SFC Tamworth Solidifies its Standing as a Premier Flying Academy

Leading Australian flight training academy, Sydney Flight College (SFC), has further solidified itself as Australia’s premier flight training academy, having recently received a Regulation 30 of the Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR 30) Certificate of Approval, while also expanding its Pilot Academy Tamworth student number threefold with its latest cohort numbering 35.

With benefits for both students and the local community, the CAR 30 approval allows the academy to conduct all maintenance across its fleet of 22 aircraft, reducing friction and delays to training schedules caused by reliance on third-party contractors, while simultaneously expanding local career opportunities for both new apprenticeships and qualified aircraft maintenance engineers alike.

SFC’s new maintenance approval coincides with the Academy’s largest cohort to date, with the 35 new students having relocated to Tamworth from Sydney, regional New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia.

Complementing the new intake are an additional five new flight instructors, who have just completed our first ever Tamworth based, Flight Instructor Rating Scholarship including two of whom are female, while all have originally graduated from SFC’s Sydney-based Double Diploma course. 

The strengthening of the flying academy, with strong support from both the NSW Government and local council, will see the former Royal Australian Air Force training facility continue to return to the level of activity for which it was originally designed.

SFC Chief Executive Officer Joseph Pilo said: “SFC has long realised the incredible potential of the International Flight Training Tamworth facility, and our strategy for the Academy’s growth has always included the strengthening of both the local economy and creation of supporting roles within the industry and with opportunities ahead for new aircraft maintenance apprenticeships, we’re continuing to open new aviation careers beyond the cockpit. There’s still much more in store.” 

SFC Head of Sales, Admissions and Marketing, Angela Toutounji, said: "The record size of this latest cohort is the clearest evidence yet that our student outreach programs, and industry-leading flight training are inspiring confidence that the dream of flying is within their reach”.

SFC's Pilot Academy in Tamworth, situated at the city's former Royal Australian Air Force training facility, delivers a uniquely comprehensive and advanced flight training course designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to become fully qualified commercial pilots in just 12 months.

Building on top of the standard Commercial Pilot Licence and Muti-Engine Instrument Rating modules of pilot training delivered at its Sydney base, SFC is also including the additional components of Multi-Crew Cooperation and Upset Prevention Recovery Training, with newly acquired aerobatic training aircraft and brand new simulators due for delivery in May 2025 to deliver this training.