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.

One of two commercial trainers available in the Basair aircraft inventory, 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 as, small passenger charter, 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. Compared to the Piper Arrow, 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 Piper Arrow, a derivative design of Piper Archer – the first model Arrow I was introduced in 1967 as a cost effective option for pilots who required a CPL but could not procure a Cessna 206 or Cessna 182 for the complex requirements of the issue of CPL license. The FAA and CASA deem that for an issue of a Commercial Pilot License the pilot must manage an aircraft with a complex design feature, in the case of the Piper Arrow it has a variable pitch propeller and retractable undercarriage. The aircraft must also be capable of 120KIAS cruise speed under normal conditions. If you are a private pilot or intending to be an instructor the Piper Arrow is a suitable choice to earn the design feature endorsements of retractable undercarriage and multiple pitch propeller control. The aircraft features a similar four cabin seating as the Piper Archer and Warrior, it is slightly upgraded with a 200HP Lycoming horizontally opposed fuel injected engine but is significantly heavier due to the addition of the components for the variable pitch propeller control and retractable undercarriage – therefore the aircraft has the same carry capacity as the other single engine Piper aircraft. The Piper Arrow will cruise at a modest 123 knots or 230kph and has a range of 680 nautical miles or 1260km – with two fuel tanks, one in each wing, that holds 273 litres total. The Piper Arrow at Basair is primarily used for commercial syllabus training and as an introduction to design feature training particularly as an affordable option to achieve retractable undercarriage compared to the hire rate for a multi engine aircraft. The aircraft features a modern cockpit, with instruments approved to fly at night and instrument flight conditions.

Included in Basair inventory is the final General Aviation company of the big three – Beechcraft Aviation. The Beechcraft Baron 55 is widely regarded as the premier twin engine small passenger charter aircraft, with a cabin seat configuration of 6 or 5 depending on club seating arrangement. The Baron, introduced in 1960 was marketed as a bridging option for private or commercial operators who wanted an aircraft which balanced the carrying capacity of the single engine Beechcraft Bonanza and the reliability and redundancy of a second engine which provided much higher cruise speed of 200 knots or 370kph. The aircraft also had a wing tank in each wing with a total capacity of 520 litres and options of additional fuel cells which increased the range to 942 nautical miles or 1744km. A pair of Continental engines with six cylinders each horizontally opposed, fuel injected and capable of producing 285BPH each, the Baron has impressive acceleration and can comfortably climb and cruise whilst still having reserves of power. In the internal cockpit features reliable vacuum air instruments with a modern GPS which meets instrument flying standards for small air transport operations. In Australia the Baron is widely used as small passenger charter and can be modified to conduct aerial survey for geological purposes, the wine industry, fire detection and powerline survey – it is a common aircraft used to charity organisations such as Little Wings which provide passenger transport for paediatric patients.