AIRCRAFT

Is the primary simulator available at Basair training school. It is a modern design simulator capable of simulating anywhere around the world, variable weather conditions and BASAIR aircraft inventory. The CASA certified simulator is used throughout the student training syllabus to expose the student to procedures for both normal and emergency operations in a controlled environment. It is here that a student builds the learning blocks to critical procedures in order to use them in a real-world scenario. The simulator is approved for and is extensively used for multi engine training procedures, instrument flying and night flying. Our simulator features multiple display screens to give a 160o field of view, a replica cockpit of which any aircraft can be simulated to provide realism, hydraulic jacks to simulate load forces and turbulence on the aircraft. The simulator room is a wide open area which allows other students to observe and gain experience, the instructors station also provides a birds eye view of the flight and a recording of the flight track – this is essential in providing direct feedback to the student so they can see what they can improve on and what they have accomplished.

The Piper Archer is a trusted workhorse in aviation, known for its reliability, versatility, and ease of maintenance. First introduced in 1972, it’s a favorite among flight schools and private owners, with over 32,000 units built. Powered by a 180HP Lycoming engine, the Archer seats four and offers a range of up to 967 km with its dual fuel tanks. It’s ideal for training at all levels—from RPL to advanced instrument ratings—and is equipped with modern GPS, autopilot, and ADS-B systems. With a cruising speed of 230 kph and a sturdy airframe, it’s a true icon in general aviation.

The second pillar of the Piper Aircraft Company and the older brother of the Piper Archer. This aircraft initially introduced in 1960 made privatised civilian flying affordable and competed directly with the Cessna 172. The Piper Warrior underwent revised designs and upgrades which culminated into the model dominantly featured at Basair Aviation College – the Piper Warrior III. Compared to early designs, the Piper Warrior III features, a four seat cabin layout, Lycoming 320, 4 cylinder horizontally opposed, carburettor engine – producing 160HP which on average produces a cruise speed of 115 knots or 212 kph. It features the same fuel amount and fuel tanks as the Piper Archer – although with its reduced engine power its range is slightly shorter with 480 nautical mile or 890km of range. It features the same baggage space of 100kg and modern avionics as the Piper Archer. If you are private or full time student pilot the Piper Warrior is a cost effective solution to the Piper Archer.

The commercial trainer available at Basair, the Cessna 206H/G model has a reputation in Australia as the most versatile bush aircraft. The aircraft boasts a powerful engine, impressive low speed performance, large carry load, ease of maintenance and modifications. In Australia the aircraft is used for small passenger charters, skydiving, forestry survey aircraft, powerline survey, a medical supply plane for bush communities and scenic tour aircraft. With a six seat cabin design, baggage area limit of 90kg (seats can be removed to provide even more space), a powerful Lycoming(H Model)/Continental(G Model) 300HP six cylinder horizontally opposed fuel injected engine, fixed tricycle landing gear suspended on steel spring struts and a large wing planform – the aircraft can carry a lot more than both Pipers but can land on airfields of soft surfaces and at minimum distance of 500m. With the Cessna 206 more powerful engine, the range increases to 670 nautical miles or 1250kms. It has a total capacity fuel load of 350 litres split into two wing tanks. Under normal conditions the aircraft can maintain a cruise speed of 137 knots or 250 kph at altitude. At BASAIR the aircraft is predominantly used in the commercial training syllabus but on occasion is used for small passenger operations under Australia By Air. The aircraft is certified for night operations, instrument flight and day operations. The Cessna 206 is widely used in the aviation industry for entry level commercial pilot jobs – therefore our students or alumni when they complete their course are competitive candidates as they search for employment.

The light twin on offer at Basair College is the twin engine version of the Piper Warrior – the Piper Seminole. The Seminole has had three production periods culminating in the most modern version available at the college with electronic display cockpit and new engines. It is an excellent option for multi engine if your career path is to enter the flight instructor pathway or you are considering an airline career. With a modern glass cockpit display it is an ideal pre cursor to airline operations due to the similar displays. The Piper Seminole features two 180HP, four cylinder, horizontally opposed pistons, carbureted engines which counter rotation – this makes the aircraft ideal for initial twin training because the opposing forces lessen the requirement of control from the pilot. The Seminole cabin has ideal space for private and flight training operations and sits 3 people, not including the pilot, comfortably with the option of up to 90kg of baggage in the rear compartment depending on weight limitations. Compared to the Beechcraft Baron 55, the Seminole cruises at a comfortable 150KTAS or 277 kph and with engine management can achieve a range of 700nm or 1296km. The Piper Seminole uses two fuel wing tanks or nacelle tanks which provides a total of 408 litres. The standard vacuum or air instruments have been replaced with air data computers which provide sensor data to the latest generation Garmin 1000 primary and multi function displays. The Garmin 1000 can provide real time traffic, terrain and weather data, meets the standard for instrument flying and can display detailed information to the pilot about the status of their flight. This includes items such as maximum range, endurance, time to descend, top of climb, required groundspeed for arrival time etc. In Australia, the Piper Seminole shares equal popularity with private and flying school operators.