We're experienced, dedicated, offer personalised training in a great location and in a range of helicopters and environments. What more could you want in a flying school?

Flight school

Our instructors

We are a small flight school with 3 full time instructors who have vast industry experience, having worked in remote Australia, PNG, the Northern Territory, Northern QLD and NSW. Training with instructors that have valuable industry experience with thousands of hours flight time will ensure your training is of the highest standard.  

Owners Tim & Georgina Latimer are 2 of your flight instructors at AIR T&G and are passionate about producing quality pilots in the industry. In particular, they want to ensure that when you finish your training, you're ready for employment, with solid foundations to make a good chopper pilot! 

All of our instructors work commercially within the business, carrying out a range of other flying including fire fighting, aerial stock mustering, aerial shooting, survey, charters, flood relief and underslung (lifting) work.  

During your helicopter flight training you will have the opportunity to gain exposure to our commercial operations, which will make you better prepared to enter the helicopter industry as a commercial pilot, rather than a student pilot.

To ensure each of our students get the attention and personalised instruction they deserve, we only take on a limited number of students at any one time. Smaller classes guarantees you will receive the full attention of your instructor, gaining the most out of your learning environment.

Over the past 14 years we have thoroughly enjoyed training helicopter pilots and seeing them progress through our industry. Our no nonsense approach, ensuring standards are held throughout your training, will ensure you complete your licence as a safe, competent pilot.  

Training days and accommodation

Our Flight School is open 5 days (Tuesdays to Saturdays) and we have student accommodation available not too far from the airport for your convenience. That way, when you arrive to begin your training, your accommodation is sorted, and hassle free. (Please note, students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the accommodation) 

Theory

In regards to your theoretical exams, we generally recommend you complete your theory at Advanced Flight Theory in QLD, prior to commencing flight training. 

Alternatively you can self study, if you feel you are disciplined enough to do so. You can do this whilst flight training at AIR T&G if you wish. There isn’t a “right way” to complete your theory, as every student is different and you need to do what works best for you. 

We would recommend you have at least one or two subjects completed before you begin any practical flight training. 

Location

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport

Based at the growing Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, you'll have all the perks of a larger city based operation, without the expenses or delays of operating at larger controlled airports. 

AIR T&G also own a rural cattle property near Stanthorpe QLD, which acts as an advanced training area for portions of your licence, such as low level training and navigation exercises, so you get the best of the coast, mountains and bush.

Located in northern New South Wales, Ballina township is a cross between a village by the sea and a country town with easy going traffic, friendly locals, a great variety of shopping, dining and leisure activities. We are located only two hours drive to Brisbane, and less to the Gold Coast, with frequent airline services direct to Sydney, Newcastle and Melbourne.

Courses available

Other training available

To discuss your helicopter flight training options further please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can send you our helicopter flight training information package, and you can talk to one of our flight instructors.

We look forward to welcoming you to AIR T&G.