course co-ordinator at Parafield TAFE, where she taught the ATPL subjects. Bev has flown just about everything that flies, from gliders and Tiger-Moths to Turbo Commanders and the Cessna 414.
Bev’s special area of interest is dogs! She acquired her current sheepdog through contacts made at our Wudinna operation, and River can frequently be found reclining on the rug in the office.
Flying never loses its attraction for Bev. She loves meeting interesting trainees in a great flying environment.
Troy Schultz
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This man from out of the blue started flying at age 16, and after achieving his CPL and MECIR, he disappeared into the parallel universe of university degree and normal jobs for over a decade! Troy is very glad to be back doing what he loves, and we are very glad that he decided to join our merry crew.
Troy enjoys teaching trainees to understand basic flying principles and skills, as well as how to fly confidently and competently in controlled airspace, using technology intelligently to enhance safety while not developing an unhelpful dependence upon it. He particularly savours that “aha” moment when trainees suddenly understand some vital aspect after he’s explained or demonstrated it.
Being part of a great team is Troy’s favourite part of his job. He also likes the variety at PFC – the trainees are of diverse ages and varied backgrounds, with a wide range of flying goals from recreational to agricultural to airlines.
Peter Sperou
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Pete came late to aviation, having worked in the family seafood business for a lifetime, in roles including General Manager, exporting, and product development. He continues to enjoy working in a wine & olive business when he’s not teaching flying, supporting his passion for fine food. Pete is also a keen photographer.
Seeing his trainees making progress and achieving their goals is the most satisfying part of Pete’s role. He loves flying, and he loves teaching flying! He also loves his fellow-workers.
David Yanni
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A secondary school teacher for 25 years, Dave is experienced in and dedicated to fostering growth and development in his students. As a skilled flight instructor, he combines his passion for aviation with a commitment to safety and precision, ensuring that his trainees are well-prepared for both the classroom and the skies.
Dave’s particular areas of interest and skill include controlled airspace, instrument flying, development of student competence, and skills acquisition, both in aviation and in sport – he teaches Physical Education as well as the SACE aviation subjects.
Teaching trainees how to land is the most rewarding part of the job for Dave.
Angus Fraser
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Angus is PFC’s most recent acquisition. He was studying Aeronautical Engineering, but flying just wouldn’t wait!
Angus most enjoys teaching the physics of flying, flying by attitude, steep turns, crosswind landings, and instrument flying. Outside of work his interests include astronomy and the space programme, motorsports (especially F1) and archery.
What Angus loves most about his job is the great team, and the flexibility that PFC offers. He also gets to fly planes (!) and pass on his knowledge. He enjoys the variety, and the daily fresh challenge of adjusting his teaching methods and style to match the needs of the trainees.
Neil Baker
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Our man on the ground at Port Pirie, Neil was originally a plumber & gasfitter, and also spent 20 years as a prawn fisherman in the Spencer Gulf. He started flying in 1974, and after that there was just no stopping him! He’s done low-level mustering, charter (including running his own charter company, Pirie Aviation), instructing since 1995 in Port Pirie, then at Parafield for 12 years, and has been a Flight Examiner since 2008. Returning to Port Pirie in 2020, Neil was the perfect choice to look after our Port Pirie operation, which he does in co-operation with the Port Pirie Flying Group. Neil simply loves flying and teaching the essential basic skills required by all pilots in all roles in the aviation industry.
Behind every flight is a dedicated team of unsung heroes
THE ENGINEERS
The champions at AeroService and Aldinga Aviation keep our fleet flying, assisting us with scheduled and unscheduled maintenance as required. They’re also bursting with knowledge and experience, and always willing to talk over an issue and provide plenty of good advice about the inner workings of aircraft systems.
THE REFUELLERS
As a long-established family business on Parafield, the folks at Stark Aviation (aka Flying Fuels) can be relied upon to provide the best quality fuel when we need it, as well as a cheery smile and a yap when we need those, which is all the time! The Stark lads are pilots too, so they have a good understanding of our operation, and nothing is ever too much trouble.
THE CONTROLLERS
The team of amazing gals and guys at Airservices Australia keep us safe in the sky and ensure that everyone plays nicely together. Parafield is a very busy training environment with novices still learning the ropes, and we’re always amazed at the skill and patience of our team of air traffic controllers who tell us where to go in the nicest possible way! We can’t show you their faces, but we certainly know their voices.
THE AIRPORT STAFF
There’s a lot of work goes into running an airport, and most of it is probably invisible to most of us who operate here. But some of us do notice, and appreciate the efforts of the team at Parafield Airport Pty Ltd. They listen to our concerns, consider the possibilities, and all with good humour and friendly smiles.
Transparent pricing for flexible, stress-free flight training
Training at Parafield
Dual Training C152 Aerobat – $349
Dual Training C172N – $395
Dual Training 182J – $499
Dual Training Own Aircraft – $160
Fixed-Price Trial Instructional Flight – $319
Individual Theory Tuition / Briefing – $95
* prices are per hour, and no additional charges (such as landing fees) apply
Training on the Eyre Peninsula & Yorke Peninsula
Dual Training (Instructor Only) – $270
Theory Tuition – $90
Hire of aircraft and fuel is determined and charged by the aircraft operator.
* prices are per hour
Hire & fly rates (Parafield)
C152 Aerobat – $259
C172N – $345 (discount applies to PFC graduates & trainees)
C182J Skylane – $419
Life Jacket/Headset Hire – $5
* prices are per hour
All charges include GST and Airservices fees. Cost for training and hire & fly in Parafield fleet aircraft includes fuel. Hirers are responsible for any landing fees charged at other aerodromes
A reliable and versatile fleet to suit every pilot’s journey
Our fleet of well-maintained aircraft is designed to meet the needs of trainees at every stage, from beginner to advanced. With a range of models, you’ll gain hands-on experience in trusted planes that prioritise safety, performance, and comfort.
Cessna 172N
- Dual training: $395 per hour
- Hire & fly: $349 per hour (special rates apply to PFC graduates & trainees)
Cessna 172M
- Dual training: $395 per hour
- Hire & Fly: $349 per hour (special rates apply to PFC graduates & trainees)
Cessna 182J
- Dual training: $499 per hour
- Hire & fly: $459 per hour (some conditions apply, and special rates for PFC graduates and trainees)
Cessna 152A
- Dual training: $349 per hour
- Hire & fly: $259 per hour
Note: All of our costs include GST, airport fees, Airservices fees, and fuel. No surprises!
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to decide in advance which licence I want?
We train towards the issue of the Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL), the Private Pilot Licence (PPL), and the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). You don’t have to decide which licence you want before you start, because everyone starts on the same basic syllabus anyway – the RPL. Once you have completed some of this syllabus, you will have a clearer idea of where you wish to go with your flying, and you can make a decision then.
Do I need a medical before I can start training?
Not immediately, but you will need an aviation medical before you are allowed to fly solo, which is on average 12-15 hours into your training. So you have a bit of time before you need to organise that. We can help you navigate that process.
Do I need an Aviation Security Identity Card before I start training?
No, these are required for the issue of a licence, which happens at the completion of your training. So you have plenty of time to organise that. We usually use Veritas as our contact for ASICs, because their process is very easy.
Are there any age limitations?
Yes. We cannot send you solo until you are 15. The age requirements for eligibility for testing towards the issue of a licence are 16 for the RPL, 17 for the PPL, and 18 for the CPL. We use an adult learning model at our school, which means that trainees have to do their own self-study from books, which does require some motivation and self-discipline. We do not train children younger than 14, and we require permission from parents to train minors.
There is no upper age limit, the only limitation being the ability to qualify for an aviation medical certificate. Older trainees sometimes have some specific health issues, and may take a little longer to achieve the required practical skills.
What sort of planes do you have?
We have four Cessnas, the 152A, 172N, 172M, and the 182J. New starters can fly the C152A if they are small enough, up to 80kg and 180cm, and swap to the C172 for their navigation training. Otherwise all training can be completed in the C172. The 182J is for our Commercial trainees, and experienced pilots for hire & fly.
How long is the course?
None of our courses have time limitations, but there are minimum hours required. Please note that completing the hours does not mean your licence will automatically be issued – the training is competency-based, which means you must be competent in all the required skills before we can recommend you for testing.
The minimum hours required are 25 (5 of these must be solo) for the RPL, 40 (10 of these must be solo) for the PPL, and 200 (100 of these must be solo) for the CPL.
Do I have to attend classes or lectures?
No, we do not conduct classes or lectures, except for the full-day ground school prior to commencing your navigation training. Our trainees learn what they need to know by reading their textbooks. We are here to help you as required, of course. We can provide individual theory tuition for any topic you request, and we can assist with resources to prepare you for your theory exams.
How much study is required?
Some study is certainly required. If you commit to a half-hour every day, you will make your way through very steadily. There are in-house exams which must be completed at various stages throughout your training, and a final online theory exam required before we can hand you over to a Flight Examiner for your flight test.
How do I pay for my lessons?
We do not require any up-front or advance payments, or contracts. An invoice is raised after your lesson, and sent to you via email. You must pay this prior to your next lesson or within 7 days, whichever is sooner, and we prefer direct transfer payments via our bank account, although we can also accept card payments.
A cancellation fee of $100 applies if you cancel lessons at short notice, which means after close of business the previous day, or if you simply fail to attend booked lessons. If we have to cancel your lesson for any reason, we will attempt to give you plenty of notice, and we will definitely try to contact you well prior to your arrival at Parafield. Flights sometimes have to be cancelled due to instructor unavailability (although we will try to provide another instructor), aircraft maintenance (although we may be able to conduct your lesson in a different aircraft), or weather (this is at the discretion of the instructor).
Can I fly on the weekends?
Yes, we are open seven days, but because many of our trainees can only fly on weekends, Saturdays and Sundays are our busiest days, so you’ll need to book well ahead.
Can I continue my training at Parafield Flying Centre if I have been training elsewhere?
Can I convert my RA-Aus Certificate to a Recreational Pilot Licence?
Yes, you can, and we have a separate document which outlines the steps required. Please contact us if you would like to know more about this process.
Can I get VET fee-help?
VET fee-help is only offered by the larger schools which provide full-time integrated vocational courses (which is only the CPL), with full-time-ground-school. We can offer you much more flexibility, and you will graduate from your CPL with 200 rather than 150 hours, but at a much lower cost! Because you achieve your PPL along the way, you can take your family and friends with you while you build hours and gain essential operational experience. Our CPL graduates finish their courses with many hours flying Cessnas, including the C182, and are industry-ready and employable.
If I am from overseas, can I study aviation on a Student visa?
Student visas are only issued to students enrolled in full-time vocational courses at (which is only the CPL). Our CPL course is non-integrated, which means that our trainees are not enrolled as full-time students. Hence you will not be able to get a Student visa to enrol in our course. You will have to travel on a Tourist visa, which is limited to three months, which is not long enough to achieve the CPL. You may achieve a PPL in this time, but the PPL is not a vocational course.
Do you provide accommodation?
We have no facility onsite, but we have had trainees stay at Quest Apartments in Mawson Lakes, Capital Apartments (UniSA accommodation) also in Mawson Lakes, and AirB&Bs in Salisbury and in North Adelaide. There is a train line from the city to Parafield, so any accommodation located close to this is usually quite convenient.
Once I have a licence, can I start my own flying business?
Only if you have the CPL, and an appropriate Air Operator Certificate from CASA. This is a very long process. With any less than these, you are not permitted to fly anyone for payment. There are strict laws around this.
Get in touch
Parafield Flying Centre
Hangar 169 Anderson Drive Parafield SA 5106
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