Good in Theory

A viation is a relatively unique profession in that its qualifications are not necessarily achieved through an academic institution. While TAFE, Uni and pilot academies are options for gaining a commercial licence, many student pilots choose to achieve their pilots licence outside an academic framework, often through a flying school or aero club. With self-study often a daunting prospect, specific aviation theory schools exist to serve the demand of student pilots seeking a path to aviation careers outside academia.

Bob Tait’s Aviation Theory School in Redcliffe, Queensland and Nathan Higgins’ Advanced Flight Theory School based at Sunshine Coast are two of the most prominent schools in the country.

Both Bob Tait and Nathan Higgins are considered masters of the theory by students past and current. Countless CPL and ATPL students have attributed their passes to one, or both, of their theory courses.

While neither set out to teach aviation theory, both tutors found themselves in a much demanded niche.

“I didn’t set out to be a theory specialist,” says Tait. “I simply noticed that, in my flying school, many students dropped out of flying (especially CPL) because they became frustrated with the theory component. Since I happened to be a qualified science and maths teacher, I put a course together to help them at no cost. I simply wanted to encourage them to keep