Constant Speed Unit Endorsement
Mastering engine management and propeller control for higher performance
As you progress to larger, heavier and faster aircraft, you'll need to learn how to control a Constant Speed Unit (CSU), also known as a Manual Propeller Pitch Control (MPPC) endorsement.
Entry-level aircraft usually feature fixed-pitch propellers, which means the blade angle can't be changed during flight. With this set-up a propeller can only really be suited to one situation; one that gives good power at low altitude and low speed will struggle to pull enough at higher speeds and altitudes
Variable-pitch propellers controlled by CSUs, on the other hand, can be tweaked to suit different situations, which dramatically increases performance, speed and fuel efficiency across the board.
Your CSU endorsement will teach you advanced engine management skills, and is often a requirement if you wish to proceed onto a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
This endorsement is best undertaken simultaneously with your Retractable Undercarriage Endorsement to save time and money. Please let us know if you'd like to take both together.
H2:What we cover
- Ground briefing on the principles of constant speed units and their operation
- Power settings and limits
- Procedures for increasing or reducing power
- Pre-flight considerations and checks
- Flight training
- General aircraft handling and operating procedures
- Circuits and basic navigation
- CSU malfunctions and emergency procedures
H2:Requirements
- RA-Aus Licence or higher
- Classroom briefing
- 3 or more hours of dual flight training
- Pass flight test
- Logbook entry as necessary
Retractable Undercarriage Endorsement
As you move from microlight and ultralight planes towards bigger, faster models, some design features change. One of these is retractable landing gear, which greatly reduces drag and improves handling and fuel efficiency.
The Retractable Undercarriage endorsement will most likely be necessary if you wish to apply for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) in future.
This endorsement is best undertaken simultaneously with your Constant Speed Unit (CSU) endorsement to save time and money. Please let us know if you'd like to take both together.
H2:What we cover
- Ground briefing on the principles of undercarriage design and operation
- Flight training
- General aircraft handling and operating procedures
- Circuits and basic navigation
- Emergency procedures
H2:Requirements
- RA-Aus Licence or higher
- Classroom briefing
- 3 or more hours of dual flight training
- Pass flight test
- Logbook entry as necessary
Float Alighting Gear Endorsement
Water flying is one of the most unique forms of aviation, and gives you the freedom to roam Australia's great offshore attractions without the need for an airstrip.
Having a floating hull endorsement also opens career doors, allowing you to operate marine charters and tourism flights – this is especially useful in the Central and North Queensland regions.
It should be noted that operating a seaplane is very different from standard land-based aircraft, so there may be a learning curve involved with understanding the way the plane responds both on the water and in the air. Gladstone Flight Training & Air Charter's experienced instructors will guide you through this learning experience, ensuring you emerge as a safe, skilful and confident seaplane pilot.
What we cover
- General seaplane knowledge briefing
- Pre-flight inspections
- Water handling, including:
- Slow taxiing, step taxiing, plough turns
- Glassy, rough water and cross wind operations
- Sailing
- Beaching, docking and mooring
- Emergency procedures
Requirements
- No initial licence necessary (you can begin in a seaplane, but we don't recommend this!)
- Boat licence (for manoeuvring on water
Night VFR Rating
Not being able to fly at night can severely restrict your freedom to roam, as it means you constantly have to plan ahead with daylight in mind.
A Night VFR (NVFR) rating will allow you to take to the night sky at will, which significantly opens up your schedule. Racking up enough hours to move on to a higher certification level will be much easier, and you'll also get to experience the beauty of the starlit sky and shimmering lights below while you're at it.
Please note that this licence does not permit you to fly in cloud – it only covers flights in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC). To qualify for flying in cloud, you must obtain the Command Instrument Rating.
What we cover
- Pre and post-flight briefings
- Review of instrument flight
- Human factors
- Use of Automatic Direction Finder (ADF)
- Use of VHF Omni Radial (VOR)
- Use of GPS
Requirements
- Private Pilot Licence
- 10 hours of night flight time, including
- 2 hours of circuit training
- 5 hours of cross-country navigation
- Completion of flight test