WHY SFC?

About Us.

At SFC, we exist to help those with a passion for aviation turn their dreams into reality.

Back of SFC plane with showing logo and registration with sunset in the background
OUR STORY

Our flying club.

SFC began in 1969 when a small group of local aviation enthusiasts gathered to discuss the idea of starting a flying club. Their dream was to create a community that would promote and support aviation, providing a space for like-minded people to come together and share their passion for flying. Over the years, our club has grown in size and reputation, becoming the largest aviation club on the eastern seaboard.

Today, SFC is a well-respected flight training organisation that is shaping the next generation of pilots in Sydney and regional NSW, while still remaining true to its roots as a club at its core.

SFC Club members sitting at table having lunch on a flyaway
1967
It starts with a passion

Likeminded aviation enthusiasts would meet up at local clubs to discuss the idea of starting a flying club.

Old member fabric badge with Schofields Flying Club and a light plane embodied
1968
Schofields Flying Club named

An initial meeting of pilots was held at Schofields Aerodrome where it was resolved to form a club to be known as The Schofields Flying Club.

Legacy shot of early SFC club members standing in a line
1969
Schofields Flying Club is officially formed

The foundation president was David Godwin. The club had now become a fully operational entity.

Image of an 1975 AirTruck
1975
Borrowed aircrafts

Up until this point all aircraft were borrowed including the Cessna 172 and C150, a Beechcraft Musketeer and an AirTruck.

Newspaper clipping of SFC's First Airshow in 1976 with an image of 3 aircraft in a formation
1976
Our First Air Show

The Air Show was held on 26 September 1976 with the aim to buy an aircraft with the profits. It lasted about two hours and was a great success.

Old image of an SFC club member standing in front of a Piper Warrior
1977
First aircraft purchase

Schofields Flying Club took delivery of the Piper Warrior on a Friday in February 1977; VH-PZC for $23,000.

Close up shot of British Airways Boeing 747 landing on the runway at the SFC Air Show in 1979
1979
British Airways Boeing 747 flys down the runway

The highlight of the 1979 Air Show was the 747 flying down the runway at 200 ft with flaps and undercarriage down.

Award Presentation at SFC Air Show in 1970s
1981
The biggest Air Show in Australia

It was quite remarkable that a little flying club in Western Sydney, was organising the biggest Air Shows ever seen in Australia.

Image of 1988 'Offical' badge for the Australian Bicentennial Air Show
1988
Australian Bicentennial Air Show (ABAS)

Schofields Flying Club was commissioned to run the Australian Bicentennial Air Show.

SFC Volunteers on stage at SFC Air Show
1989
Focus shifts to flight training

Volunteers would occupy the front desk, refuel planes and taxi aircraft to and from the Blimp hanger (established by Alan Bond).

Aerial view of the coast from a light aircraft with the propeller in view
1995
Alas, vale Schofields Aerodrome!

The last plane departed Schofields for its new home in Bankstown. Our new home was to be at Henry Lawson Drive.

External shot of SFC Piper Archer III
1998
Delivery of a brand new Piper Archer III - VH SFR

This aircraft was the first in the Club to have an IFR GPS - a King KLN94. A basic GPS ground course was introduced to familiarise members with GPS operation.

Group of SFC Members  pictured on a flyway
1999
Challenging flyways

By now members were looking for challenging flyaways. Weekend flights to Mudgee and Dubbo were a common event on the social calendar.

Senior flight instructor speaking to a student pilot in the SFC Clubhouse at Birch Street
2000
We become a Registered Training Organisation

The club became a Registered Training Organisation with VETAB accreditation. With the establishment of the RTO, Sydney Flight College was born.

Internal shot of cockpit in the SFC Piper Warrior III
2001
SFC purchases a new Piper Warrior III - VH SFK

This was fitted with a Garmin GNS40 and was popular among private Club members.

Sunset with plane in background
2006
A challenging period

SFC faced a period of decline in flying hours and private hire due to an unstable economy.

Entrance of SFC Clubhouse at 60 Birch Street, Bankstown Aerodrome
2007
SFC moves to 60 Birch St, Bankstown Aerodrome

We designed the current Clubhouse to meet our requirements as a Flying Club with the ability to expand in the future.

In air shot of plane flying over a river with propeller in view. Image taken from the cockpit
2010
Flying hours exceed 11,000 hours, a club record

A new club record is set with 65% of hours training related.

Student pilots studying in SFC Clubhouse
2014
SFC joins with Sydney TAFE Ultimo

In partnership with Sydney TAFE, Sydney Flight College grows to new levels.

Instructor and Student Pilot in the cockpit of a light aircraft pointing out the window during flight training
2015
A year of growth

Instructors at SFC gained formal teaching qualifications. Fleet enhancements contributed to increased capacity.

Close up shot of female student pilot studying the SFC Clubhouse
2020
We becomes a VSL provider on Wednesday 9th September 2020

SFC becomes a VET Student Loans approved course provider.

SFC 2021 TX Archer's in a line on the runway
2021
SFC invests in six 2021 Piper Archer® TX's

Aircraft unveiled on 11 Nov 2021, 20 years to the day of our last new aircraft the Piper Warrior SFK. SFC parts ways with TAFE, acquiring its own VET approval.

Shot of Airline Pilot in SFC's 737 Simulator
2022
Modern investments

Our state of the art 737-800NG Simulator finds its home at SFC's Head Office, 109 Drover Rd, Bankstown; opening up multiple opportunities including Flight Experiences, Airline Preparations and Multi Crew Co-operation.

Group shot of club members standing in front on an aircraft after a club event
2023
Focus on club events and growth

Increase in club events and flyways driven by our committed team of club coordinators.

Two members of the SFC board standing in front of a new Archer LX being assembled by SFC Maintenance
2024
Acquisition of new aircraft to expand our flying capacity

Purchase of 2 new Piper Archer® LX Aircraft to provide our members with even more opportunities for exceptional flying experiences.  

SFC President using our new Virtual Reality Simulators at Birch Street
2024
Introduction of Virtual Reality Simulators

2 new state of the art True Course VR Simulators, for rusty pilots programs and initial diploma flight training sequences in Birch St.

Group of pilots standing in front of plane
OUR VISION 

To bring the world's closer by shaping tomorrow's pilots.

Our vision reflects our core purpose of educating and training aspiring pilots to become skilled and responsible aviators who can safely navigate the skies and contribute to a more connected world.

OUR MISSION

We empower aviators by giving them everything they need to fulfil their passion.

We are passionate about providing the best possible aviation experience for our members and students, empowering them to achieve their aviation goals through state-of-the-art aircraft, world class facilities, and experienced instructors.

SFC Flight Instructor with fist in air and student with a thumbs up in front of a Cessna 182T after successful completion of a flight test.
OUR VALUES

What makes us different?

Pilot holding the controls in the cockpit with propeller in view.
Student looking up at Instructor explaining content in a classroom at SFC Pilot Academy Tamworth.
Flight Instructor stepping into the cockpit of the Piper Archer TX
WHY SFC?

Our Values.

Plane Icon
A passion for flying

Since 1969, “A Passion for Flying” has been at the heart of SFC. It reflects our enduring love and respect for aviation, and our commitment to inspiring and sharing that passion with every student and member of our community.

Thumbs up icon
Live best practice

At SFC, we aim to set the benchmark for excellence in flight training. By embracing the latest innovations in aviation technology and continuously updating our practices in line with industry standards, we provide our students with an exceptional, future-ready aviation learning experience.

Shield Icon
Just safety culture

At SFC, we are committed to fostering a just safety culture built on accountability, transparency, and the timely reporting of safety concerns. We view safety as a shared responsibility and promote open communication to support proactive risk management and full regulatory compliance.

Valuing our People

At SFC, we recognise that our staff are the cornerstone of our success. We are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and empowering workplace where all team members can thrive. By investing in professional development, wellbeing, and open communication, we enable our instructors, administrators, and operational staff to perform at their best - ultimately ensuring safe, high-quality training for our students.

Professionalism and Ethical Conduct

At SFC, we uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and ethical behaviour in every aspect of our training and operational activities. This value underpins a culture of trust, competence, and safety, ensuring all staff and students act in a manner befitting a safety-critical aviation environment.

Student and Staff Wellbeing

At SFC, we recognise that the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of students and staff is directly linked to aviation safety, learning outcomes, and overall operational performance. Supporting wellbeing is not optional - it is integral to creating competent, resilient, and safety-conscious pilots.

Medal Icon
Celebrating Achievement

At SFC, we believe that recognising and celebrating accomplishments is essential to fostering motivation, confidence, and a positive learning environment. From a student’s first solo flight to instructors completing advanced qualifications, and the vital contributions of our support staff, every milestone is valued and acknowledged.

Plane icon
Integrate to industry

At SFC, we prepare students not only to fly safely and competently, but to transition confidently into professional aviation careers. We instil the standards, behaviours, and mindset expected across the aviation industry, developing pilots who are operationally ready, safety focused, and employable. Through responsible aviation practice professionalism and industry awareness, our graduates contribute positively as trusted employees and ambassadors for the future of aviation.

OUR GRADUATES

SFC Students - where are they now?

Many of our former students have gone onto stellar airline careers, from regional airlines to major international carriers. Our pilot licence courses are designed to make you a commercial and airline-ready pilot, equipping you with the essential skills and knowledge required for the aviation industry.

Our state-of-the-art simulators and experienced instructors provide realistic and practical flight training scenarios, giving our students a competitive edge in the professional pilot job market. As a result, our graduates are highly sought after.

Diagram of companies where SFC Graduates have worked

GRADUATE CAREERS

International Airline Pilot

Domestic Airline Pilot

Regional Airline Pilot

Business Jet Pilot

Flight Instructor

Charter Pilot

Agricultural Pilot

Government Services Pilot

Diagram of companies where SFC Graduates have worked.
LEARN TO FLY

Explore all courses.

Discover the right course for you and take the next step in your aviation journey. We offer a wide range of courses designed to help you reach your goals and support your passion for flying.

OUR PEOPLE

Meet our team.

Each member of our team brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion for aviation, ensuring that our members and students receive the highest quality training and support.