Is it too late for me?

[johnm]

hello Baz

 

You do meet people from time to time that did not 'get it' when coming to flying (instructors no doubt meet them more).

 

Main thing is flying is a detachment from things normal - its great fun - and its a learning thing of things unknown. ................. I recommend you jump in a plane and do / pay 2 or 3 hours of lessons - you'll know from that, or have an idea if you'll fit into 'the slot'

 

Also if you know someone that flies - ask & go for a fly with them - that way there is no learing / instructor obligation - just the fun of it (learning and instruction is / are fun - just a different sort of fun (should be))

 

 

[facthunter]

Flying is near 100% Newtonian physics plus aerodynamics. You probably have a good knowledge of that, Baz. I also doubt you would have a fear of flying Block but a flight with a fool show off trying to scare/impress you, can change that. Do the  full Medical  assessment off the record.   (That's better to do now than find out later that you have a problem)  If OK get a Designated Medical and get a student licence issued , then you can log your flying and have an ARN.   I'm happy to Mentor you privately if you  wish. No obligation. I've done it before.  Nev

[Builds By Baz]

Thanks John and Nev. I'm clearing some obstacles to get a foot in the door. Hopefully next Monday or Tuesday I'll walk in to the flying school and get the ball rolling.

[440032]

Footnote for Baz - There has been no such thing as a general aviation (VH-aircraft) Student Licence for many many years, CASA did away with it. Doesn't exist.

Odd but true. Student pilots are just student pilots these days. They are authorised for solo flights via some other means than having a student licence now.

Edited 7 hours ago by 440032

[Builds By Baz]

Where do I go for a flight medical? Is there paperwork I need to download? What is the medical called? Can my GP do it? Is the paperwork flying-school specific or generic?

 

Baz.

[BurnieM]

If you are going for a RAAus RPC then there is no formal medical.

You simply make a declaration when you join RAAus. About $300-ish per year.

 

If you are going for a CASA RPL or PPL then first you need a ARN.

Go to the CASA website and create an account to generate your ARN (Aviation Reference Number).

They will ask for some ID documents. No charge for this.

Then submit a photo for your ARN.

 

Simplest CASA medical is Class 5.

You do a short online course and then make a self declaration where you say you are fit to have a car license and have no major illnesses.

You do this in the account you created for your ARN. Costs $10.

Restrictions are VFR only, up to 10,000 ft, one passenger and aircraft up to 2000 kg MTOW.

 

Other CASA medicals commonly used by recreational pilots are Class 2 Basic and Class 2. 

Info here - https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certificates/aviation-medicals/learn-about-medical-certificates/basic-class-2-class-5-medical-self-declaration-and-rampc#BasicClass2medicalcertificate

You go to a doctor with higher costs.

Less restrictive and able to carry more passengers.

 

If you want to do an IFR endorsement later you will need higher than a class 5 medical.

 

Note if you fail a class 2, class 2 basic or class 1 you cannot go and get a class 5 (ie you are f*cked).

Maybe have an informal discussion with a DAME first.

 

[Moneybox]

On 17/6/2026 at 7:56 PM, Builds By Baz said:

I'm 56 this year and have wanted to fly since I was a child. I spent many years in the Australian Army, flying and working in all kinds of service aircraft parachuting, dispatching air land, air drop and airlift.

 

Never flown one.

 

Is it too late? Can I fly anything at my age? Can I build one?

 

I built this over seven years, but it is a display only and not airworthy even if I did miraculously fit engines.

 

how would I even start?

 

Baz.

Baz, I’ve followed your build and from what I’ve seen you have all the skills required plus some. You’ll easily knock it off and your age is certainly no barrier. 
 

I didn’t decide to learn to fly until I hit 70 and took a serious look at my bucket list. I’m 72 now and have flown 95 hours but would have done a lot more if my other interests didn’t get in the way.

 

I think it’s important to make sure your finances are in order before commencing. I’ve seen too many unfinished projects and too many dropouts before finishing flying lessons and that is a waste of time and money.