Advanced Flight Theory

30/05/2026

Yesterday was one of those moments that reminds us exactly why we do what we do at Advanced Flight Theory.

As I flew into Ladies Oaks Day 🐎 by helicopter, with Heli pilot Matty Wong , I felt proud and emotional all mixed into one!

Matt first walked through our classroom doors as a student, like so many others, starting with a dream and a lot to learn. Yesterday, he was the one at the controls, confidently flying us into the races in style! It was a real full-circle moment.

To witness someone’s journey from student to professional pilot, and then find yourself sitting in their aircraft years later, is something very special.

These are the moments that remind us that at Advanced Flight Theory, we’re not just teaching exams and theory. We’re helping people build careers, confidence, and futures.

Congratulations, Matty. Watching your journey unfold has been an absolute privilege, and yesterday was a memory I’ll never forget. 🚁✨ Vanessa 🩷

07/05/2026

The aviation community lost one of its true greats with the passing of Bob Tait earlier this week.

For all of us at AFT, Bob was far more than an aviation legend. Over the years, we were fortunate to share many wonderful memories together, especially our joint Christmas parties, where stories, laughter, and a shared passion for aviation brought us all together. Those moments will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Bob’s contribution to aviation training in Australia is immeasurable. He inspired generations of pilots, instructors, and aviation professionals through his knowledge, humility, humour, and unwavering dedication to the industry.

A true gentleman, a mentor to many, and undeniably a legend of the skies.

Our thoughts are with Bob’s family, friends, students, and the entire aviation community during this difficult time.

Blue skies and tailwinds always, Bob. You will be forever in our hearts ✈️🩵

📸 2004

26/03/2026

33 years of ATPL excellence with Nathan Higgins.
Same passion. Same mission.
Educate. Motivate. Elevate.
If not now, when? Your ATPL journey starts here.
#1993-2026

05/03/2026

We not only educate, but motivate and elevate our students to equip them for future success.

Let’s be honest. Sitting in an ATPL classroom five days a week from 8am to 5pm studying Aerodynamics and Aircraft Systems can be intense. So this week we headed to Flight Options - Advanced Training & Simulation to experience the A320 simulator and learn more about the opportunities available for airline interview simulator checks, ATPL flight tests, MCC training and more.

It was an incredible opportunity to connect classroom theory to the real world. Students were able to ask questions, see what lies ahead in their aviation careers and experience the flight deck first-hand.

And yes… we may have also done a hot lap around Queenstown in the A320 simulator. IYKYK. 🔥

A huge thank you to Rick Heaton for the warm welcome and for giving our students such a valuable afternoon. The advice, the experience and the aviation motivation were exactly what was needed to power through the rest of AASA week.

From study desks to flight decks. This is what it's all about! Take off with AFT, connecting you with your future! 🛫

28/02/2026

10/02/2026

ATPL Options to Kick-Start 2026

We are launching 2026 with a strong lineup of ATPL theory options designed to give you flexibility and momentum from day one. Start with the four core ATPL subjects and choose the study format that suits you best. Enrol in all four subjects, split them across intakes, or attend individual classes as needed.

Airlines are recruiting in 2026 and will be returning to our classroom for the highly popular pilot recruitment sessions. Our next schedule will be released shortly.

Discounted ATPL Packages
🛫 Save $1,000 with bundled packages
🛫 4 full-time subjects or combo 7-subject pack
🛫 Info via our website 🔗 link in bio

Individual Subjects
🧑‍✈️ ATPL Navigation – $1,920
👨‍✈️ ATPL Aero & Aircraft Systems – $2,240
🧑‍✈️ ATPL Performance & Loading – $1,600
👨‍✈️ ATPL Flight Planning – $3,150

Proudly delivering ATPL theory to over 25,000 pilots for more than 30 years. Contact our team today to plan your ATPL journey.

09/02/2026

Our CPL(H) students took a break away from their theory books for a tour of the Cooroy base.

McDermott Aviation are known globally for their aerial firefighting, emergency response and agricultural work. It was such an awesome experience seeing what really goes on behind the scenes to keep these helicopters safely in the sky. From maintenance and avionics to aircraft engineering, it was eye opening to learn just how much precision, skill and teamwork is involved in such an incredible operation.

A huge thank you to the lovely and knowledgeable Karla and Chelsea for showing us around and taking the time to educate us on all the ins and outs. An experience we won’t forget! 🙌🔥

05/02/2026

👩‍✈️👨‍✈️ We would love one of our students to win this raffle - A Jet Flight Simulator Experience thanks to Flight Options on the Sunshine Coast!

🏆 1-hour A320 flight simulator experience
👥 For two people
💰 Valued at $1,500
🎟️ $5 tickets

✔️ No flying experience required
✔️ Suitable for all skill levels
✔️ Guided by an experienced instructor
📍 Sunshine Coast, QLD
📅 Drawn 3 May 2026

👉 Buy tickets now
https://rafflelink.com.au/jetsimulator

All proceeds proudly support the Australian Women Pilots' Association 🤩

29/01/2026

A huge thank you to Virgin Captain Lex Garriock (Check & Training/Virgin Recruitment team) for stopping by to chat with our ATPL students about the interview process, life as an airline captain and the incredibly rewarding career Virgin offers.

It was also a great throwback for Nathan to revisit one of his favourite stories from 1997 - joining Lex on the flight deck of a 727 freight run to Honiara!

So grateful for the insight, time and experience you share with our students Lex. ✈️

21/01/2026

If learning to fly a helicopter is your ambition, you have come to the very best place to get started!

AFT was originally founded on specialist helicopter theory training well over 30 years ago. We love being involved with helicopter pilots and we know a lot about what it takes for you to follow your ambition.

📖 Story time…

This little helicopter sits on an oil stained pad in outback channel country in far west QLD that’s been in use since helicopter mustering first started many years ago, and has been used by dozens of different helicopters and pilots. Over the years many of those remarkable and highly skilled bush pilots moved on to the bigger and more complex multi-engine multi-crew helicopters used in offshore oil rig operations, search and rescue operations, VIP corporate operations.

Some of those skilled mustering pilots became involved in fire fighting operations both in Australia and on annual tour overseas. One pilot who used this little pad many years ago became one of the very first civilian pilots in Australia to be trained and endorsed to fly the civilian version of the army Blackhawk helicopter now a common sight in the fire zones across VIC and NSW. That is an achievement to be very proud of.

There are many different pathways into the helicopter industry other than mustering in the outback.

You simply never know just how far the decision to get started flying helicopters may take you, but always be assured wherever you path takes you we have the theory training and support you need for you entire helicopter career.

🚁 Contact us today to find out how AFT can help you get started on your helicopter journey!