DCX Aircraft Simulator
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.
Piper Archer
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.
Piper Warrior
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.
Piper Arrow
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.
Piper Seminole
The other light twin on offer at Basair College is the twin engine version of the Piper Warrior – the Piper Seminole. From the outside the aircraft visually resembles the Beechcraft Duchess but unlike the Duchess, which was originally designed in 1976 and ceased production in 1983, 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, compared to the Baron 55, if your career path is to enter the flight instructor pathway. 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, carburetted 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 – with some occasional survey work but it is a rare aircraft to find conducting small passenger transport due to the aircrafts speed and low maximum take off weight compared to the Baron 55.
