Darwin is the original “home” of Flight Standards & our largest base. We can train you for every fixed-wing licence & operational rating here.
It’s the ideal place for future commercial pilots to train. After all, the Top End is most likely where your first job will be! Our Darwin courses have a strong vocational focus. They also connect you with many local General Aviation operators, creating a unique networking opportunity.
We also serve many private & recreational pilots, as we’re the only flight training provider at Darwin Airport.
Darwin Facilities, Staff & Aircraft
Our Darwin facility sits in the heart of the GA precinct, a stone’s throw from the local General Aviation operators. The hangar & offices include several briefing rooms & classrooms. We also have our own parking area on the apron for visiting client aircraft as well as our fleet.
In Darwin, we fly recently refurbished Cessna 172P aircraft for basic training. For advanced & commercial training, we use the C172RG & C210. Our affiliated companies provide a C310 or Beechcraft Baron for multi-engine training. The base also has a top-of-the-range Elite synthetic trainer that handles every approach type.
Darwin Airport is a fantastic place to fly. It offers the safety & services of a controlled airport, right in the middle of the city. Training is easy to manage & talking with Air Traffic Control is valuable experience. Peak times rarely slow us down. After all, it is the Northern Territory!
Ben Mackney (CEO & ME IFR Instructor) leads our Darwin team. Cameron Marchant (Head of Operations) also leads the team when he’s not at our other bases. Every instructor is an accomplished pilot with extensive charter experience. Each has chosen to make training & developing others their career.
Courses available
Pilots often travel to Darwin to train with us for an Instrument Rating or our widely acclaimed GA Ready course. GA Ready gives you a unique insight into the region’s operating environment. In fact, many see it as a prerequisite for entering the local industry.
However, we also tailor training in specialised areas. Examples include Low Level / Mustering qualifications & extra training endorsements for flight instructors.
Pilots flying into Darwin benefit from holding a Land & Hold Short Operations (LAHSO) qualification. It helps Air Traffic Control manage aircraft arrivals. We offer it complimentary when you train with us for any licence or rating.
Other services
From Darwin, our team works closely with other GA operators, providing the training & assessment their flight crew need.
Our base also has a pilot supply shop, stocking charts, manuals & other essentials.